Transesophageal ultrasonic probe with gastroscope function

Abstract

The invention discloses a transesophageal ultrasonic probe with a gastroscope function, relates to the technical field of medical auxiliary tools, and aims to solve the problems that the internal structures of oropharynx, esophagus and stomach are inconvenient to observe when an existing TEE probe is placed into the esophagus, and the oropharynx, esophagus and stomach are possibly damaged; meanwhile, the position of the esophageal ultrasonic probe cannot be clearly judged, sometimes, a clearer ultrasonic image is difficult to obtain, the fitting relation between the probe and the surrounding structural tissue is not accurate, and the observation effect is poor. According to the transesophageal ultrasonic probe with the gastroscope function, provided by the invention, the probe can be more accurately arranged at a proper position by entering and observing a narrow part, so that tissue damage is avoided; which comprises a probe, a tube body and an operating handle which are connected in sequence, and is characterized by further comprising an air bag which is located on one side of the probe and arranged on the inner tube in a sleeving mode; the expandable structure is arranged on the other side of the air bag and arranged on the inner tube in a sleeving mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of medical auxiliary appliances, and in particular to a transesophageal ultrasound probe with a gastroscopic function. Background Art

[0002] Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a procedure in which an ultrasound probe is placed into the esophagus and stomach fundus to perform a close ultrasound scan of the heart and large blood vessels from the back of the heart to the front. Compared with conventional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), TEE avoids interference factors such as the chest wall and gas in the lungs, can obtain clearer images, improves the sensitivity and reliability of cardiovascular disease diagnosis, and facilitates monitoring and evaluation during heart and large blood vessel surgery.

[0003] When the existing TEE probe is inserted into the esophagus, the internal structure of the oropharynx, esophagus, and stomach cannot be directly viewed, and blind insertion may cause damage to the oropharynx, esophagus, and stomach (especially in cases of heparinization of cardiovascular surgery and esophageal varices, blind insertion and movement of the probe are more likely to cause injury and bleeding); at the same time, the position of the esophageal ultrasound probe cannot be clearly determined, and sometimes it is difficult to obtain a clearer ultrasound image.

[0004] At present, the above shortcomings can be compensated by integrating gastroscopic probes and ultrasound probes. By integrating ultrasound scanning with gastroscopy, when the gastroscope enters the esophagus and stomach cavity, while the gastroscope directly observes the morphology in the cavity, it can also perform real-time ultrasound scanning of the cardiovascular structure to obtain the histological characteristics of each layer and ultrasound images of the heart cavity, cardiovascular valves, and large blood vessels.

[0005] After searching, the Chinese patent with the announcement number CN205831823U proposed a multifunctional transesophageal ultrasound probe, including an ultrasound probe and an ultrasound probe cable, wherein a cold light source lens is provided at the front end of the ultrasound probe, and a microcatheter is provided in the ultrasound probe cable, one end of the microcatheter is a coupling agent release hole close to the ultrasound probe, and the other end of the microcatheter is an external port located outside the ultrasound probe cable, and a balloon is provided at the external port. By adding a cold light source lens for gastroscopy to the front end of the original probe, the esophageal ultrasound is changed from the original blind intubation to a visual operation, which increases the safety of the examination and reduces the occurrence of complications.

[0006] Although the above-mentioned device can perform endoscopic examination and ultrasonic examination at the same time, since there are three physiological narrow places in the esophagus, even with a lens, it is necessary to operate with caution when passing through the physiological narrow places, which can easily damage the oral and pharyngeal mucosa, esophagus, stomach wall and other tissues; in addition, after the ultrasonic probe is safely inserted into the esophagus, it needs to fit tightly with the esophagus to clearly display the image, and the lens needs to be at a certain distance from the position to be observed to see a clearer image, resulting in poor observation effect of the lens of the above-mentioned device. Summary of the invention

[0007] In response to the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a transesophageal ultrasound probe with gastroscopy function, which can facilitate entry and observation of narrow or other hard-to-reach areas, more accurately place the probe in the appropriate position, avoid tissue damage, and provide a more appropriate angle and a wider field of view for the camera and ultrasound to observe cardiovascular structure and function.

[0008] The main idea of ​​the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: by integrating a high-definition camera and an ultrasonic transducer at the front end of the probe, the camera is used to capture images of the esophagus and stomach cavity in real time, and the ultrasonic transducer is used to perform ultrasonic scanning to provide deeper diagnostic information; an expandable structure is designed at the rear end of the ultrasonic probe, which can be expanded by an internal mechanical device. After expansion, the ultrasonic probe can be close to the wall of the esophagus to help the probe fix its position in the body, while expanding the cavity to facilitate the camera and ultrasonic transducer to pass through the narrow cavity, providing a wider field of view, improving the quality of ultrasonic images, and expanding the examination indications (such as patients with partial gastrointestinal stenosis, anticoagulation patients, etc.); an airbag is provided between the probe and the expandable structure, and the airbag is squeezed as the expandable structure expands, so that the gas in the airbag is blown out from the top of the probe, which can blow away obstructions near the camera to ensure a clear field of view.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A transesophageal ultrasound probe with gastroscope function, comprising a probe, a tube body and an operating handle connected in sequence, wherein the tube body comprises an inner tube, and further comprises: The air bag is located on one side of the probe and is sleeved on the inner tube; The expandable structure is arranged on the other side of the airbag and sleeved on the inner tube.

[0010] Through the above technical solution, further: the expandable structure includes a rotating seat, the rotating seat includes a rotating disk and a central axis that are integrally connected, and the central axis is sleeved on the inner tube.

[0011] Through the above technical solution, further: a guide ring is sleeved on the central shaft, and the guide ring is evenly provided with six sliding grooves along the circumferential direction, and the sliding grooves are arranged along the radial direction of the guide ring.

[0012] Through the above technical solution, further: a support member is slidably connected in the sliding groove.

[0013] Through the above technical solution, further: the support member includes a connecting plate sliding in the sliding groove, and one end of the connecting plate close to the airbag is connected to a support rod, and the support rod is in contact with the inner wall of the airbag.

[0014] Through the above technical solution, further: one end of the connecting plate away from the airbag is connected to a sliding rod, and the sliding rod is slidably connected to a guide groove arranged on the rotating disk.

[0015] Through the above technical solution, further: one end of the connecting plate close to the outer circumference of the guide ring is connected to an arc-shaped support piece, and a telescopic sleeve is integrally sleeved on the six arc-shaped support pieces.

[0016] Through the above technical solution, further: the outer wall of the rotating disk is connected with connecting teeth, the connecting teeth are engaged with a toothed disk on one side, and the toothed disk is sleeved on the output shaft of the motor.

[0017] Through the above technical solution, further: an air supply tube 1 is provided on the probe, and the air supply tube 1 is connected to the airbag through an air supply tube 3.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. By integrating a high-definition camera and ultrasonic transducer at the front end of the probe, the camera is used to capture images of the esophagus and stomach cavity in real time, while the ultrasonic transducer is used for ultrasonic scanning, providing clearer ultrasonic diagnostic information; 2. An expandable structure is designed at the rear end of the ultrasound probe, which can be expanded by an internal mechanical device. After expansion, the ultrasound probe can be closely attached to the wall of the esophagus, helping the probe to fix its position in the body, while expanding the cavity, providing convenience and possibility for the camera and ultrasound transducer to pass through the cavity smoothly and adjust the optimal scanning position; 3. An airbag is provided between the probe and the expandable structure. As the expandable structure expands, the airbag is squeezed, causing the gas in the airbag to blow out from the top of the probe, which can blow away the obstructions near the camera to ensure a clear field of view; 4. On the one hand, this device can avoid esophageal damage caused by blind insertion. For example, the blood vessels of patients with varicose veins are easily damaged during the insertion of the probe, resulting in bleeding. On the other hand, it can determine whether patients with esophageal stenosis can undergo TEE examination based on the observed conditions in the esophagus. For patients with coagulation disorders, the information provided by the camera and ultrasonic transducer can also be used to reduce bleeding symptoms. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention from another angle; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of some structures; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal three-dimensional structure of the probe of the present invention; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the expandable structure connection relationship of the present invention; Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure from another angle; Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the expandable structure of the present invention in the expanded state; Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the internal three-dimensional structure of the expandable structure of the present invention; Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of the internal three-dimensional structure of the expandable structure of the present invention in the expanded state; Fig.10 for Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of some structures; Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the connection relationship between the support member and the guide ring of the present invention; Fig.12 for Fig.11 A schematic diagram of some structures; Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the expandable structure and the airbag in the initial state of the present invention; Fig.14 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the expandable structure and the airbag in the expanded state of the present invention; Wherein: 1, pipe body; 101, fixed section; 102, flexible section; 103, connecting section; 2. Probe; 201. Ultrasonic transducer; 202. Camera; 203. Lamp; 204. Suction tube 1; 205. Air supply tube 1; 206. Lubrication tube 1; 207. Air supply tube 3; 3. Operating handle; 301. Button; 4. Connect the wires; 5. Plug; 6. Inner tube; 7. Airbag; 8. Expandable structure; 801. Rotating seat; 801-1. Rotating disk; 801-1-1. Guide groove; 801-2. Center axis; 801-3. Connecting teeth; 802. Guide ring; 802-1. Sliding groove; 803. Support member; 803-1. Connecting plate; 803-2. Support rod; 803-3. Sliding rod; 803-4. Arc-shaped supporting sheet; 804. Motor; 804-1. Toothed disk; 805. Telescopic sleeve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present application described and shown in the drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0021] The inventors found that the Chinese patent with announcement number CN205831823U proposed a multifunctional transesophageal ultrasound probe. Although it can perform endoscopic examination and ultrasound examination at the same time, since there are three physiological narrow places in the esophagus, even with a lens, it is necessary to operate carefully when passing through the physiological narrow places, which is easy to damage the oral and pharyngeal mucosa, esophagus, stomach wall and other tissues; in addition, after the ultrasound probe is safely inserted into the esophagus, it needs to fit tightly with the esophagus to clearly display the image, and the lens needs to be at a certain distance from the position to be observed to see a clearer image, resulting in poor observation effect of the lens of the above device.

[0022] Based on the above findings, the present application proposes a transesophageal ultrasound probe with gastroscopy function, which integrates a high-definition camera and an ultrasonic transducer at the front end of the probe. The camera is used to capture images of the esophagus and gastric cavity in real time, while the ultrasonic transducer is used to perform ultrasonic scanning to provide deeper diagnostic information; an expandable structure is designed at the rear end of the ultrasound probe, which can be expanded by an internal mechanical device. After expansion, the ultrasound probe can fit tightly against the wall of the esophagus to help fix the position of the probe in the body, while expanding the cavity to facilitate the camera and ultrasonic transducer to pass through the narrow cavity, providing a wider field of view, improving the quality of ultrasound images, and expanding the examination indications (such as patients with partial gastrointestinal stenosis, anticoagulation patients, etc.); an airbag is provided between the probe and the expandable structure. The airbag is squeezed as the expandable structure expands, so that the gas in the airbag is blown out from the top of the probe, which can blow away obstructions near the camera and ensure a clear field of view. Embodiment 1

[0023] See also Figure 1 - Fig.14 The present application discloses a transesophageal ultrasound probe 2 with gastroscopy function, including a tube body 1, a probe 2 is arranged at one end of the tube body 1, an operating handle 3 is arranged at the other end of the tube body 1, the operating handle 3 is electrically connected to the probe 2, and a button 301 for control is arranged on the operating handle 3, which can control the direction of the probe 2. A connecting wire 4 and a plug 5 are arranged at the other end of the operating handle 3, and the plug 5 is used to connect to the socket on the host, and the connecting wire 4 is electrically connected to the plug 5. Through the electrical connection between the probe 2, the operating handle 3, the connecting wire 4, the plug 5 and the host, information transmission from the probe 2 to the host is realized.

[0024] The tube body 1 is a double-layer structure, including a fixed section 101, a flexible section 102 and a connecting section 103. By adjusting the button 301 on the operating handle 3, the flexible section 102 can be controlled to bend forward, backward, left or right, thereby controlling the probe 2 to advance, retreat, change angle, bend forward, bend backward, bend left or right, etc. to the deep part of the esophagus, so as to better observe the condition in the esophagus. Here, the structure of the flexible section 102 and the control structure of the operating handle 3 are both existing structures, which are not used as the improvement of the present invention, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0025] The front end of the probe 2 is configured as an arc-shaped structure for easy insertion, and the probe 2 is connected to the inner tube 6 of the fixed section 101. An ultrasonic transducer 201 is configured on one side of the probe 2. The ultrasonic transducer 201 is used for ultrasonic scanning to provide in-depth diagnostic information. The ultrasonic transducer 201 adopts the existing structure without improvement. The ultrasonic transducer 201 adopts the ultrasonic structure in the existing TEE probe, and no improvement is made here, so the internal structure is no longer described in detail. A camera 202 is provided on the other side of the probe 2 for capturing images in the esophagus in real time. A lamp 203 is provided on one side of the camera 202 to provide lighting and improve the image effect of the camera 202.

[0026] A suction tube 204 and an air supply tube 205 are also provided in the probe 2, and the tube openings of the suction tube 204 and the air supply tube 205 are provided on the outer wall of the probe 2. The suction tube 204 and the air supply tube 205 are respectively connected to the suction tube 2 and the air supply tube 2 in the inner tube 6, and the other ends of the suction tube 2 and the air supply tube 2 are connected to the operating handle 3, and negative pressure suction can be performed through the control button 301 to clean the gas or liquid near the probe 2 and suck it out through the suction tube; in addition, the control button 301 can also make the gas ejected outward through the air supply tube 205 to blow away the obstructions near the camera 202, ensuring a clear field of view and convenient observation.

[0027] The probe 2 is also provided with a plurality of lubrication tubes 206, which are all connected to the lubrication tube 2 in the inner tube 6, and the other end of the lubrication tube 2 is connected to the operating handle 3. The operating handle 3 stores lubricant or ultrasonic coupling agent, and when the button 301 is operated, the lubricant or ultrasonic coupling agent is sprayed out from the tube opening of the lubrication tube 206 to play a lubricating role. Embodiment 2

[0028] The inner tube 6 of the fixed section 101 is sleeved with an airbag 7, which is annular and arranged at the rear end of the probe 2, and the outer wall of the airbag 7 fits the inner wall of the annular shell. The annular shell is fixedly connected to the rear end of the probe 2, and the outer diameter of the annular shell is the same as the maximum outer diameter of the probe 2. The airbag 7 is connected to the air supply pipe 1 205 through the air supply pipe 3 207.

[0029] The other side of the airbag 7 is provided with an expandable structure 8, which includes a rotating seat 801 sleeved on the inner tube 6, and the rotating seat 801 includes a rotating disk 801-1 and a central axis 801-2 which are integrally connected, and the central axis 801-2 is sleeved on the inner tube 6, and the inner diameter of the rotating disk 801-1 is the same as the outer diameter of the central axis 801-2, and the rotating disk 801-1 is arranged at the end away from the probe 2, and a guide ring 802 is sleeved on the central axis 801-2, and the guide ring 802 is provided along the circumference. Six sliding grooves 802-1 are evenly arranged in the direction, and the sliding grooves 802-1 are arranged along the radial direction. A support member 803 is slidably connected in each sliding groove 802-1. The support member 803 includes a connecting plate 803-1 that slides in the sliding groove 802-1. The two ends of the connecting plate 803-1 are respectively integrally connected with a support rod 803-2 and a sliding rod 803-3. The axial directions of the support rod 803-2 and the sliding rod 803-3 are parallel to the axial direction of the central axis 801-2. An arc-shaped support piece 803-4 is integrally connected to one end of the connecting plate 803-1 close to the outside, and a telescopic sleeve 805 is integrally sleeved on the six arc-shaped support pieces 803-4.

[0030] The support rod 803-2 contacts the inner wall of the airbag 7, and the sliding rod 803-3 is slidably connected to the guide groove 801-1-1 set on the rotating disk 801-1. Six guide grooves 801-1-1 are evenly arranged along the circumference of the rotating disk 801-1. The outer wall of the rotating disk 801-1 is integrally connected with a connecting tooth 801-3, and the connecting tooth 801-3 is meshed with the adjacent toothed disk 804-1. The toothed disk 804-1 is sleeved on the output shaft of the motor 804, and the motor 804 is fixedly connected to the tube body 1.

[0031] The motor installation position in this embodiment is only a feasible solution. In fact, the position relationship between the motor 804 and the inner tube 6 can be adjusted according to the size requirements without affecting the meshing relationship between the connecting tooth 801-3 and the adjacent toothed disc 804-1. The motor 804 adopts an ultra-micro motor, and KINETRON MM001 can be selected - the Dutch KINETRON micro motor MM00 is supplied.

[0032] When the motor 804 rotates, the rotating disk 801-1 is driven to rotate through the connecting tooth 801-3, so that the sliding rod 803-3 part of the support member 803 slides in the guide groove 801-1-1 as the rotating disk 801-1 rotates, thereby driving the entire support member 803 to move upward, wherein the support rod 803-2 squeezes the airbag 7, so that the gas in the airbag 7 is ejected outward through the air supply pipe 205; the connecting plate 803-1 slides outward in the sliding groove 802-1, and the arc-shaped supporting piece 803-4 extends outward, causing the telescopic sleeve 805 to expand, which plays a fixing role and is convenient for observation.

[0033] When the probe 2 needs to be further moved, the motor 804 rotates in the opposite direction, the rotating disk 801 - 1 rotates in the opposite direction, the support rod 803 - 2 moves inward, the arc-shaped support piece 803 - 4 moves inward, and the telescopic sleeve 805 returns to its original state.

[0034] The use process of the present invention is: When the motor 804 rotates, the rotating disk 801-1 is driven to rotate through the connecting tooth 801-3, so that the sliding rod 803-3 part of the support member 803 slides in the guide groove 801-1-1 as the rotating disk 801-1 rotates, thereby driving the entire support member 803 to move upward, wherein the support rod 803-2 squeezes the airbag 7, so that the gas in the airbag 7 is ejected outward through the air supply pipe 205; the connecting plate 803-1 slides outward in the sliding groove 802-1, and the arc-shaped supporting piece 803-4 extends outward, causing the telescopic sleeve 805 to expand, which plays a fixing role and is convenient for observation.

[0035] When the probe 2 needs to be further moved, the motor 804 rotates in the opposite direction, the rotating disk 801 - 1 rotates in the opposite direction, the support rod 803 - 2 moves inward, the arc-shaped support piece 803 - 4 moves inward, and the telescopic sleeve 805 returns to its original state.

[0036] The above shows and describes the basic principles, main features and advantages of the present invention. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the above embodiments and descriptions are only for explaining the principles of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention may have various changes and improvements, which fall within the scope of the present invention to be protected. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A transesophageal ultrasound probe with gastroscopic function, comprising a probe (2), a tube body (1) and an operating handle (3) connected in sequence, wherein the tube body (1) comprises an inner tube (6), characterized in that: Also includes: An air bag (7) is located on one side of the probe (2) and is sleeved on the inner tube (6); The expandable structure (8) is located on the other side of the airbag (7) and is sleeved on the inner tube (6).

2. The transesophageal ultrasound probe with gastroscopy function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The expandable structure (8) comprises a rotating seat (801), wherein the rotating seat (801) comprises a rotating disk (801-1) and a central axis (801-2) which are integrally connected, and the central axis (801-2) is sleeved on the inner tube (6).

3. The transesophageal ultrasound probe with gastroscopy function according to claim 2, characterized in that: A guide ring (802) is sleeved on the central shaft (801-2), and the guide ring (802) is evenly provided with six sliding grooves (802-1) along the circumferential direction, and the sliding grooves (802-1) are arranged along the radial direction of the guide ring (802).

4. The transesophageal ultrasound probe with gastroscopy function according to claim 3, characterized in that: A support member (803) is slidably connected in the sliding groove (802-1).

5. The transesophageal ultrasound probe with gastroscopy function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The support member (803) comprises a connecting plate (803-1) sliding in the sliding groove (802-1), and one end of the connecting plate (803-1) close to the airbag (7) is connected to a supporting rod (803-2), and the supporting rod (803-2) is in contact with the inner wall of the airbag (7).

6. The transesophageal ultrasound probe with gastroscopy function according to claim 5, characterized in that: One end of the connecting plate (803-1) away from the airbag (7) is connected to a sliding rod (803-3), and the sliding rod (803-3) is slidably connected to a guide groove (801-1-1) provided on the rotating disk (801-1).

7. The transesophageal ultrasound probe with gastroscopy function according to claim 6, characterized in that: One end of the connecting plate (803-1) close to the outer peripheral surface of the guide ring (802) is connected to an arc-shaped support piece (803-4), and a telescopic sleeve (805) is integrally sleeved on the six arc-shaped support pieces (803-4).

8. The transesophageal ultrasound probe with gastroscopy function according to claim 7, characterized in that: The outer wall of the rotating disk (801-1) is connected with connecting teeth (801-3), the connecting teeth (801-3) mesh with a toothed disk (804-1) on one side, the toothed disk (804-1) is sleeved on the output shaft of the motor (804), and the motor (804) is connected to the tube body (1).

9. The transesophageal ultrasound probe with gastroscopy function according to claim 8, characterized in that: The probe (2) is provided with an air supply pipe 1 (205), and the air supply pipe 1 (205) is connected to the air bag (7) via an air supply pipe 3 (207).

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