Ultrasonic endoscope

Abstract

The invention discloses an ultrasonic endoscope which comprises an insertion head end, the insertion head end comprises a head end seat and an ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe comprises an ultrasonic probe seat and an ultrasonic transducer, and the ultrasonic transducer is provided with an ultrasonic transceiving surface; a liquid injection channel is formed in the head end base, a liquid storage cavity and a plurality of liquid outlet holes are formed in the ultrasonic probe base, the liquid storage cavity is communicated with the liquid injection channel, the liquid outlet holes are communicated with the liquid storage cavity, the liquid outlet holes are all located in the groove wall of the mounting groove, and openings of the liquid outlet holes face the ultrasonic receiving and transmitting face. During use, external liquid can flow to the ultrasonic transceiving surface through the liquid injection channel, the liquid storage cavity and the plurality of liquid outlets, so that a liquid medium always exists between the cavity inner wall tissue and the ultrasonic transceiving surface during ultrasonic imaging, a water bag is omitted, and the operation of medical staff is simpler; and a water bag groove is not needed, so that the axial length of the insertion head end is shorter, the bending flexibility of the endoscope body is improved, and the operation difficulty of a doctor is further reduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of medical devices, in particular to an ultrasonic endoscope. BACKGROUND

[0002] The ultrasonic endoscope is an endoscope with ultrasonic detection function, which can enter the body through the digestive tract or other natural orifices, and the insertion part thereof extends into the human body. By operating the insertion part, the insertion head end is bent in various directions, so as to detect the pipeline or body cavity, and obtain the ultrasonic image of the corresponding part through the ultrasonic probe of the insertion head end, and then perform observation, shooting and diagnosis operations. The insertion head end of the existing ultrasonic endoscope comprises an ultrasonic probe, a water bag groove, a camera, an illumination module, a forceps lifter, a forceps channel, and the like.

[0003] In the prior art, in order to obtain better ultrasonic images, a water bag groove (the position of the water bag groove is shown in Figure 1 ) is usually arranged between the head end seat and the ultrasonic probe of the insertion head end. Before use, a water bag is installed in the water bag groove by a medical staff; before entering the human body to start ultrasonic image acquisition, water is injected into the water bag to make it expand. This ultrasonic endoscope is not only cumbersome to operate, but also needs to reserve the width of the water bag groove between the head end seat and the ultrasonic probe, which makes the overall length of the hard structure part (i.e. the insertion head end) of the ultrasonic endoscope longer, and the bending flexibility of the front end of the ultrasonic endoscope is limited, which increases the difficulty of operation for doctors. SUMMARY

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of the present application is to provide an ultrasonic endoscope to solve the problems of the prior art, i.e. the cumbersome operation of the ultrasonic endoscope with a water bag groove in the insertion head end, the longer overall length of the insertion head end, the poor bending flexibility, and the large operation difficulty.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the technical scheme of the present application is as follows: An ultrasonic endoscope comprises an insertion head end, the insertion head end comprises a head end seat and an ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe comprises an ultrasonic probe seat and an ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic probe seat is connected to the distal end of the head end seat, the ultrasonic probe seat is provided with a mounting groove, the ultrasonic transducer is installed in the mounting groove, and the ultrasonic transducer has an ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving surface exposed to the ultrasonic probe seat; The interior of the head end seat has a liquid injection channel, the interior of the ultrasonic probe seat is provided with a liquid storage cavity and a plurality of liquid outlet holes, the liquid storage cavity is in communication with the liquid injection channel, the plurality of liquid outlet holes are in communication with the liquid storage cavity, and the plurality of liquid outlet holes are located on the groove wall of the mounting groove and have openings facing the ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving surface of the ultrasonic transducer; and the liquid outside can flow to the ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving surface through the liquid injection channel, the liquid storage cavity and the plurality of liquid outlet holes.

[0006] Furthermore, the ultrasonic transceiver surface is an outwardly convex arc-shaped surface, and the plurality of liquid outlet holes are evenly spaced along the arc-shaped extension direction of the ultrasonic transceiver surface.

[0007] Furthermore, on the cross-section of the ultrasonic probe, the liquid outlet direction of the liquid outlet hole is set at an angle to the plane where the groove opening of the mounting groove is located, and the liquid outlet direction of the liquid outlet hole is directed toward the other side wall or bottom of the mounting groove.

[0008] Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe holder has a connection hole on the side facing the head end seat, the connection hole is connected to the liquid storage cavity, and the connection hole is arranged coaxially with the liquid injection channel of the head end seat; a first connecting tube is sealed between the connection hole and the liquid injection channel, one end of the first connecting tube is inserted into the liquid injection channel and sealed to the liquid injection channel, and the other end of the first connecting tube is inserted into the connection hole and sealed to the connection hole.

[0009] Furthermore, the proximal end face of the ultrasound probe holder facing the head end seat and the distal end face of the head end seat facing the ultrasound probe holder are in contact.

[0010] Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe holder includes a bottom wall of a groove and a side wall of a groove integrally connected to the bottom wall of the groove and forming the mounting groove together with the bottom wall of the groove. The side wall of the groove includes a proximal groove side wall located near the ultrasonic transducer and a pair of side groove side walls located on opposite sides of the ultrasonic transducer. The connecting hole is disposed inside the proximal groove side wall, and the liquid storage cavity is disposed inside the side groove side wall. The connecting hole is closer to the central axis of the ultrasonic probe than the liquid storage cavity. The interior of the ultrasonic probe holder is also provided with a liquid guiding cavity communicating between the connecting hole and the liquid storage cavity.

[0011] Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe holder includes a probe holder body, a first sealing cap, and a second sealing cap. The mounting groove is disposed in the probe holder body, and the liquid storage cavity is located inside the probe holder body. The side wall of the side groove is provided with a first sealing groove communicating with the liquid storage cavity, and the first sealing cap is sealed and connected to the first sealing groove. The top surface of the side wall of the side groove, which is flush with or parallel to the ultrasonic transceiver surface, is provided with a second sealing groove communicating with the liquid storage cavity, and the second sealing cap is sealed and connected to the second sealing groove. The plurality of liquid outlet holes are located inside the probe holder body or inside the second sealing cap.

[0012] Further, it includes an insertion part and an operation part. The insertion part includes an insertion tube for insertion into the body and an insertion head end connected to the distal end of the insertion tube. The operation part includes a fixing tube connected to the proximal end of the insertion tube. The wall of the fixing tube is provided with a waist-shaped opening. The operation part includes an injection port assembly connected to the waist-shaped opening. An injection tube is provided inside the insertion part and the operation part. The distal end of the injection tube communicates with the injection channel of the head end seat, and the proximal end of the injection tube communicates with the injection port assembly.

[0013] Furthermore, the injection port assembly includes; The injection port fixing block is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the fixing tube. The injection port fixing block includes a waist-shaped boss, which extends into the waist-shaped opening and is positioned and engaged with the waist-shaped opening to restrict the injection port fixing block from rotating around its own axis. The injection port fixing block also forms an inner inclined cavity, and the proximal end of the injection tube communicates with the inner inclined cavity. The injection port collar is sleeved on the outer periphery of the fixed tube. The injection port collar includes a positioning post corresponding to the position of the injection port fixing block. The positioning post has a positioning hole inside, and the axial direction of the positioning hole is set at an angle to the axial direction of the fixed tube. One end of the injection interface tube passes through the positioning post and extends into the inner inclined cavity inside the injection port fixing block; A locking sleeve is threaded to the outer circumference of the injection interface tube and one end abuts against the injection port collar, used to lock the injection interface tube to the injection port collar.

[0014] Furthermore, the inner hole of the waist-shaped boss is a waist-shaped hole, and the inside of the injection port fixing block is provided with a circular groove connecting the waist-shaped hole and the inner inclined cavity; the outer periphery of the injection interface pipe is provided with a waist-shaped positioning boss; the diameter of the circular groove is defined as φ, the width of the waist-shaped hole is B1, the width of the positioning boss is B2, and the length of the positioning boss is L, satisfying: B2<B1<L<φ.

[0015] The technical solution of this invention has the following advantages: By redesigning the insertion tip structure of the ultrasound endoscope, a liquid reservoir and multiple liquid outlet holes are set inside the ultrasound probe holder, with the multiple liquid outlet holes facing the ultrasonic transducer's ultrasonic transceiver surface. During use, the liquid medium flowing from the multiple outlet holes can fully cover the ultrasonic transceiver surface, ensuring that there is always a liquid medium between the tissue inside the cavity and the ultrasonic transceiver surface during ultrasound imaging, eliminating the need for a water bladder and simplifying operation for medical personnel. Furthermore, there is no need for an additional water bladder groove between the tip holder and the ultrasound probe holder, resulting in a shorter axial length of the insertion tip, which improves the flexibility of the ultrasound endoscope and further reduces the difficulty of operation for doctors. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the insertion tip of an ultrasonic endoscope with a water bladder structure in the prior art; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic endoscope in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the insertion head end in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the insertion head end in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the head end seat in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the ultrasonic probe in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the ultrasonic probe holder in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe holder in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing another shape arrangement of the liquid outlet hole on the ultrasonic probe in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the operating part in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixed tube in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the injection port collar in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a top view of the injection port fixing block in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the injection port fixing block in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the injection interface tube in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the injection interface tube in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100. Insertion section; 110. Headstock; 111. Instrument outlet; 112. Inclined surface; 113. Injection channel; 120. Camera module; 130. Illumination module; 140. Water / air nozzle; 150. Lifting clamp; 160. First connecting pipe; 170. Second connecting pipe; 120. Ultrasonic probe; 121. Ultrasonic probe holder; 121a. Liquid reservoir; 121b. Liquid outlet; 121c. Connecting hole; 121d. Liquid guiding cavity; 121e. First sealing groove; 121f. Second sealing groove; 121g. Mounting groove; 1211. Proximal groove sidewall; 1211b. Side groove sidewall; 1212. First sealing cap; 1213. Second sealing cap; 122. Ultrasonic transducer; 122a. Ultrasonic transceiver surface; 200. Operating part; 210. Handle housing; 220. Injection port handle; 230. Tail sleeve; 240. Fixing tube; 241. Waist-shaped opening; 242. Mounting hole; 243. First threaded section; 244. Second threaded section; 250. Injection port assembly; 251. Injection port fixing block; 2511. Waist-shaped boss; 251a. Threaded connection hole; 251b. Waist-shaped hole; 251c. Circular groove; 251d. Inner inclined cavity; 252. Injection port collar; 2521. Positioning post; 252a. Positioning hole; 253. Injection interface pipe; 2531. Injection hole; 2532. Mounting positioning surface; 2533. External thread structure; 2534. Positioning boss; 254. Locking sleeve; 255. Bend; 300. Injection tube. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0021] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances. Throughout the text, the terms "proximal" and "distal" refer to the distance relative to the operator. The end closer to the doctor or operator is the "proximal" end, i.e., the end where the operator is located, and the end farther from the doctor or operator is the "distal" end, i.e., the end where the ultrasound probe is located.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the insertion tip of an existing ultrasonic endoscope with a water-filled groove structure. The insertion tip includes a tip base 110" and an ultrasonic probe 120" connected to the distal end of the tip base 110". A gap is provided between the proximal surface of the ultrasonic probe 120" facing the tip base 110" and the distal surface of the tip base 110", which is the water-filled groove 130" between the tip base 110" and the ultrasonic probe 120". Before using the ultrasonic endoscope, in order to obtain better ultrasonic image acquisition results... A water-filled bladder is required to cover the outer periphery of the ultrasound probe 120", with the opening of the bladder sealed within the bladder groove 130". After the insertion tip of the ultrasound endoscope enters the patient's body, water is injected into the bladder to inflate it. The inflated bladder conforms to the inner wall of the body cavity, allowing the ultrasound waves emitted by the probe 120" to propagate continuously through the water medium within the bladder, avoiding interference from air within the patient's cavity and improving the quality of ultrasound image acquisition. However, this type of ultrasound endoscope is cumbersome to operate, and the need to reserve the width of the bladder groove 130" between the tip mount 110" and the ultrasound probe 120" results in a longer overall length of the rigid structure (i.e., the insertion tip) of the ultrasound endoscope, limiting the flexibility of the endoscope's tip and making operation more difficult for doctors. To solve these problems, this invention provides an ultrasound endoscope that does not require a water-filled bladder.

[0023] like Figure 2An ultrasound endoscope is shown, comprising an insertion part 100 and an operating part 200. The insertion part 100 is used to insert into the internal cavity of the subject, and the operating part 200 is connected to the proximal end of the insertion part 100. The insertion part 100 includes an insertion tube (not shown) and an insertion tip; the insertion tube is flexible and can be inserted into the cavity of the subject and bend accordingly; the insertion tip is a rigid structure, including a tip seat 110 connected to the distal end of the insertion tube and an ultrasound probe 120 connected to the distal end of the tip seat 110. Both the tip seat 110 and the ultrasound probe 120 are rigid structures that are not easily bent.

[0024] like Figure 3 As shown, the proximal surface of the ultrasound probe 120 facing the headpiece 110 and the distal surface of the headpiece 110 facing the ultrasound probe 120 are positioned in contact. This arrangement eliminates the need for an additional water-filled bladder groove between the headpiece 110 and the ultrasound probe 120, resulting in a shorter axial length of the inserted headpiece. This improves the flexibility of the ultrasound endoscope and reduces the difficulty of use for doctors. It can be understood that the proximal surface of the ultrasound probe 120 and the distal surface of the headpiece 110 can also be positioned without contact and with a small gap.

[0025] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the headpiece 110 has a cylindrical outer contour, and its inner cavity allows various wire harnesses and tubing to pass through. The headpiece 110 is equipped with a camera module 120, an illumination module 130, a water / air nozzle 140, and a lifting clamp 150. The distal end of the headpiece 110 has an instrument outlet 111, which allows for the operation of various diagnostic instruments, the infusion of medications into the body, or the aspiration of bodily fluids. The lifting clamp 150 is located at the instrument outlet 111. Diagnostic instruments within the headpiece 110 can extend to the lifting clamp 150 through the instrument outlet. The operating unit 200 can control the lifting clamp 150 to raise and lower the distal end of the diagnostic instrument. The specific structure and working principle of the lifting clamp 150 are conventional designs and are not the focus of this application; therefore, they will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic endoscope may not have the lifting clamp 150, depending on the requirements.

[0026] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the distal end face of the headpiece 110 facing the ultrasound probe 200 includes an inclined surface 102. The inclined surface 102 is angled to the axial direction of the headpiece 110, and the opening of the instrument outlet 111 is located on the inclined surface 102. The imaging window of the camera module 120 and the illumination window of the illumination module 130 are both located on the inclined surface 102, so that the imaging direction of the camera module 120 and the illumination direction of the illumination module 130 are both angled to the axial direction of the headpiece 110. The illumination module 130 provides illumination brightness to support the camera module 120 in capturing external images. The water vapor nozzle 140 is also located on the inclined surface 102. The cleaning fluid and / or cleaning gas flowing from the water vapor nozzle 140 can clean the imaging window of the camera module 120 to reduce fogging on the imaging window and improve the clarity of the images captured by the camera module 120. The wiring harness connected to the camera module 120, the wiring harness connected to the lighting module 130, and the liquid supply line connected to the water and air nozzle 140 all extend through the inner cavity of the headstock 110 to the proximal end of the ultrasonic endoscope.

[0027] like Figure 4 As shown, the ultrasound probe 120 includes an ultrasound probe holder 121 and an ultrasound transducer 122. The ultrasound probe holder 121 has an outwardly protruding boss structure on the side facing the headstock 110. The headstock 110 has a groove structure that mates with the boss structure. The boss structure of the ultrasound probe holder 121 extends into the groove structure of the headstock 110 and is sealed to the headstock 110 by a sealing ring. The ultrasound transducer cable connected to the ultrasound transducer 122 extends through the cavity inside the boss structure to the inner cavity of the headstock 110. The ultrasound transducer 122 is used to transmit ultrasound signals and receive echoed ultrasound signals. The ultrasound transducer 122 transmits the received ultrasound echo signals to an ultrasound host connected to an ultrasound endoscope. The ultrasound host can process the ultrasound echo signals to obtain ultrasound images of the corresponding areas for subsequent observation, imaging, and diagnostic operations.

[0028] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the ultrasonic probe holder 121 has a recessed mounting groove 121g, and the ultrasonic transducer 122 is installed in the mounting groove 121g. The ultrasonic transducer 122 has an outwardly convex arc-shaped ultrasonic transceiver surface 122a, which is exposed outside the ultrasonic probe holder 121. The ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic transducer 122 is emitted outward through the ultrasonic transceiver surface 122a, and the returned ultrasonic echo signal is received by the ultrasonic transducer 122 through the ultrasonic transceiver surface 122a.

[0029] like Figure 4 , Figure 6-8As shown, the headstock 110 has an internal injection channel 113. The ultrasonic probe holder 121 has an internal liquid storage chamber 121a and multiple liquid outlet holes 121b. The liquid storage chamber 121a is connected to the injection channel 113, and the multiple liquid outlet holes 121b are connected to the liquid storage chamber 121a. The multiple liquid outlet holes 121b are all located within the wall of the mounting groove 121g formed by the ultrasonic probe holder 121, and the openings of the multiple liquid outlet holes 121b all face the ultrasonic transceiver surface 122a of the ultrasonic transducer 122. External liquid medium can flow sequentially through the injection channel 113, the liquid storage chamber 121a, and the multiple liquid outlet holes 121b to the ultrasonic transceiver surface 122a. The liquid medium is usually physiological saline.

[0030] When this ultrasonic endoscope is inserted into the subject, the external liquid medium flows sequentially through the injection channel 113, the reservoir 121a, and multiple outlet holes 121b to the ultrasonic transceiver surface 122a. This ensures that there is always a liquid medium between the ultrasonic transceiver surface 122a of the ultrasonic transducer 122 and the inner wall of the cavity of the subject. Since the distance between the ultrasonic transceiver surface 122a and the inner wall of the cavity is generally small, the liquid medium on the surface of the ultrasonic transceiver surface 122a can easily contact the inner wall of the cavity, expelling the air medium between the inner wall of the cavity and the ultrasonic transceiver surface 122a, thus avoiding interference from air on the transmission of ultrasonic signals. The ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic transducer 122 can enter the tissue of the inner wall of the cavity of the subject through the liquid medium on the surface of the ultrasonic transceiver surface 122a, achieving continuous propagation, thereby ensuring the acquisition quality of the ultrasonic image of the inner wall of the cavity of the subject. Compared with the existing technology of using an additional water-filled bladder to achieve continuous ultrasonic wave propagation on the outside of the ultrasound probe 120, this method eliminates the need for a water-filled bladder and water injection, making the operation simpler for medical staff. Furthermore, there is no need to set up an additional water-filled bladder groove between the headstock 110 and the ultrasound probe seat 121, resulting in a shorter axial length of the inserted headstock, which improves the flexibility of the scope and further reduces the difficulty of operation for doctors.

[0031] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the plurality of liquid outlet holes 121b are all circular holes, and the plurality of liquid outlet holes 121b are evenly spaced along the arcuate extension direction of the ultrasonic transceiver surface 122a. Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the plurality of liquid outlet holes 121b can also be strip-shaped holes, with the length direction of the strip-shaped holes arranged along the tangent direction of the ultrasonic transceiver surface 122a. This arrangement allows the entire surface of the ultrasonic transceiver surface 122a to be covered by the liquid medium flowing from the plurality of liquid outlet holes 121b, which helps ensure the transmission quality of the ultrasonic signal.

[0032] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, in some embodiments, the proximal end face of the ultrasonic probe holder 121 facing the headstock 110 and the distal end face of the headstock 110 facing the ultrasonic probe holder 121 are in contact. A connecting hole 121c is provided on the side of the ultrasonic probe holder 121 facing the headstock 110. The connecting hole 121c communicates with the liquid storage chamber 121a, and the connecting hole 121c is coaxially arranged with the injection channel 113 of the headstock 110. A first connecting tube 160 is sealingly connected between the connecting hole 121c and the injection channel 113. One end of the first connecting tube 160 is inserted into the injection channel 113 and sealed to it, while the other end of the first connecting tube 160 is inserted into the connecting hole 121c and sealed to it. This configuration allows the liquid medium in the injection channel 113 to flow to the storage chamber 121a through the first connecting pipe 160, preventing the liquid medium from leaking out through the gap between the head end seat 110 and the ultrasonic probe seat 121, and ensuring that the liquid medium flowing out from the multiple outlet holes 121b has a large fluid pressure.

[0033] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the ultrasonic probe holder 121 includes a probe holder body 1211 and a first sealing cap 1212 and a second sealing cap 1213 connected to the probe holder body 1211. A mounting groove 121g is recessed into the probe holder body 1211. The probe holder body 1211 includes a groove bottom wall and groove side walls integrally connected to the groove bottom wall and forming the mounting groove 121g. The groove side walls include a proximal groove side wall 1211a located near the ultrasonic transducer 122 and a pair of side groove side walls 1211b located on opposite sides of the ultrasonic transducer 122. The connecting hole 121c is located inside the proximal groove sidewall 1211a, and the liquid storage cavity 121a is located inside one of the side groove sidewalls 1211b. The connecting hole 121c is closer to the central axis of the ultrasonic probe 120 than the liquid storage cavity 121a. The probe base 1211 also has a liquid guiding cavity 121d that connects the connecting hole 121c and the liquid storage cavity 121a. Because the inner cavity of the headstock 110 needs to be provided with a channel for various built-in wires, tubes or wires (including but not limited to signal cables, image guides, optical fibers, fluid supply tubes, bending wires, ultrasonic transducer 122 wires, focusing wires, etc.) to pass through, and the design position of the injection channel 113 cannot be too close to the edge of the headstock 110, while the side groove sidewall 1211b of the probe seat 1211 is set close to the edge of the ultrasonic probe 120, and the setting of the connecting hole 121c and the liquid guiding cavity 121d in the probe seat 1211 facilitates the communication between the injection channel 113 and the liquid storage cavity 121a.

[0034] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, in some embodiments, the side groove sidewall 1211b of the probe holder 1211 is provided with a first sealing groove 121e communicating with the liquid storage chamber 121a, and the first sealing cap 1212 is sealed to the first sealing groove 121e by adhesive bonding. The top surface of the side groove sidewall 1211b, flush with or parallel to the ultrasonic transceiver surface 122a, is provided with a second sealing groove 121f communicating with the liquid storage chamber 121a, and the second sealing cap 1213 is sealed to the second sealing groove 121f by adhesive bonding. Multiple liquid outlet holes 121b are located inside the side groove sidewall 1211b of the probe holder 1211. In other embodiments, the multiple liquid outlet holes 121b may also be located inside the second sealing cap 1213. The ultrasonic probe holder 121 is formed by combining a probe holder body 1211, a first sealing cover 1212, and a first sealing cover 1213, which facilitates the setting of complex internal passages within the probe holder body 1211 and reduces the manufacturing difficulty of the probe holder body 1211.

[0035] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, on the cross-section of the ultrasonic probe 120, the liquid outlet direction of the liquid outlet 121b is set at an angle to the plane containing the opening of the mounting groove 121g, and the liquid outlet direction of the liquid outlet 121b faces the other side wall or bottom of the mounting groove 121g. With this arrangement, regardless of whether the liquid outlet 121b is located above or below the ultrasonic transducer 122, the liquid medium flowing from the liquid outlet 121b can flow to the ultrasonic transceiver surface 122a, avoiding the problem that the water flowing from the liquid outlet 121b cannot reach the surface of the ultrasonic transducer 122 due to gravity when the liquid outlet 121b is located below the ultrasonic transducer 122. For example, the angle between the liquid outlet direction of the liquid outlet 121b and the plane containing the opening of the mounting groove 121g is 3°-15°, preferably 5°.

[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 10As shown, the operating unit 200 includes a housing portion and an injection port assembly 250 mounted on the housing portion. The housing portion includes a handle housing 210, an injection port handle 220, and a tail tube 230 arranged sequentially from proximal to distal end, with the proximal end of the insertion tube connected to the tail tube 230. The injection port handle 220 has an injection port, and the injection port assembly 250 is mounted on the injection port, with the mounting direction of the injection port assembly 250 forming an angle with the axial direction of the housing portion. The ultrasonic endoscope also includes an injection tube 300 disposed inside the insertion unit 100 and the operating unit 200, with the distal end of the injection tube 300 communicating with the injection channel 113 of the headstock 110, and the proximal end of the injection tube 300 communicating with the injection port assembly 250. The injection port assembly 250 can be fitted with a syringe or injection pump, which can supply liquid medium to the ultrasonic probe 120 through the injection port assembly 250 and the injection tube 300.

[0037] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, a second connecting tube 170 is sealed between the distal end of the injection tube 300 and the injection channel 113. One end of the second connecting tube 170 is inserted into the inside of the injection tube 300 and is sealed to the injection tube 300. The other end of the second connecting tube 170 is inserted into the injection channel 113 and is sealed to the injection channel 113.

[0038] like Figure 2 and Figure 10 As shown, the operating unit 200 has a fixing tube 240 inside its outer casing. The fixing tube 240 is the basic component for fixing various parts inside the operating unit 200. The handle housing 210, the injection port handle 220, the tail sleeve 230, the injection port assembly 250, and the insertion tube are all fixedly connected to the fixing tube 240. Since the fixing tube 240 needs to be connected to many components, the tube wall of the fixing tube 240 is provided with multiple mounting ports or mounting structures for installing various components.

[0039] like Figure 11 As shown, the wall of the fixed tube 240 is provided with an oblong opening 241 and a mounting hole 242 serving as mounting ports. The wall of the fixed tube 240 also provides a first threaded section 243 and a second threaded section 244 serving as mounting structures. The space within the oblong opening 241 is non-circular, and the oblong opening 241 is a mounting port with a relatively large opening area. The mounting hole 242 is a mounting port with a smaller opening area, used only for mounting screws or pins. There are two mounting holes 242, arranged circumferentially along the fixed tube 240, with the two mounting holes 242 located on either side of the oblong opening 241. The first threaded section 243, the second threaded section 244, and the oblong opening 241 are arranged axially along the fixed tube 240, with the oblong opening 241 located between the first threaded section 243 and the second threaded section 244.

[0040] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, one end of the fixing tube 240 extends into the tail sleeve 230, and the other end extends into the handle housing 210. The tail sleeve 230 is threadedly fixed to the first threaded section 243 of the fixing tube 240. The handle housing 210 has a handle retaining ring (not shown) inside, which is threadedly connected to the second threaded section 244 of the fixing tube 240. The handle housing 210 is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the fixing tube 240 by the handle retaining ring 700.

[0041] like Figure 2 and Figure 10 As shown, the injection port assembly 250 is fixedly connected to the waist-shaped opening 241 of the fixed tube 240. The injection port assembly 250 includes an injection port fixing block 251, an injection port collar 252, an injection interface tube 253, a locking sleeve 254, and a bend 255.

[0042] like Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the injection port collar 252 is fitted around the outer periphery of the fixed tube 240, and the injection port collar 252 is located between the first threaded section 243 and the second threaded section 244 of the fixed tube 240. The injection port handle 220 is fitted around the outer periphery of the injection port collar 252. Sealing rings (not shown) are provided between the injection port collar 252 and the handle housing 210, and between the injection port collar 252 and the tail sleeve 230, so as to achieve a seal between the fixed tube 240 and the injection port collar 252 as a whole and the outer housing of the operating part 200.

[0043] like Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the injection port collar 252 includes a positioning post 2521 that is positioned corresponding to the injection port fixing block 251. The positioning post 2521 has a positioning hole 252a. The axial direction of the positioning hole 252a is inclined relative to the axial direction of the injection port collar 252, and the axial direction of the positioning hole 252a is collinear with the axial direction of the inner inclined cavity 251d inside the injection port fixing block 251.

[0044] like Figure 10 , Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, the injection port fixing block 251 includes a main body and a waist-shaped boss 2511, which are integral structures. The outer wall surface of the main body is an arc-shaped surface that fits against the inner wall surface of the fixing tube 240. The main body is provided with a pair of threaded connection holes 251a, which are correspondingly positioned to the mounting holes 242 on the fixing tube 240. The injection port fixing block 251 and the fixing tube 240 are fixed together by screws that pass through the mounting holes 242 and are threaded into the threaded connection holes 251a. The waist-shaped boss 2511 is a waist-shaped annular structure that protrudes upward from the outer wall surface of the main body, and the outer contour of the waist-shaped boss 2511 matches the shape of the waist-shaped opening 241. When the injection port fixing block 251 is fixed to the fixing tube 240 by screws, the outer wall surface of the main body fits against the inner wall surface of the fixing tube 240, and the waist-shaped boss 2511 extends into the waist-shaped opening 241. The waist-shaped boss 2511 and the waist-shaped opening 241 are positioned and engaged to restrict the rotation of the injection port fixing block 251 around its own axis. An inner inclined cavity 2512 is also formed inside the injection port fixing block 251. The bent tube 255 is fixedly connected to the inner inclined cavity 2512 by welding or gluing, and the bent tube 255 communicates with the proximal end of the injection tube 300. The injection interface tube 253 abuts against the end face of the positioning post 2521, and part of the injection interface tube 253 passes through the positioning post 2521 and extends into the inner inclined cavity 251d inside the injection port fixing block 251. The injection port collar 252 is positioned on the outer periphery of the fixing tube 240 through the injection interface tube 253.

[0045] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the inner hole of the injection port fixing block 251 is a waist-shaped hole 251b, and the interior of the main body is provided with a circular groove 251c. The waist-shaped hole 251b, the circular groove 251c and the inner inclined cavity 251d are connected.

[0046] like Figure 10 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the injection interface tube 253 has an injection hole 2531 inside. One end of the injection interface tube 253 facing the injection port collar 252 has a mounting and positioning surface 2532, which abuts against the end face of the positioning post 2521 of the injection port collar 252. The outer periphery of the injection interface tube 253 has an external thread structure 2533. A locking sleeve 254 is threaded onto the external thread structure 2533 on the outer periphery of the injection interface tube 253, and one end of the locking sleeve 254 abuts against the positioning post 2521 of the injection port collar 252. The mounting and positioning surface 2532 is located at the end of the external thread structure 2532 facing the injection port collar 252. The outer periphery of the injection interface tube 253 also has a waist-shaped positioning boss 2534, the long side of which is parallel to the long side of the waist-shaped hole 251b.

[0047] like Figure 10 ,Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the diameter of the circular groove 251c is defined as φ, the width of the waist-shaped hole 251b is defined as B1, the width of the positioning boss 2534 of the injection interface pipe 253 is defined as B2, and the length of the positioning boss 2534 of the injection interface pipe 253 is defined as L, satisfying: B2<B1<L<φ. During installation of the injection port assembly 250, the long side of the positioning boss 2534 of the injection interface tube 253 is parallel to the long side of the oblong hole 251b. When the installation positioning surface 2532 of the injection interface tube 253 contacts the positioning post 2521 of the injection port collar 252, rotate the injection interface tube 253 by 90° so that the long side of the positioning boss 2534 of the injection interface tube 253 is perpendicular to the long side of the oblong hole 251b. The positioning boss 2534 of the injection interface tube 253 is then engaged in the circular groove 251c. Finally, rotate the locking sleeve 254 to lock the injection interface tube 253 onto the injection port collar 252. Sealing rings are provided between the injection interface tube 253 and the injection port fixing block 251, and between the injection interface tube 253 and the injection port collar 252.

[0048] This ultrasonic endoscope, through a redesigned insertion tip structure, incorporates a fluid reservoir 121a and multiple fluid outlets 121b within the ultrasonic probe holder 121, with these outlets facing the ultrasonic transducer 122a. During use, the fluid flowing from the outlets 121b fully covers the ultrasonic transducer 122a, ensuring a constant fluid medium between the intracavitary tissue and the transducer 122a during ultrasound imaging. This eliminates the need for a water bladder, simplifying operation for medical personnel. Furthermore, the absence of an additional water bladder groove between the tip holder 110 and the probe holder 121 results in a shorter axial length of the insertion tip, improving the endoscope's flexibility and further reducing the difficulty of operation for physicians.

[0049] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic endoscope, characterized in that, The device includes an insertion head, which includes a head base (110) and an ultrasonic probe (120). The ultrasonic probe (120) includes an ultrasonic probe base (121) and an ultrasonic transducer (122). The ultrasonic probe base (121) is connected to the distal end of the head base (110). The ultrasonic probe base (121) is provided with a mounting groove (122g). The ultrasonic transducer (122) is mounted in the mounting groove (122g). The ultrasonic transducer (122) has an ultrasonic transceiver surface (122a) exposed to the ultrasonic probe base (121). The head end (110) has an injection channel (113) inside, and the ultrasonic probe base (121) has a storage chamber (121a) and multiple outlet holes (121b) inside. The storage chamber (121a) is connected to the injection channel (113), and the multiple outlet holes (121b) are connected to the storage chamber (121a). The multiple outlet holes (121b) are all located on the wall of the mounting groove (122g) and their openings face the ultrasonic transceiver surface (122a) of the ultrasonic transducer (122). External liquid can flow to the ultrasonic transceiver surface (122a) through the injection channel (113), the storage chamber (121a) and the multiple outlet holes (121b).

2. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic transceiver surface (122a) is an outwardly convex arc-shaped surface, and the plurality of liquid outlet holes (121b) are evenly spaced along the arc-shaped extension direction of the ultrasonic transceiver surface (122a).

3. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, On the cross-section of the ultrasonic probe (120), the liquid outlet direction of the liquid outlet hole (121b) and the plane containing the groove opening of the mounting groove (122g) are set at an angle, and the liquid outlet direction of the liquid outlet hole (121b) is directed toward the other side wall or bottom of the mounting groove (122g).

4. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic probe base (121) has a connection hole (121c) on the side facing the head end base (110). The connection hole (121c) communicates with the liquid storage chamber (121a) and is arranged coaxially with the injection channel (113). A first connecting tube (160) is sealed between the connection hole (121c) and the injection channel (113). One end of the first connecting tube (160) is inserted into the injection channel (113) and sealed to the injection channel (113). The other end of the first connecting tube (160) is inserted into the connection hole (121c) and sealed to the connection hole (121c).

5. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ultrasonic probe mount (121) is positioned in contact with the proximal surface of the head end mount (110) and the distal surface of the head end mount (110) is positioned in contact with the ultrasonic probe mount (121).

6. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ultrasonic probe holder (121) includes a bottom wall and a side wall integrally connected to the bottom wall and forming the mounting groove (122g). The side wall includes a proximal side wall (1211a) located near the ultrasonic transducer (122) and a pair of side side walls (1211b) located on opposite sides of the ultrasonic transducer (122). The connecting hole (121c) is located inside the proximal side wall (1211a), and the liquid storage cavity (121a) is located inside the side side wall (1211b). The connecting hole (121c) is closer to the central axis of the ultrasonic probe (120) than the liquid storage cavity (121a). The ultrasonic probe holder (121) also has a liquid guiding cavity (121d) connecting the connecting hole (121c) and the liquid storage cavity (121a).

7. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ultrasonic probe holder (121) includes a probe holder body (1211), a first sealing cap (1212), and a second sealing cap (1213). The mounting groove (122g) is located in the probe holder body (1211). The liquid storage cavity (121a) is located inside the probe holder body (1211). The sidewall of the side groove (1211b) is provided with a first sealing groove (121e) communicating with the liquid storage cavity (121a). The first sealing cap (1212) seals... The first sealing groove (121e) is connected to the side groove sidewall (1211b) and the top surface of the ultrasonic transceiver surface (122a) is provided with a second sealing groove (121f) that communicates with the liquid storage chamber (121a). The second sealing cover (1213) is sealed and connected to the second sealing groove (121f). The plurality of liquid outlet holes (121b) are located inside the probe seat (1211) or inside the second sealing cover (1213).

8. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The device includes an insertion part (100) and an operation part (200). The insertion part (100) includes an insertion tube for insertion into the body and an insertion head end connected to the distal end of the insertion tube. The operation part (200) includes a fixing tube (240) connected to the proximal end of the insertion tube. The wall of the fixing tube (240) is provided with a waist-shaped opening (241). The operation part (200) includes an injection port assembly (250) connected to the waist-shaped opening (241). An injection tube (300) is provided inside the insertion part (100) and the operation part (200). The distal end of the injection tube (300) is connected to the injection channel (113) of the head end seat (110), and the proximal end of the injection tube (300) is connected to the injection port assembly (250).

9. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 8, characterized in that, The injection port assembly (250) includes; The injection port fixing block (251) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the fixing tube (240). The injection port fixing block (251) includes a waist-shaped boss (2511), which extends into the waist-shaped opening (241) and is positioned and engaged with the waist-shaped opening (241). An internal inclined cavity (251d) is also formed inside the injection port fixing block (251), and the proximal end of the injection tube (300) communicates with the internal inclined cavity (251d). An injection port collar (252) is sleeved on the outer periphery of the fixed tube (240). The injection port collar (252) includes a positioning post (2521) corresponding to the position of the injection port fixing block (251). The positioning post (2521) has a positioning hole (252a) inside. The axial direction of the positioning hole (252a) is set at an angle to the axial direction of the fixed tube (240). One end of the injection port tube (253) passes through the positioning post (2521) and extends into the inner inclined cavity (251d) inside the injection port fixing block (251); A locking sleeve (254) is threaded to the outer periphery of the injection port tube (253) and one end abuts against the injection port collar (252) to lock the injection port tube (253) to the injection port collar (252).

10. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 9, characterized in that, The inner hole of the waist-shaped boss (2511) is a waist-shaped hole (251b), and the inside of the injection port fixing block (251) is provided with a circular groove (251c) connecting the waist-shaped hole (251b) and the inner inclined cavity (251d); the outer periphery of the injection interface pipe (253) is provided with a waist-shaped positioning boss (2534); the diameter of the circular groove (251c) is defined as φ, the width of the waist-shaped hole (251b) is defined as B1, the width of the positioning boss (2534) is defined as B2, and the length of the positioning boss (2534) is defined as L, satisfying: B2<B1<L<φ.

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