Visual swallowing nerve muscle low-frequency electrical stimulator and use method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a visual swallowing nerve muscle low-frequency electrical stimulator which comprises a visual probe and an output electrical stimulation electrode, the front portion of the visual probe is provided with the electrical stimulation electrode, the front end face of the visual probe is provided with a camera, the electrical stimulation electrode is used for outputting electrical stimulation, and the camera is used for obtaining images; the control handle is connected with the tail part of the visual probe, the control handle is provided with operation buttons, and the operation buttons comprise an electrical stimulation switch button and a photographing button; the monitoring part is connected with the control handle, and the monitoring part comprises a control unit and a display unit. According to the invention, the treatment part can be visually seen through the visual interface, and monitoring and electrical stimulation treatment can be carried out on the treatment process of the treatment part.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of medical equipment, in particular to a visualized swallowing neuromuscular low-frequency electrical stimulation instrument and a use method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] Dysphagia is a symptom that refers to difficulty in eating, drinking or swallowing, often manifested as difficulty swallowing, pain, food obstruction, choking, etc. Dysphagia can cause patients to be unable to eat normally, affecting nutrient intake, and in severe cases, it can even lead to aspiration, causing respiratory complications such as pneumonia. The treatment of dysphagia varies depending on the cause and severity, and common treatment methods include: 1. Swallowing training: through swallowing exercises, muscle strengthening, posture adjustment, etc., to improve the patient's swallowing ability. 2. Electrical stimulation therapy: using swallowing disorder treatment instruments, etc., to activate the swallowing muscles through low-frequency electrical stimulation, promoting the recovery of swallowing function. 3. Diet adjustment: adjusting the texture (such as consistency) of food and feeding methods according to the patient's swallowing ability to reduce the risk of aspiration. 4. Surgery or drug treatment: suitable for dysphagia caused by structural problems, such as esophageal dilation, anti-reflux drugs, etc.

[0003] Swallowing disorder treatment instrument is a rehabilitation medical device for patients with dysphagia. Dysphagia is common in patients with neurological diseases such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, as well as the elderly and patients after head and neck surgery. Due to impaired swallowing function, patients may experience choking, aspiration, etc. when eating and drinking, which seriously affects the quality of life and even endangers life. Currently, swallowing disorder treatment instruments mainly use electrical stimulation, air pressure, sound waves, vibration, etc. to help patients recover swallowing function. Electrical stimulation technology is the most common, which stimulates the patient's swallowing muscles and nerves to promote muscle contraction and reestablish nerve-muscle connection. Sound waves or vibration use mechanical stimulation to help patients gradually recover the feeling and action of swallowing. Air pressure technology simulates swallowing action by adjusting the air pressure change in the throat. The development and application of such instruments can significantly improve the rehabilitation effect of patients with dysphagia, reduce the risk of aspiration, improve eating efficiency, and reduce the burden of care.

[0004] The existing swallowing disorder treatment instrument has the following defects:

[0005] 1. The operation of some devices is relatively complex, requiring professional guidance and supervision, and family users may not be able to operate correctly, and even may cause adverse reactions or harm due to improper operation.

[0006] 2. Lack of real-time feedback: most swallowing disorder treatment instruments lack real-time, visual feedback interface, making it difficult for patients and therapists to clearly see the data changes during treatment, resulting in the inability to adjust parameters or actions in a timely manner, affecting treatment effectiveness.

[0007] 3. Data display is not intuitive: The data display of some therapeutic devices is relatively basic, and may only show simple numerical values ​​(such as current intensity, stimulation time, etc.). Key information such as muscle activity and swallowing frequency are not presented through charts, animations or other intuitive methods, making it difficult to help patients understand the progress of rehabilitation.

[0008] 4. Data display is not intuitive: The data display of some therapeutic devices is relatively basic, and may only show simple numerical values ​​(such as current intensity, stimulation time, etc.). Key information such as muscle activity and swallowing frequency are not presented through charts, animations or other intuitive methods, making it difficult to help patients understand the progress of rehabilitation.

[0009] 5. The treatment area cannot be seen directly, and the treatment process is not monitored. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects, the present invention aims to provide a visual swallowing neuromuscular low-frequency electrical stimulator and its use method, which can intuitively see the treatment area through a visual interface, monitor the process of the treatment area and perform electrical stimulation treatment.

[0011] In order to achieve the above purpose, this invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0012] Visual swallowing neuromuscular low-frequency electrical stimulator, including:

[0013] A visualization probe, wherein an electrical stimulation electrode is provided at the front of the visualization probe, and a camera is provided at the front end of the visualization probe, wherein the electrical stimulation electrode is used to output electrical stimulation, and the camera is used to acquire images;

[0014] A control handle connected to the tail of the visualization probe, the control handle being provided with operation buttons, including an electric stimulation switch button and a photo taking button;

[0015] The monitoring component is connected to the control handle and includes a control unit and a display unit.

[0016] Furthermore, a fill light is provided on the front end surface of the visualization probe.

[0017] Furthermore, an air duct opening is arranged on the front end surface of the visualization probe.

[0018] Preferably, there are a plurality of electrical stimulation electrodes, which are circumferentially arranged on the outer wall of the visualization probe.

[0019] Preferably, the visualization probe is flexibly connected to the control handle.

[0020] Further preferably, the flexible connection includes a plurality of steel wires, one end of each steel wire is connected to a control handle.

[0021] Preferably, the monitoring component includes a flat panel display unit, and the photosensitive device of the camera is a COMS or CCD array.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a button electrode, which is connected to the monitoring component.

[0023] The present invention also discloses a method for using the visual swallowing neuromuscular low-frequency electrical stimulator, including an image processing method. The image processing method includes the following steps:

[0024] S1, data acquisition: capturing in vivo images through the camera and converting them into digital signals;

[0025] S2. Data processing: processing the digital signal to obtain an image for diagnosis;

[0026] S3. Data output: displaying the image for diagnosis via the display unit.

[0027] Preferably,

[0028] Step S1 includes the following sub-steps:

[0029] S1.1. Image capture: The optical image inside the body is captured by the camera at the front end;

[0030] S1.2, signal conversion: converting the optical image into an electrical signal;

[0031] S1.3, digitization: converting the electrical signal into a digital signal using an analog-to-digital converter to obtain original digital image data;

[0032] Step S2 includes the following sub-steps:

[0033] S2.1. Preprocessing: performing denoising and / or color correction and / or contrast adjustment on the original digital image data to obtain a preprocessed image;

[0034] S2.2. Image enhancement: performing enhancement processing on the preprocessed image to obtain a processed image, wherein the enhancement processing includes enhancing specific features, wherein the specific features include clarity and / or highlighting a predetermined tissue type;

[0035] S2.3, Compression: compressing the processed image for storage and / or transmission;

[0036] Step S3 includes the following sub-steps:

[0037] S3.1. Display: The processed image is sent to a display unit for real-time viewing by the doctor;

[0038] S3.2. Storage: Storing the processed images or videos in a storage medium, wherein the video is a collection of continuous processed images;

[0039] S3.3. Transmission: The processed images or videos are transmitted via the network for use in telemedicine.

[0040] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0041] 1. Ability to intuitively understand rehabilitation progress: The visual interface displays data such as swallowing frequency and muscle strength through charts and animations. Patients can intuitively see their rehabilitation progress, enhance their confidence and participation, and therapists can better adjust rehabilitation plans based on the progress.

[0042] 2. Improve treatment compliance: Visual design allows patients to understand the rehabilitation process and goals, making it easier for them to adhere to daily training. In addition, personalized visualization of rehabilitation progress can motivate patients and reduce the boredom of treatment.

[0043] 3. Facilitate data analysis and management: The visualization function of the swallowing disorder treatment device can automatically record and analyze treatment data and graph the results, making it easier for therapists to track long-term and short-term progress, identify problems or bottlenecks in treatment, and make personalized adjustments.

[0044] 4. Improve user experience and ease of use: Good visual design can provide clear operating instructions, making the interface more user-friendly. Especially for elderly patients, easy-to-understand interfaces and guidance animations reduce the possibility of misoperation and improve the user experience.

[0045] 5. The operator can accurately stimulate the patient's treatment area, which can reduce blind spots and operation difficulty. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the visualization probe structure.

[0048] Figure 3 A radial cross-sectional view of the visualization probe.

[0049] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view showing the front end of the probe.

[0050] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the control handle.

[0051] Among them: 1. Monitoring component, 2. Control handle, 3. Button electrode, 4. Visualization probe, 5. Electrical stimulation electrode, 6. Camera, 7. Fill light, 8. Air duct, 10. Photo button, 11. Electrical stimulation switch button, 12. Switch button, 13. Camera connecting cable, 14. Fill light connecting cable, 15. Steel wire, 16. Electrode head connecting cable, 17. Air duct tube. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Example 1

[0054] like Figure 1-5 As shown, this embodiment discloses a visual swallowing neuromuscular low-frequency electrical stimulator, specifically comprising:

[0055] Visualization probe 4: A plurality of electrical stimulation electrodes 5 are provided on the front of visualization probe 4, and are arranged circumferentially on the outer wall of visualization probe 4. A camera 6, a fill light 7, and an air duct opening 8 are provided on the front face of visualization probe 4. The electrical stimulation electrodes 5 are used to output electrical stimulation, and the camera 6 is used to capture images. In this embodiment, the photosensitive device of camera 6 can be a CMOS or CCD array.

[0056] The control handle 2 is connected to the tail of the visualization probe 4. The control handle 4 is provided with operation buttons, which include an electric stimulation switch button 11, a photo button 10, and a switch button 12. The visualization probe 4 is flexibly connected to the control handle 2. In this embodiment, the visualization probe 4 is connected to the control handle 2 through a soft material connector such as plastic, and is supported by a plurality of steel wires 15. One end of the steel wire 16 is connected to the control handle 2, and the other end extends to the front end of the visualization probe 4. The direction of the visualization probe 4 can be controlled by bending and other operations. The camera connection line 13, the fill light connection line 14, the steel wire 15, the electrode head connection line 16, and the air duct tube 17 are all encapsulated in the above-mentioned soft material connector.

[0057] The monitoring component 1 is connected to the control handle 2 and includes a control unit and a display unit. The display unit is connected to the control unit, and the control unit includes a processing unit, a low-frequency pulse generator, a signal converter and other circuits.

[0058] This embodiment further includes a button electrode 3 , which is connected to a monitoring component.

[0059] When in use, the visualization probe 4 with the camera 6 directly penetrates into the cricopharyngeus muscle of the mouth. The internal structure can be visually seen through the camera 6, and the positioning can be precise. By starting the electrical stimulation switch button 11 of the electrical stimulation electrode 5, electrical stimulation treatment can be performed on the patient's treatment area to achieve precise positioning and treatment effect.

[0060] Example 2

[0061] Based on Example 1, this example discloses a method for using the visual swallowing neuromuscular low-frequency electrical stimulator, wherein the general steps of camera data acquisition, processing, and output are as follows:

[0062] 1. Data Collection

[0063] 1.1 Image Capture: The visualization probe captures images of the body through a camera at its front end. The camera is usually a small, high-resolution sensor that can adapt to low-light environments.

[0064] 1.2 Signal Conversion: The optical image captured by the camera is converted into an electrical signal by a photoelectric converter (such as a CMOS or CCD sensor) within the camera.

[0065] 1.3 Digitization: The converted electrical signal is then converted into a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) so that a computer can process the information.

[0066] 2. Data processing

[0067] 2.1 Preprocessing: Raw digital image data may require some preprocessing operations, including denoising, color correction, contrast adjustment, etc., to improve image quality.

[0068] 2.2 Image enhancement: Various algorithms are applied to enhance specific features, such as increasing clarity or highlighting certain tissue types, which helps doctors diagnose the disease more accurately.

[0069] 2.3 Compression: To facilitate storage and transmission, the processed image may be compressed. Select an appropriate compression standard (such as JPEG, H.264, etc.) based on the application requirements.

[0070] 3. Data output

[0071] 3.1 Display: The processed data is ultimately sent to a display for doctors to view in real time. Modern systems can also support HD or 4K displays, providing even finer image details.

[0072] 3.2 Storage: Image or video data is also saved for subsequent analysis, teaching, or recording. This usually involves writing the data to a hard drive, SSD, or other form of storage media.

[0073] 3.3 Transmission: In some cases, such as telemedicine, data needs to be transmitted over the network to professionals in other locations for consultation. In this case, the security and integrity of data transmission must be ensured.

[0074] Of course, the present invention may have many other embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make various corresponding changes and modifications based on the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the scope of protection of the claims attached to the present invention.

Claims

1. Visualized swallowing neuromuscular low-frequency electrical stimulator, characterized by ,include: A visualization probe, wherein an electrical stimulation electrode is provided at the front of the visualization probe, and a camera is provided at the front end of the visualization probe, wherein the electrical stimulation electrode is used to output electrical stimulation, and the camera is used to acquire images; A control handle connected to the tail of the visualization probe, the control handle being provided with operation buttons, including an electric stimulation switch button and a photo taking button; The monitoring component is connected to the control handle and includes a control unit and a display unit.

2. The visual swallowing neuromuscular low-frequency electrical stimulator according to claim 1 is characterized in that ,The front end surface of the visualization probe is provided with a fill light.

3. The visual swallowing neuromuscular low-frequency electrical stimulator according to claim 1 is characterized in that ,The front end surface of the visualization probe is arranged with an air duct opening.

4. The visual swallowing neuromuscular low-frequency electrical stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that There are several electrical stimulation electrodes, which are circumferentially arranged on the outer wall of the visualization probe.

5. The visual swallowing neuromuscular low-frequency electrical stimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that ,The visualization probe is flexibly connected to the control handle.

6. The visual swallowing neuromuscular low-frequency electrical stimulator according to claim 5, characterized in that The flexible connection includes several steel wires, one end of which is connected to the control handle.

7. The visual swallowing neuromuscular low-frequency electrical stimulator according to claim 1 is characterized in that The monitoring component includes a flat panel display unit, and the photosensitive device of the camera is a COMS or CCD array.

8. The visual swallowing neuromuscular low-frequency electrical stimulator according to claim 1 is characterized in that , also includes a button electrode, which is connected to the monitoring component.

9. A method for using the visual swallowing neuromuscular low-frequency electrical stimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that , comprising an image processing method, the image processing method comprising the following steps: S1, data acquisition: capturing in vivo images through the camera and converting them into digital signals; S2. Data processing: processing the digital signal to obtain an image for diagnosis; S3. Data output: displaying the image for diagnosis via the display unit.

10. The method of use according to claim 9, characterized in that , Step S1 includes the following sub-steps: S1.

1. Image capture: The optical image inside the body is captured by the camera at the front end; S1.2, signal conversion: converting the optical image into an electrical signal; S1.3, digitization: converting the electrical signal into a digital signal using an analog-to-digital converter to obtain original digital image data; Step S2 includes the following sub-steps: S2.

1. Preprocessing: performing denoising and / or color correction and / or contrast adjustment on the original digital image data to obtain a preprocessed image; S2.

2. Image enhancement: performing enhancement processing on the preprocessed image to obtain a processed image, wherein the enhancement processing includes enhancing specific features, wherein the specific features include clarity and / or highlighting a predetermined tissue type; S2.3, Compression: compressing the processed image for storage and / or transmission; Step S3 includes the following sub-steps: S3.

1. Display: The processed image is sent to a display unit for real-time viewing by the doctor; S3.

2. Storage: Storing the processed images or videos in a storage medium, wherein the video is a collection of continuous processed images; S3.

3. Transmission: The processed images or videos are transmitted via the network for use in telemedicine.

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