Disposable hysteroscope

By adopting adaptive centering and controllable pre-dilation design of the guide head, the operational difficulties and patient discomfort of existing hysteroscopes during cervical entry are solved, achieving precise centering and lubrication of the cervix and improving the effectiveness of hysteroscopy.

CN121817778APending Publication Date: 2026-04-10HUNAN MEIHAO MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2026-01-27
Publication Date
2026-04-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current hysteroscopes lack adaptive adjustment capabilities during cervical entry, relying on visual judgment for operation, which can easily lead to angle deviations and tissue damage. Furthermore, the lack of pre-dilation function increases insertion resistance and patient discomfort.

Method used

A disposable hysteroscope was designed with a guide head structure, including an abducting lip and a constricting neck. It utilizes elastic petal-shaped lip flaps and supports to achieve adaptive centering, integrates a controllable pre-dilation function, and performs progressive dilation through an annular airbag and friction ring. Water guide grooves are set on the lip flaps to promote lubrication and cleaning.

Benefits of technology

It achieves precise cervical alignment and reduces insertion resistance, thereby reducing operational difficulty and the risk of tissue damage, improving the success rate, alleviating patient discomfort, and enhancing the clarity of the surgical field.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of hysteroscopes, and discloses a disposable hysteroscope which comprises a grab handle, a mirror rod is arranged on the grab handle, and a guide head is arranged at the end of the mirror rod; the guide head comprises an abduction lip part and a convergent neck part, a guide hole is formed in the center of the abduction lip part, the mirror rod penetrates through the guide hole, the convergent neck part is arranged on the mirror rod in a sleeving mode, the abduction lip part is in a horn shape, the narrow end of the abduction lip part is connected with the convergent neck part, and the convergent neck part makes friction contact with the mirror rod; the mirror rod is close to the guide hole, so that the open end of the abduction lip part is enlarged. According to the disposable hysteroscope, accurate centering of the disposable hysteroscope and a cervical opening can be automatically completed. When the abduction lip is in contact with the cervix uteri, the elastic petal structure can automatically adjust the angle under the interaction of the propulsive force of the mirror rod and the counter-acting force of the cervix uteri tissue until the center of the guide hole coincides with the center of the cervix uteri opening.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of hysteroscopy, and in particular to a disposable hysteroscope. BACKGROUND

[0002] Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive endoscopic technique that allows a physician to directly visualize the uterine cavity and its internal structures through a thin, lighted tube inserted through the vagina and cervix. It is used to diagnose and treat conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, recurrent miscarriage, submucosal fibroids, endometrial polyps, and intrauterine adhesions. The procedure is less invasive than traditional surgery and has a faster recovery time, making it an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool in gynecology.

[0003] In the patent with publication number CN118680507A, a hysteroscope is disclosed, which includes a holding part, a first adjusting knob and a second adjusting knob are respectively sleeved on one side of the holding part near the distal end, a long connecting rod is fixedly installed at the front end of the holding part, an installation tail pipe is fixedly installed at the front end of the long connecting rod, a telescopic device is fixedly installed at the distal end of the installation tail pipe inner cavity, and a second telescopic machine is fixedly installed at the front end of the installation tail pipe inner cavity. When the device is inserted into the uterine cavity to a predetermined position, the second telescopic machine is controlled to drive the adjusting device forward, and at the same time, the second stroke seat also moves forward synchronously, so that the distance between the outer extension arm and the guide device is reduced, the metal support bar is expanded outward under the action of extrusion, and the uterine cavity wall is pushed outward to form a certain volume of cavity, so that the condition of the raised part of the uterine cavity is observed, the discomfort caused to the patient during use of the device is reduced, and the practicality of the device is improved.

[0004] The prior art has the following defects: The existing hysteroscopy technology has several deficiencies in the cervical port entry process. The guide head of the existing instrument usually lacks self-adaptive adjustment capability, and its alignment process highly depends on the visual judgment and manual fine adjustment of the operator, which requires high experience of the operator, and is prone to cause difficulty in placement or damage to the cervical tissue due to angle deviation. Secondly, the existing technology often does not have a controllable pre-expansion function, and the direct mechanical resistance during insertion of the scope rod is large, which can easily cause discomfort to the patient and even tissue damage. In addition, the conventional design also lacks effective interface lubrication and cleaning mechanism, and the dry friction between the instrument and the tissue can increase the operation resistance and affect the clarity of the surgical field. SUMMARY

[0005] In view of the above problems of the prior art, a disposable hysteroscope is proposed.

[0006] In one aspect of the present application, a disposable hysteroscope is provided, which aims to solve the problems raised in the background art.

[0007] The technical scheme of the present application is: a disposable hysteroscope, comprising a handle, a mirror rod is arranged on the handle, and a guide head is arranged at the end of the mirror rod; The guide head comprises a flared lip and a constricted neck, a guide hole is arranged at the center of the flared lip for the mirror rod to pass through, the constricted neck is sleeved on the mirror rod, the flared lip is trumpet-shaped, the narrow end of the flared lip is connected with the constricted neck, and the constricted neck is in frictional contact with the mirror rod; when the flared lip contacts the cervix, the mirror rod is close to the guide hole to expand the open end of the flared lip.

[0008] Further, the flared lip is connected by a plurality of petal-shaped petals and has elasticity.

[0009] Further, a support is arranged inside the flared lip, the support is attached to the inner wall of the flared lip, an elastic tube is arranged at the center of the support, the elastic tube is connected with the guide hole, the support is connected with the elastic tube through a connecting section and forms a cavity, and the tube wall of the elastic tube is inwardly recessed.

[0010] Further, the guide hole is provided with a friction ring, and the friction ring is arranged outside the flared lip.

[0011] Further, a water guide groove is arranged on the petal along the extension direction of the petal.

[0012] Further, a plurality of connected annular air bags are arranged between the mirror rod and the constricted neck, a communication hole is arranged between the annular air bags, the annular air bags are connected with the cavity, a friction block is arranged on one side of the annular air bag, and the friction block is tightly attached to the inner wall of the constricted neck and the outer wall of the mirror rod.

[0013] Further, an elastic ring is sleeved outside the constricted neck, and the elastic ring is located outside the friction block.

[0014] Further, a limiting ring is arranged at the end of the constricted neck, and the limiting ring abuts against the friction block.

[0015] Further, a convex point is arranged on the inner wall of the friction block, and a concave point matched with the convex point is arranged on the outer wall of the mirror rod.

[0016] Further, the inner wall of the friction block on one side of the constricted neck is in the shape of a circular arc.

[0017] The present application has the following beneficial effects: 1. The unique guide head design of the present application can automatically complete accurate centering with the cervical orifice. When the flared lip contacts the cervix, the elastic petal structure can automatically adjust the angle under the interaction of the mirror rod advancing force and the cervical tissue reaction force until the center of the guide hole coincides with the center of the cervical orifice. This process does not require visual accurate positioning by the operator. When the centering is completed, the sudden drop in resistance provides a clear tactile signal for the operator, significantly reducing the operation difficulty and dependence on experience, and improving the success rate of the first time placement.

[0018] 2. This invention integrates a controllable pre-dilation function. As the endoscope advances, the compression of the annular airbag and dilation elastic tube drives the abduction lip and friction ring to produce uniform radial dilation. This gradual dilation of the cervix before insertion effectively reduces direct mechanical resistance and friction during endoscope insertion, thereby alleviating patient discomfort and reducing the risk of damage to cervical tissue.

[0019] 3. The water guide groove located on the abducted labial flap utilizes capillary effect to promote the flow and distribution of irrigation fluid at the instrument-tissue interface. This not only helps to form a stable lubricating layer and reduce friction, but also preferentially guides the fluid to the cervix, playing an auxiliary role in flushing secretions and initially cleaning the surgical field, creating better conditions for subsequent intrauterine observation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a front view of the disposable hysteroscope of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the guide head in the disposable hysteroscope of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the guide head in the disposable hysteroscope of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a left view of the guide head in the disposable hysteroscope of the present invention; Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 4 Sectional view at point AA; Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the internal structure of the guide head in the disposable hysteroscope of the present invention.

[0021] In the picture: 1. Handle; 2. Armrest; 3. Guide head; 4. Abductor lip; 5. Neck constrictor; 6. Guide hole; 7. Lip flap; 8. Support; 9. Elastic tube; 10. Connecting section; 11. Cavity; 12. Friction ring; 13. Water channel; 14. Annular airbag; 15. Connecting hole; 16. Friction block; 17. Elastic ring; 18. Limiting ring; 19. Protrusion; 20. Concave. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Example, refer to Figures 1-6 As an embodiment of the present invention, a disposable hysteroscope is provided, as detailed in the following reference. Figures 1-3The device includes a handle 1, a cervical endplate 2, and a guide head 3 at the end of the endplate 2. The guide head 3 includes an abducting lip 4 and a constricting neck 5. A guide hole 6 is provided at the center of the abducting lip 4 for the endplate 2 to pass through. The constricting neck 5 is fitted onto the endplate 2. The abducting lip 4 is trumpet-shaped, with its narrow end connecting to the constricting neck 5. The constricting neck 5 and the endplate 2 make frictional contact. When the abducting lip 4 contacts the cervix, the endplate 2 moves closer to the guide hole 6, causing the open end of the abducting lip 4 to expand. The abducting lip 4 is composed of multiple petal-shaped labia 7 connected together and is elastic.

[0024] Specifically, during the procedure, the operator moves the hysteroscope close to the cervix, bringing the abduction lip 4 into contact with the cervical surface. Due to the ultra-soft nature of the material of the abduction lip 4, it forms a large-area fit with the cervical tissue, thereby dispersing local pressure.

[0025] The endoscope 2 features an elliptical cross-section design and integrates multiple working channels. These channels include instrument channels for inserting microsurgical instruments, fiber optic channels for transmitting illumination and imaging light paths, and water inlet and outlet / suction channels for irrigation and drainage, respectively. All channels originate from the inside of the proximal handle, run through the entire endoscope 2, and finally extend seamlessly to the opening at the front end of the guide head 3.

[0026] When the operator applies a forward thrust to the endoscope 2, the endoscope 2 moves axially. Due to the frictional contact between the constricting neck 5 and the endoscope 2, the movement of the endoscope 2 pushes the constricting neck 5 towards the abducting lip 4. This action causes the abducting lip 4 to expand radially, with each petal-shaped lip 7 unfolding outwards, increasing its opening diameter. This expansion process gradually causes the abducting lip 4 to wrap around the outside of the cervix.

[0027] As the endoscope rod 2 continues to advance and the abducted lips 4 expand, the cervical external os tissue embeds into the expanded abducted lips 4. If the central axis of the guide head 3 is not aligned with the central axis of the cervical external os, the pressure exerted by the surrounding tissues (vaginal wall) on each lip 7 of the abducted lips 4 will be uneven. This uneven pressure acts on the elastic material of the abducted lips 4, forcing it to deform and adjust its spatial orientation. When the center of the guide hole 6 nearly coincides with the center of the cervical external os, the pressure of the surrounding tissues on each point of the lip 7 reaches a balanced state, and a low-pressure zone is formed in the central area of ​​the cervix. At this time, under the combined action of its own elastic recovery force and the uniform pressure of the surrounding tissues, the abducted lips 4 position the guide hole 6 in the center of the cervix.

[0028] Once alignment is complete, the resistance to the advancement of the endoscope 2 decreases significantly. The operator senses this change in resistance by hand and stops advancing accordingly. At this point, the endoscope axis is aligned with the cervical canal, at the optimal angle for entry.

[0029] Reference Figures 3-6An internal support member 8 is provided for the outer lip 4, which fits against the inner wall of the outer lip 4. An elastic tube 9 is provided at the center of the support member 8, and the elastic tube 9 is connected to the guide hole 6. The support member 8 is connected to the elastic tube 9 through a connecting section 10 to form a cavity 11, and the wall of the elastic tube 9 is concave inward. A friction ring 12 is provided in the guide hole 6, and the friction ring 12 is located outside the outer lip 4. A water guide groove 13 is provided on the lip 7 along its extension direction.

[0030] Specifically, the support member 8 conforms to the inner wall contour of the abducting lip 4. The main function of the support member 8 is to provide radial support for the abducting lip 4 and guide the direction and shape of expansion when it deforms. An elastic tube 9 is connected to the center of the support member 8, and this tube communicates with the guide hole 6. The support member 8 is connected to the elastic tube 9 through its connecting section 10, thereby forming a continuous cavity structure 11 between the two. The wall of the elastic tube 9 is designed with an inwardly concave area, the inner diameter of which is significantly smaller than the outer diameter of the mirror rod 2.

[0031] During operation, as the endoscope rod 2 begins to pass through the guide hole 6 and enter the elastic tube 9, the tight wrapping of the endoscope rod 2 by the recess forces the elastic tube 9 to expand radially. This expansion movement is transmitted to the support member 8 through the connecting section 10, thereby causing the entire abducted lip 4 and its external friction ring 12 to expand synchronously and in a controlled manner. This linkage mechanism allows the friction ring 12 to apply a gentle, gradual dilation force to the cervix, thus pre-expanding the passage before the endoscope rod 2 is formally inserted, effectively reducing direct resistance during subsequent insertion and alleviating patient discomfort.

[0032] In addition, on the surface of each petal-shaped labia 7, there are elongated water-guiding grooves 13 engraved along their extension direction. These grooves have a dual function: firstly, by utilizing capillary action, they promote the rapid diffusion of irrigation fluid (such as physiological saline) at the interface between the guide head 3 and the cervical tissue, forming a lubricating film and enhancing the lubrication effect; secondly, they provide a preferred path for fluid flow, guiding the irrigation fluid to flow more concentratedly to the cervical os area, thereby performing preliminary rinsing and cleaning of the cervical os surface before the instrument enters.

[0033] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 1Multiple interconnected annular airbags 14 are provided between the telescope shaft 2 and the constricting neck 5. A connecting hole 15 is provided between the annular airbags 14, and the annular airbags 14 communicate with the cavity 11. A friction block 16 is provided on one side of each annular airbag 14, and the friction block 16 is in close contact with the inner wall of the constricting neck 5 and the outer wall of the telescope shaft 2. An elastic ring 17 is fitted on the outer side of the constricting neck 5, located outside the friction block 16. A limiting ring 18 is provided at the end of the constricting neck 5, and the limiting ring 18 abuts against the friction block 16. A protrusion 19 is provided on the inner wall of the friction block 16, and a concave point 20 matching the protrusion 19 is provided on the outer wall of the telescope shaft 2. The inner wall of the friction block 16 on one side of the constricting neck 5 is arc-shaped.

[0034] Specifically, the support member 8 itself is elastic and can undergo corresponding radial deformation according to changes in air pressure within the cavity 11. A friction block 16 is provided on one side of the multiple annular airbags 14, which simultaneously adheres to the inner wall of the constricting neck 5 and the outer wall of the lens rod 2. An elastic ring 17 is fitted onto the outer side of the constricting neck 5 corresponding to the position of the friction block 16. A limiting ring 18 is installed at the end of the constricting neck 5 to axially constrain the position of the friction block 16. The inner wall of the friction block 16 is designed with protrusions 19, which fit into corresponding recesses 20 on the outer wall of the lens rod 2. The side of the friction block 16 that contacts the constricting neck 5 has an arc-shaped inner wall. The frictional force between the friction block 16 and the inner wall of the constricting neck 5 is set to be greater than the frictional force between it and the surface of the lens rod 2.

[0035] During operation, the end of the endoscope rod 2 is first inserted into the friction block 16, so that the concave point 20 on the outer wall of the endoscope rod 2 engages with the convex point 19 on the inner wall of the friction block 16. Then, the operator holds the endoscope rod 2 and guides the guide head 3 to the cervix. During this process, the initial resistance generated when the guide head 3 contacts the cervical tissue can be felt. As the endoscope rod 2 continues to advance, the axial force applied by the endoscope rod 2 to the friction block 16 is initially converted into compression of the annular airbag 14 due to the high friction between the friction block 16 and the constricting neck 5. The compressed gas inside the airbag enters the cavity 11 inside the support member 8 through the connecting hole 15, causing an increase in air pressure within the cavity 11. This increase in air pressure causes the elastic support member 8 to expand outwards, thereby causing the abducting lip 4 to expand.

[0036] At the same time, the propulsive force of the endoscope rod 2 is transmitted to the friction block 16 through the engagement point. The friction block 16 drives the constricting neck 5, which is in close contact with it, to move towards the abducting lip 4. This movement, in conjunction with the expansion of the support member 8, further expands the opening diameter of the abducting lip 4, completing the process of wrapping and aligning the cervix.

[0037] The working principle of this invention lies in the linkage design between the guide head 3 and the endoscope 2. At the start of the operation, the operator places the guide head 3 at the front end of the endoscope 2 close to the cervix. The propulsive force of the endoscope 2 is transmitted through the engagement of its outer wall concave point 20 and the inner wall protrusion 19 of the friction block 16. Because the friction between the friction block 16 and the constricting neck 5 is greater than its friction with the endoscope 2, this force is first converted into compression of the annular airbag 14 group.

[0038] Gas from the compressed airbag enters the cavity 11 inside the support member 8 through the connecting hole 15, causing the internal air pressure to rise. This drives the elastic support member 8 to expand radially, causing the abducted lip 4, composed of multiple labial flaps 7, to bloom like a flower, gently wrapping around and conforming to the cervix. During this process, if there is a misalignment, the pressure difference between the cervical tissue and the unevenly expanded labial flaps 7 will force the guide head 3 to automatically adjust its angle until the pressure at each point is balanced, achieving precise alignment between the guide hole 6 and the cervical opening. The operator will then feel a sudden drop in resistance.

[0039] Simultaneously, the endoscope rod 2 passes through the elastic tube 9 of the guide hole 6, and the concave part of its tube wall is expanded. This expansion is transmitted through structural linkage to the friction ring 12 outside the abducted lip 4, pre-dilatating the cervix. The water guide groove 13 on the lip 7 uses capillary action to promote the formation of a lubricating film by the irrigation fluid and clean the target area. The entire process, triggered sequentially by the mechanical structure, achieves gentle and adaptive cervical entry without complex visual assistance.

[0040] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A disposable hysteroscope, comprising a handle (1) and a rod (2) disposed on the handle (1), characterized in that: A guide head (3) is provided at the end of the mirror rod (2); The guide head (3) includes an abduction lip (4) and a constriction neck (5). A guide hole (6) is provided at the center of the abduction lip (4) for the endoscope rod (2) to pass through. The constriction neck (5) is fitted on the endoscope rod (2). The abduction lip (4) is trumpet-shaped, and its narrow end is connected to the constriction neck (5). The constriction neck (5) and the endoscope rod (2) are in frictional contact. When the abduction lip (4) contacts the cervix, the endoscope rod (2) moves close to the guide hole (6) to expand the open end of the abduction lip (4).

2. The disposable hysteroscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The abducted lip (4) is composed of multiple petal-shaped lip lobes (7) connected together and is elastic.

3. The disposable hysteroscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer lip (4) is provided with a support member (8) inside. The support member (8) fits against the inner wall of the outer lip (4). An elastic tube (9) is provided at the center of the support member (8). The elastic tube (9) is connected to the guide hole (6). The support member (8) is connected to the elastic tube (9) through the connecting section (10) and forms a cavity (11). The tube wall of the elastic tube (9) is recessed inward.

4. The disposable hysteroscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide hole (6) is provided with a friction ring (12), which is located outside the outward lip (4).

5. The disposable hysteroscope according to claim 2, characterized in that: A water guide groove (13) is provided on the lip (7) along its extension direction.

6. The disposable hysteroscope according to claim 3, characterized in that: Multiple connected annular airbags (14) are provided between the lens rod (2) and the constriction neck (5). A connecting hole (15) is provided between the annular airbags (14). The annular airbags (14) are connected to the cavity (11). A friction block (16) is provided on one side of the annular airbag (14). The friction block (16) is in close contact with the inner wall of the constriction neck (5) and the outer wall of the lens rod (2).

7. The disposable hysteroscope according to claim 6, characterized in that: An elastic ring (17) is fitted on the outside of the neck (5), and the elastic ring (17) is located outside the friction block (16).

8. The disposable hysteroscope according to claim 6, characterized in that: The end of the constricting neck (5) is provided with a limiting ring (18), which abuts against the friction block (16).

9. The disposable hysteroscope according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner wall of the friction block (16) is provided with protrusions (19), and the outer wall of the mirror rod (2) is provided with concave points (20) that match the protrusions (19).

10. The disposable hysteroscope according to claim 6, characterized in that: The friction block (16) has an arc-shaped inner wall on the side of the neck (5).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Hysteroscope

    CN118680507A