Single-channel minimally invasive arthroscope sheath

Abstract

The invention relates to a single-channel minimally invasive arthroscope sheath which comprises a sheath body, and an observation cavity and an operation cavity are formed in the sheath body in the length direction of the sheath body. A spacer is arranged between the observation cavity and the operation cavity, and the axis of the observation cavity and the operation cavity form a cooperative working area in front of the imbedding end. According to the endoscopic sheath, a single-channel and double-function minimally invasive surgery mode is fundamentally realized. Through the physical isolation of the spacer and the space angle design of the observation cavity and the operation cavity, it is ensured that the arthroscope and the surgical instrument are parallel and do not interfere with each other in a single channel. In the operation process, the arthroscope can obtain a stable and clear operation field, a surgical instrument can directly reach an operation area in the preset direction, the arthroscope and the surgical instrument converge in a target area to form effective cooperation, and therefore a single incision is used for replacing traditional double channels, the wound area is reduced, and on the premise that operation operability is guaranteed, operation efficiency is improved. The number of channels is further reduced, and a more minimally invasive arthroscope sheath structure is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a single-channel minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath. Background Technology

[0002] Arthroscopy, a key minimally invasive technique for treating joint diseases (such as muscular torticollis, meniscus injuries, and ligament tears), offers advantages such as minimal trauma, rapid recovery, and fewer complications. Currently, widely used arthroscopic systems in clinical practice generally employ a dual-channel design, requiring separate observation channels (for arthroscopy) and operating channels (for surgical instrument insertion). While this design is technically mature, it still has significant drawbacks in practical application. During the procedure, two independent incisions are necessary, increasing patient trauma, postoperative pain, and the risk of infection. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a single-channel minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath equipped with an observation cavity and an operating cavity, which can further reduce the number of channels and achieve a more minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath structure while ensuring surgical operability.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A single-channel minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath includes a sheath body, one end of which is a connecting end and the other end is an insertion end; The sheath body is provided with an observation channel and an operating channel along its length. One end of the observation channel is for inserting an arthroscope to observe the operating area in front of the insertion end; the operating channel is for inserting surgical instruments and guiding the surgical instruments into the insertion end. A spacer is provided between the observation cavity and the operating cavity. The axis of the observation cavity and the axis of the operating cavity intersect in the operating area in front of the insertion end, so that the observation cavity and the surgical instrument inserted into the operating cavity can form a cooperative working area in front of the insertion end.

[0006] In one possible implementation, an extension tube is connected to the end of the observation channel to guide the arthroscope into the observation channel, and a locking device is connected to the end of the extension tube to lock the arthroscope.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the extended tube is connected to an external conduit.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the sidewalls of the operating cavity are configured as open grooves.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the operating cavity is side-sealed and arranged in a pipe-like configuration.

[0010] In one possible implementation, a sealing position is provided in the middle section of the sheath body, and after the insertion end is inserted, the sealing position contacts and seals with the skin insertion opening surface. The sealing position divides the operating cavity into a sealed section and an open section. The open section is located below the sealing position to reduce the volume of the sheath body located below the sealing position.

[0011] In one possible implementation, a sealing gasket is provided at the end of the operating cavity, and the sealing gasket has an opening for the insertion of surgical instruments.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the axis of the observation channel forms an angle with the axis of the operating channel, the angle being 10-20 degrees.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the spacer is an elastic structural element.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the insertion end of the sheath body has a rounded arc-shaped structure.

[0015] The present invention has the following advantages due to the adoption of the above technical solutions: The arthroscopic sheath features two independent observation and operating channels, separated by a spacer. The axes of these two channels intersect within the operating area anterior to the insertion end. This design fundamentally enables a single-channel, dual-function minimally invasive surgical mode. The physical separation by the spacer and the spatial angle design of the observation and operating channels ensure that the arthroscope and surgical instruments operate in parallel within a single channel without interference. During operation, the arthroscope obtains a stable and clear surgical field, while the surgical instruments reach the operating area directly in the predetermined direction. The two converge in the target area, forming an effective synergy. This allows for a single incision instead of the traditional dual-channel approach, reducing the trauma area. While maintaining surgical operability, this design further reduces the number of channels, achieving a more minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath structure. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the sheath of a minimally invasive arthroscopy device according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the application state of the mirror sheath in an open operating cavity according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the open operating cavity in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an open operating cavity according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the application state of the sheath of the segmented operating cavity in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the segmented operating cavity in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a segmented operating cavity in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure label: 1. Mirror sheath body; 11. Connecting end; 12. Insertion end; 13. Observation cavity; 14. Operating cavity; 15. Spacer; 16. Sealing gasket; 17. Sealing position; 18. Sealed section; 19. Open section; 2. Extended tube; 3. Locking device; 4. External pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention are described clearly and completely below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and similar terms used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0020] Arthroscopy, a key minimally invasive technique for treating joint diseases (such as muscular torticollis, meniscus injury, and ligament tear), offers advantages such as minimal trauma, rapid recovery, and fewer complications. Currently, widely used arthroscopic systems in clinical practice generally employ a dual-channel design, requiring separate observation channels (for arthroscopy insertion) and operating channels (for surgical instrument insertion). While this design is technically mature, it still has significant drawbacks in practical application. During surgery, two independent incisions are necessary, increasing patient trauma, postoperative pain, and the risk of infection. To address these technical problems, this invention provides a single-channel minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath equipped with both observation and operating chambers. This design further reduces the number of channels and achieves a more minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath structure while ensuring surgical operability. The technical solution of this invention will be described in detail below with specific examples.

[0021] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the single-channel minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath of the present invention includes a sheath body 1, one end of which is a connecting end 11 and the other end is an insertion end 12.

[0022] The sheath body 1 has an observation channel 13 and an operating channel 14 along its length. One end of the observation channel 13 is for inserting an arthroscope to observe the operating area in front of the insertion end 12. The operating channel 14 is for inserting surgical instruments and guiding the surgical instruments into the insertion end 12.

[0023] A spacer 15 is provided between the observation channel 13 and the operating channel 14. The axis of the observation channel 13 and the axis of the operating channel 14 intersect in the operating area in front of the insertion end 12, so that the observation channel 13 and the surgical instruments inserted into the operating channel 14 can form a cooperative working area in front of the insertion end 12.

[0024] It should be noted that during use, the insertion end 12 of the sheath body 1 will be inserted into the patient's surgical area. At this time, during the operation, the outer edge of the sheath body 1 and the skin part of the insertion site will form a squeeze seal.

[0025] In this embodiment, the arthroscopic sheath body 1 has two independent observation channels 13 and operating channels 14, separated by a spacer 15. The axes of the two channels intersect in the operating area in front of the insertion end 12. This structure fundamentally achieves a single-channel, dual-function minimally invasive surgical mode. The physical isolation provided by the spacer 15, along with the spatial angle design of the observation channel 13 and operating channel 14, ensures that the arthroscope and surgical instruments can operate in parallel within a single channel without interference. During operation, the arthroscope obtains a stable and clear surgical field, while the surgical instruments can reach the operating area directly in the predetermined direction. The two converge in the target area to form an effective synergy, thus replacing the traditional dual-channel approach with a single incision, reducing the trauma area. This allows for a further reduction in the number of channels and a more minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath structure while maintaining surgical operability.

[0026] In this embodiment, more preferably, an extension tube 2 is connected to the end of the observation channel 13. The extension tube 2 is used to guide the arthroscope into the observation channel 13, and a locking device 3 is connected to the end of the extension tube 2 to lock the arthroscope.

[0027] The design of the extension tube 2 and the locking device 3 clarifies the arthroscopy insertion and fixation process. The extension tube 2 serves as a guide channel, making arthroscopy insertion smoother and more precise, preventing the endoscope from scraping or shifting at the entry point. The locking device 3 securely fixes the arthroscopy, preventing displacement or shaking due to accidental contact during surgery, further optimizing the stability of this arthroscopy sheath. The locking device 3 is a commonly used arthroscopy fixation locking device, so it will not be elaborated upon here.

[0028] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the outer extension tube 2 is connected to an external pipe 4.

[0029] It should be noted that the external conduit 4 can serve as a flushing conduit. During normal operation, it can circulate with the suction function of the surgical instruments to form a highly efficient irrigation system. In this embodiment, specifically, to optimize the overall structure, the external conduit 4 is mounted on the locking device 3.

[0030] For example, during the procedure, medical staff can inject saline solution into the surgical area through the external tubing 4, the gap between the extended tube 2 and the arthroscope, and the gap between the observation channel 13 and the arthroscope, to fill and irrigate the surgical field. Simultaneously, the suction function of the surgical instruments is activated to aspirate the fluid mixed with tissue debris and blood. This design achieves simultaneous and dynamic balance between irrigation and suction, maintaining a clear view of the surgical area, improving surgical efficiency, and eliminating the need for a separate suction channel, thus optimizing the flexibility of the arthroscope sheath.

[0031] In this embodiment, it is preferable that a sealing gasket 16 is provided at the end of the operating cavity 14, and the sealing gasket 16 has an opening for the insertion of surgical instruments.

[0032] It should be noted that in some operating environments, during the filling of the operating area, the irrigation fluid may flow into the gap between the operating cavity 14 and the surgical instrument, and overflow from the connection end 11 of the sheath body 1. The sealing gasket 16 effectively solves the dynamic sealing problem of the operating cavity 14. When the surgical instrument is inserted, the inner ring of the sealing gasket 16 tightly wraps around the shaft of the surgical instrument to prevent irrigation fluid leakage. The outer ring seals the gap between the operating cavity 14 and the surgical instrument, thereby maintaining the sealing of the channel, ensuring continuous filling of the joint cavity, and guaranteeing the stability of the sheath in use.

[0033] In one embodiment, specifically, the axis of the observation channel 13 forms an angle with the axis of the operating channel 14, the angle being 10-20 degrees, specifically limited to 15 degrees.

[0034] During the trial phase, based on the specific surgical results, the angle between the axes of the observation cavity 13 and the operating cavity 14 was set, specifically limited to 15 degrees. This angle range ensures that the arthroscope and surgical instruments form a collaborative working area within a limited operating region, avoiding the problem of instruments blocking each other due to an excessively small angle, or the problem of the two being too far apart and difficult to coordinate due to an excessively large angle.

[0035] In one embodiment, the overall structure of the arthroscope sheath is further refined, wherein the spacer 15 is an elastic structural member. The elastic structural member can always provide flexible isolation, which can effectively prevent surgical instruments from colliding hard with the arthroscope and damaging the expensive arthroscope lens, and can also reduce the vibration interference transmitted between them.

[0036] Furthermore, the insertion end 12 of the sheath body 1 is specifically a rounded arc-shaped structure. By rounding the insertion end 12, the safety of the sheath body 1 insertion process is improved. The rounded arc-shaped edge can smoothly push aside tissue, reducing the risk of unexpected damage.

[0037] The present invention also provides three specific embodiments: Specific Implementation Example 1: Reference Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the operating cavity 14 is a complete conduit with a completely sealed side. This conduit extends from the connecting end 11 directly to the insertion end 12. This sealing configuration optimizes the structural integrity of the operating cavity 14, precisely constraining the movement of surgical instruments along the axis, making it suitable for surgeries requiring high stability and precision in the operating trajectory. Specific Implementation Example 2: Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the sidewall of the operating cavity 14 is a completely open groove. This groove extends through the insertion end 12 of the sheath body 1. During operation, surgical instruments can be freely inserted or their angle adjusted from the side of the groove, achieving high operational flexibility. This is particularly suitable for surgeries requiring extensive observation or complex angle manipulation within a relatively spacious surgical area. Specific Implementation Example 3: Reference Figure 6 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, a sealing position 17 is provided in the middle section of the sheath body 1. After the insertion end 12 is inserted, the sealing position 17 contacts and seals with the skin insertion surface. The sealing position 17 divides the operating cavity 14 into a sealing section 18 and an open section 19. The open section 19 is located below the sealing position 17 to reduce the volume of the sheath body 1 located below the sealing position 17.

[0040] It should be noted that the portion of the operating cavity 14 below the sealing position 17 forms an open section 19. When the sheath body 1 is inserted and the sealing position 17 is engaged with the skin incision to achieve a seal, only the distal portion containing the open section 19 enters the operating area within the operating cavity 14. This structural design minimizes the volume of the sheath body 1 within the operating area, achieving minimally invasive surgery.

[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A single-channel minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath, characterized in that, It includes the main body of the mirror sheath, with one end being the connecting end and the other end being the insertion end; The sheath body is provided with an observation channel and an operating channel along its length. One end of the observation channel is for inserting an arthroscope to observe the operating area in front of the insertion end; the operating channel is for inserting surgical instruments and guiding the surgical instruments into the insertion end. A spacer is provided between the observation cavity and the operating cavity. The axis of the observation cavity and the axis of the operating cavity intersect in the operating area in front of the insertion end, so that the observation cavity and the surgical instrument inserted into the operating cavity can form a cooperative working area in front of the insertion end.

2. The minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath according to claim 1, characterized in that, An extension tube is connected to the end of the observation channel. The extension tube is used to guide the arthroscope into the observation channel. A locking device is connected to the end of the extension tube to lock the arthroscope.

3. The minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath according to claim 2, characterized in that, The extended tube is connected to an external pipe.

4. The minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sidewalls of the operating cavity are designed as open grooves.

5. The minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath according to claim 3, characterized in that, The operating cavity is sealed on the side and is arranged in a pipeline manner.

6. The minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath according to claim 5, characterized in that, The middle section of the sheath body is provided with a sealing position. After the insertion end is inserted, the sealing position contacts and seals with the skin insertion opening surface. The sealing position divides the operating cavity into a sealed section and an open section. The open section is located below the sealing position to reduce the volume of the sheath body located below the sealing position.

7. The minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath according to claim 6, characterized in that, The end of the operating cavity is provided with a sealing gasket, and the sealing gasket has a clearance opening for the insertion of surgical instruments.

8. The minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axis of the observation channel forms an angle with the axis of the operating channel, with the angle being 10-20 degrees.

9. The minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spacer is an elastic structural component.

10. The minimally invasive arthroscopic sheath according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insertion end of the sheath body has a blunt arc-shaped structure.

Images