Endoscope for animal diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of endoscopes, and discloses an endoscope for animal diagnosis and treatment, which comprises a moving frame, an image processing host computer fixedly connected to the inner side of the moving frame, a display terminal electrically connected to the image processing host computer and fixedly connected to the top of the moving frame, an endoscope module connected to the signal input end of the image processing host computer through wires, a handle shell, an insertion tube fixedly connected to one end of the handle shell, a front-end functional head fixedly connected to the end of the insertion tube, an integrated tube, a flexible sheath sleeved outside the integrated tube, shape memory alloy support wires inserted into the inner side of the integrated tube, heating electrodes embedded in the shape memory alloy support wires, a plurality of traction steel wires inserted into the inner side of the integrated tube, and an angle adjusting piece arranged on the inner side of the handle shell. The endoscope is provided with the insertion tube with adjustable rigidity and multi-parameter sensing fusion, so that the through property, operation stability and control precision of the endoscope in a complex cavity of an animal are effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of endoscopy technology, and more specifically, to an endoscope for animal diagnosis and treatment. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the pet medical industry, minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment technologies are being used more and more widely in animal clinical practice. Endoscopes, as the core minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment equipment, can realize non-invasive examination and treatment of cavities such as the digestive tract, respiratory tract, and urinary and reproductive tract, which greatly reduces surgical trauma and shortens the animal's recovery period.

[0003] Currently, animal diagnostic endoscopes are mainly divided into two categories: rigid endoscopes and flexible endoscopes. Rigid endoscope: It adopts a metal rigid tube and optical lens structure, which provides stable and clear images and high operational precision. It can be used with high-frequency electrosurgical units and biopsy instruments to complete precise treatment. Flexible endoscope: It uses a flexible insertion tube that can bend in four directions, allowing it to pass through complex anatomical bends and adapt to the examination of curved cavities such as the digestive tract and respiratory tract. However, the two types of endoscopes mentioned above have certain technical drawbacks in practice: First, due to their inflexible nature, rigid endoscopes can only be used for surgeries in short, straight cavities such as joint cavities and abdominal cavities or open body cavities, and cannot be adapted to complex and curved natural cavities such as the esophagus, intestines, and trachea. Second, the flexible endoscope has insufficient rigidity in its insertion tube, which can easily cause shaking and inaccurate positioning when performing procedures such as biopsy and foreign body removal, resulting in a much lower operational precision than rigid endoscopes. Third, animals cannot cooperate with the operation as actively as humans, and veterinarians cannot directly perceive the contact pressure between the endoscope tip and the mucosa of the cavity. During the insertion of the endoscope, mucosal abrasions and bleeding are easily caused, and in severe cases, it may even lead to cavity perforation. At the same time, the pressure inside the cavity cannot be monitored in real time during the inflation process. For small animals, excessive inflation pressure can easily cause serious complications such as gastrointestinal rupture. In view of this, the present invention proposes an endoscope for animal diagnosis and treatment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention proposes an endoscope for animal diagnosis and treatment, which solves the problems of existing animal endoscopes being unable to balance rigidity and bending ability, and having poor species adaptability.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: An endoscope for animal diagnosis and treatment includes a movable frame. An image processing host is fixedly connected to the inner side of the movable frame. A display terminal electrically connected to the image processing host is fixedly connected to the top of the movable frame. The signal input terminal of the image processing host is connected to an endoscope module via a wire. The endoscope module includes a handle housing. An insertion tube is fixedly connected to one end of the handle housing. A front-end functional head for acquiring images and parameters is fixedly connected to the end of the insertion tube. The insertion tube includes an integrated tube. A flexible sheath is sleeved on the outer side of the integrated tube. A plurality of shape memory alloy support wires are inserted into the inner side of the integrated tube. Each of the shape memory alloy support wires has a built-in heating electrode. A plurality of traction steel wires are inserted into the inner side of the integrated tube. One end of each traction steel wire is fixedly connected to the front end of the integrated tube. The other end of each traction steel wire extends to the inner side of the handle housing. An angle adjustment component for applying pressure to the traction steel wires to drive the integrated tube to bend is provided on the inner side of the handle housing.

[0006] Preferably, the front-end functional head includes a front-end tube head fixedly connected to the front end of the integrated tube, a micro airbag fixedly connected to the outer side of the front-end tube head, a high-definition CMOS camera fixedly connected to the inner side of the front-end tube head, an LED cold light fixedly connected to the outer edge of the inner side of the front-end tube head, and a narrow-band imaging filter aligned with the lens of the high-definition CMOS camera fixedly connected to the tube opening of the front-end tube head.

[0007] Preferably, the front-end functional head further includes an air guide tube and a cable inserted into the integrated tube. The outlet end of the air guide tube is connected to the inside of the micro airbag. A pressure relief valve is fixedly connected to the outlet end of the micro airbag. A micro air pump is fixedly connected to the inlet end of the air guide tube. The micro air pump is fixedly installed on the inside of the handle shell.

[0008] Preferably, the front-end functional head further includes a miniature contact pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a pH sensor fixedly connected to the outside of the front-end tube head, and a cavity pressure sensor fixedly connected to the inside of the miniature airbag.

[0009] Preferably, a control panel is fixedly connected to the inner side of the handle shell. The control panel includes a processor, a data transmission module electrically connected to the processor, a heating switch, and an inflation switch. The data transmission module is electrically connected to the image processing host via a wire. The high-definition CMOS camera is electrically connected to the processor via a cable. The miniature air pump is electrically connected to the inflation switch. The heating electrode is electrically connected to the heating switch via a cable. The miniature contact pressure sensor, temperature sensor, pH sensor, and cavity pressure sensor are all connected to the processor via signals.

[0010] Preferably, the shape memory alloy support wire is a NiTi alloy wire, and its stiffness is improved by heating it with a built-in heating electrode.

[0011] Preferably, the micro-airbag is an elastic medical silicone airbag with an inner diameter expansion range of 2-3mm to adapt to surgical instruments of different specifications.

[0012] Preferably, the high-definition CMOS camera 433 is a 1080P high-definition CMOS camera with a frame rate of 30fps; the LED cold light 434 can switch between white light and narrowband light to achieve narrowband imaging.

[0013] Preferably, the angle adjustment component includes a ball joint seat fixedly connected to the inner side of the handle housing. An operating rocker arm that penetrates the side wall of the handle housing is ball-jointed to the inner side of the ball joint seat. A plurality of connecting blocks corresponding one-to-one with the traction steel wires are fixedly connected to the outer side of the operating rocker arm. The plurality of connecting blocks are fixedly connected to the corresponding traction steel wires.

[0014] Preferably, there are four traction steel wires, which correspond to the four directions of the front end of the tube: up, down, left, and right.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. This invention creatively solves the contradiction of traditional endoscopes being "too soft to bend and too rigid to bend" by integrating a shape memory alloy support wire (such as a NiTi alloy wire) with a built-in heating electrode into the endoscopic insertion tube. During insertion and guidance, the support wire is in a low-stiffness state, making the insertion tube flexible and conforming to the complex and tortuous natural cavities of animals, reducing insertion trauma. When observation or interventional procedures are required, the alloy wire undergoes a phase change through electrical heating, significantly increasing its stiffness and thus "locking" the shape of the insertion tube. This provides a stable support platform for biopsy, sampling, and other operations, preventing instrument shaking and displacement during operation and improving treatment accuracy.

[0016] 2. This invention uses four cross-shaped traction steel wires linked to an operating rocker arm based on a ball joint structure. The operator can intuitively and precisely control the bending of the front-end functional head in upward, downward, leftward, rightward, and combinations thereof using a single rocker arm. This design eliminates blind spots, allowing the lens to flexibly navigate through the complex anatomical structures within the animal's body, quickly reaching and locking onto the target observation area, significantly improving examination efficiency and lesion detection rate.

[0017] 3. This invention integrates a miniature contact pressure sensor, temperature sensor, pH sensor, and cavity pressure sensor into the front-end functional head. This allows for the simultaneous acquisition of multi-dimensional physical and chemical parameters, including mechanical contact pressure, local tissue temperature, cavity environment pH value, and air sac internal pressure, in addition to acquiring 1080P high-definition video images during a single examination. This provides veterinarians with comprehensive and objective diagnostic evidence far exceeding that of visual images.

[0018] 4. By combining the narrowband light mode of the LED cold light lamp with the narrowband imaging filter, the narrowband imaging function is realized. This technology can significantly enhance the display contrast of the capillary network on the surface of the mucosa, which helps to detect subtle changes such as inflammation, intestinal metaplasia or tumor lesions of the mucosa at an early stage, and improves the ability to diagnose early diseases in animals. At the same time, the cold light source avoids the tissue thermal damage that may be caused by traditional lighting. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an animal diagnostic endoscope according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the endoscope module of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the insertion tube of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the insertion tube of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the front-end functional head of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the front-end functional head of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the front-end functional head of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the angle adjustment component of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a system block diagram of an animal diagnostic endoscope according to the present invention.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Moving frame; 2. Image processing host; 3. Display terminal; 4. Endoscope module; 41. Handpiece housing; 42. Insertion tube; 421. Flexible sheath; 422. Integrated tube; 423. Shape memory alloy support wire; 424. Traction wire; 43. Front functional head; 431. Front tube head; 432. Miniature airbag; 433. High-definition CMOS camera; 434. LED cold light lamp; 435. Narrow-band imaging filter; 436. Miniature air pump; 437. Air duct; 438. Pressure relief valve; 439. Cable; 430. Miniature contact pressure sensor; 43a. Temperature sensor; 43b. pH sensor; 43c. Cavity pressure sensor; 44. Angle adjustment component; 441. Ball joint seat; 442. Operating joystick; 443. Connecting block. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, this embodiment proposes an endoscope for animal diagnosis and treatment, including a movable frame 1. An image processing host 2 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the movable frame 1, and a display terminal 3 electrically connected to the image processing host 2 is fixedly connected to the top of the movable frame 1. The signal input terminal of the image processing host 2 is connected to an endoscope module 4 via a wire. The endoscope module 4 includes a handle housing 41, one end of which is fixedly connected to an insertion tube 42. The end of the insertion tube 42 is fixedly connected to a front-end functional head 43 for acquiring images and parameters. The insertion tube 42 includes an integrated tube 422. The outer side is fitted with a flexible sheath 421. Several shape memory alloy support wires 423 are inserted into the inner side of the integrated tube 422 in an axially uniform manner. Each shape memory alloy support wire 423 has a built-in heating electrode. Several traction steel wires 424 are inserted into the inner side of the integrated tube 422. One end of the traction steel wires 424 is fixedly connected to the front end of the integrated tube 422. The other end of the traction steel wires 424 extends to the inner side of the handle housing 41. An angle adjustment component 44 is provided on the inner side of the handle housing 41 for applying pressure to the traction steel wires 424 to drive the integrated tube 422 to bend.

[0024] In this embodiment, the mobile frame 1 is used to support and move the entire device. The image processing host 2 is responsible for receiving, processing, and amplifying signals from the endoscope module 4. The display terminal 3 is used to display the processed images and sensor data in real time. The endoscope module 4 is the core of the operation. Its handle housing 41 provides a gripping area for the operator. The insertion tube 42 is the component that enters the animal's body cavity. Several shape memory alloy support wires 423 inside its integrated tube 422 maintain low stiffness under normal conditions, making the insertion tube 42 flexible and easy to insert safely according to the deformation of the animal cavity. When it is necessary to lock the shape or increase the support force, The shape memory alloy support wire 423 can be heated by heating electrodes to transform it into an austenitic phase, significantly increasing its stiffness and thus "freezing" the current shape of the insertion tube 42, preventing accidental bending or displacement during operation. Several traction steel wires 424 inside the integrated tube 422 have one end fixed to the front end of the integrated tube 422 and the other end connected to the angle adjustment component 44 inside the handle housing 41. By operating the angle adjustment component 44, a pulling force can be applied to the traction steel wire 424 in a specific direction, thereby pulling the front end of the integrated tube 422 to bend in that direction, realizing the active guidance of the front functional head 43. This design resolves the contradiction between flexibility (facilitating insertion and reducing trauma) and rigidity (facilitating stable operation and transmitting torque) in traditional endoscopes by utilizing the variable stiffness of the shape memory alloy support wire 423. It remains flexible during insertion to adapt to complex cavities; and can instantly enhance local rigidity when a stable field of view is required or intervention is needed during operation. Through the cooperation of the traction wire 424 and the angle adjustment component 44, multi-directional active and precise bending control of the tip of the insertion tube 42 is achieved, enabling the front functional head 43 to accurately reach the target observation area, thereby improving the efficiency and success rate of the examination.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front-end functional head 43 includes a front-end tube head 431 fixedly connected to the front end of the integrated tube 422. A micro airbag 432 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the front-end tube head 431, a high-definition CMOS camera 433 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the front-end tube head 431, an LED cold light 434 is fixedly connected to the outer edge of the inner side of the front-end tube head 431, and a narrow-band imaging filter 435 aligned with the lens of the high-definition CMOS camera 433 is fixedly connected to the opening of the front-end tube head 431. The high-definition CMOS camera 433 is a 1080P high-definition CMOS camera with a frame rate of 30fps. The LED cold light 434 can switch between white light and narrow-band light to achieve narrow-band imaging.

[0026] In this embodiment, a high-definition CMOS camera 433 is responsible for acquiring real-time images within the cavity. An LED cold light lamp 434 provides illumination; its "cold light" characteristic prevents overheating of local tissues due to prolonged exposure. A narrow-band imaging filter 435 is precisely positioned in front of the camera lens 433. When the LED cold light lamp 434 switches to a specific wavelength of narrow-band light (typically blue or green light), the narrow-band imaging filter 435 only allows reflected light from the capillaries on the mucosal surface to pass through, thereby enhancing the contrast of the vascular network on the mucosal surface. A micro-inflatable balloon 432, when not inflated, fits snugly against the front tube tip 431, reducing the insertion cross-section. This design combines the narrowband light mode of the LED cold light lamp 434 with the narrowband imaging filter 435, enabling the device to possess narrowband imaging capabilities. This technology can highlight the fine vascular structure on the mucosal surface, helping to detect inflammation, intestinal metaplasia, or tumor lesions at an early stage, thus improving the diagnostic ability for early diseases in animals. The 1080P high-definition CMOS camera 433 provides richly detailed images, and the 30fps frame rate ensures smooth video playback. The LED cold light lamp 434 provides ample illumination while avoiding the risk of thermal damage.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front functional head 43 further includes an air guide tube 437 and a cable 439 inserted into the integrated tube 422. The outlet end of the air guide tube 437 is connected to the inside of the micro airbag 432. A pressure relief valve 438 is fixedly connected to the outlet end of the micro airbag 432. A micro air pump 436 is fixedly connected to the inlet end of the air guide tube 437. The micro air pump 436 is fixedly installed on the inner side of the handle housing 41.

[0028] In this embodiment, the miniature air pump 436 serves as the air source, delivering gas to the miniature airbag 432 through the air guide tube 437 to inflate it. The pressure relief valve 438 is used to safely release gas when the airbag pressure is too high or after the inspection is completed, causing the airbag to retract. The entire inflation process is controlled by the operator through the inflation switch on the handle. The inflated micro-bladder 432 can gently expand the animal cavity, broaden the field of view, and at the same time, it can temporarily fix the front functional head 43 in the cavity to a certain extent, reducing image shaking caused by animal peristalsis or breathing, and obtaining a more stable observation image. After the bladder expands, a temporary channel can be formed in its center, which facilitates the passage of small surgical instruments such as biopsy forceps and cell brushes for sampling or simple treatment. The pressure relief valve 438 ensures that the pressure inside the bladder will not rise indefinitely, avoiding the risk of animal tissue damage due to over-inflation.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front-end functional head 43 further includes a miniature contact pressure sensor 430, a temperature sensor 43a, and a pH sensor 43b fixedly connected to the outside of the front-end tube head 431; a cavity pressure sensor 43c fixedly connected to the inside of the miniature airbag 432; and a control panel fixedly connected to the inside of the handle shell 41. The control panel includes a processor, a data transmission module electrically connected to the processor, a heating switch, and an inflation switch. The data transmission module is electrically connected to the image processing host 2 via a wire. The high-definition CMOS camera 433 is electrically connected to the processor via a cable 439. The miniature air pump 436 is electrically connected to the inflation switch. The heating electrode is electrically connected to the heating switch via a cable 439. The miniature contact pressure sensor 430, temperature sensor 43a, pH sensor 43b, and cavity pressure sensor 43c are all signal-connected to the processor.

[0030] In this embodiment, the miniature contact pressure sensor 430 senses the pressure when the front tube tip 431 contacts the tissue, the temperature sensor 43a detects the local tissue temperature, the pH sensor 43b detects the acidity or alkalinity of the fluid (such as gastric juice or intestinal juice) in the cavity, and the cavity pressure sensor 43c directly measures the internal pressure of the miniature airbag 432. All the data from these sensors are transmitted to the processor inside the handle via cable 439. This design can simultaneously acquire visual images and multiple physical and chemical parameters such as contact pressure, local temperature, and cavity pH during a single examination, providing veterinarians with more comprehensive diagnostic information (for example, pH helps determine gastric function, and abnormal temperature may indicate inflammation or tumors). The miniature contact pressure sensor 430 and cavity pressure sensor 43c provide important safety feedback. Excessive contact pressure can prompt the operator to avoid damaging tissue, and the cavity pressure sensor 43c monitors the air bladder pressure in real time to ensure that the expansion process is within a safe range. It transforms the originally subjective tactile sensations (such as tissue hardness) and environmental influences (such as temperature) into objective data, making the diagnosis more scientific and comparable.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shape memory alloy support wire 423 is a NiTi alloy wire, and its stiffness is improved by heating through a built-in heating electrode.

[0032] In this embodiment, when the temperature of the alloy wire exceeds its austenitic phase transformation completion temperature, its stiffness (elastic modulus) and restoring force will increase significantly. The NiTi alloy designed in this way has superelasticity and shape memory effect, good biocompatibility, and is very suitable for use in medical devices. Its stiffness improvement effect after phase transformation is significant, and it can provide reliable shape locking and support force. The phase transformation is controlled by electric heating, with fast response speed and high control precision, and the stiffness can be adjusted in an "on / off" or graded manner.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the micro airbag 432 is an elastic medical silicone airbag with an inner diameter expansion range of 2-3 mm to adapt to surgical instruments of different specifications.

[0034] In this embodiment, the micro-airbag 432 is made of elastic medical silicone, which gives it good biocompatibility and flexibility. The 2-3mm inner diameter expansion range allows the channel formed after the airbag expands to be adapted to various standard biopsy forceps, injection needles and other surgical instruments of different diameters, increasing the treatment versatility of the device.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the angle adjustment component 44 includes a ball joint seat 441 fixedly connected to the inner side of the handle housing 41. An operating rocker arm 442 penetrating the side wall of the handle housing 41 is ball-jointed to the inner side of the ball joint seat 441. A plurality of connecting blocks 443 corresponding one-to-one with the traction steel wires 424 are fixedly connected to the outer side of the operating rocker arm 442. The plurality of connecting blocks 443 are fixedly connected to the corresponding traction steel wires 424.

[0036] In this embodiment, the ball joint 441 provides a multi-degree-of-freedom swing fulcrum for the operating joystick 442. When the operator moves the operating joystick 442 in different directions, the movement of the joystick is converted into a linear tension or release on the corresponding traction wire 424 through the connecting block 443 fixed thereon. The ball joint structure allows a single operating joystick 442 to intuitively control the bending of the front functional head 43 in multiple directions such as up, down, left, and right. The operation method is ergonomic, with low learning cost and precise control.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, there are four traction steel wires 424, which correspond to the four directions of the front end tube head 431: up, down, left, and right.

[0038] In this embodiment, the four steel wires are evenly distributed circumferentially (in a cross shape). By applying different combinations of tension to them, it is theoretically possible to achieve bending of the front end in any direction, eliminating control dead angles and enabling the front end functional head 43 to flexibly turn within complex cavities.

[0039] Overall workflow: I. Insertion and Guiding Stage: In its initial state, the shape memory alloy support wire 423 inside the insertion tube 42 is in a low-stiffness state, keeping the entire insertion tube 42 flexible and allowing for safe insertion into the animal's convoluted cavity, reducing trauma. The operator manually operates the joystick 442 located on the handle housing 41, which swings in multiple directions via a ball joint 441. The movement of the joystick pulls a specific traction wire 424 fixedly connected to it, thereby precisely pulling the front end of the integrated tube 422, causing the front functional head 43 to actively bend in the desired direction (up, down, left, right, or a combination thereof), achieving precise guidance and helping the camera 433 reach the target observation area. II. The Stage of Enhanced and Stabilized Vision: When clearer observation of mucosal blood vessels is needed, the operator can switch the LED cold light lamp 434 to a narrowband light mode with a specific wavelength. In this mode, the narrowband light illuminates the tissue, and after being filtered by the narrowband imaging filter 435, only the specific wavelength light reflected by the capillaries on the mucosal surface is received by the high-definition CMOS camera 433. This generates an image with enhanced vascular contrast on the display terminal 3, which helps in identifying early lesions. If the field of view is shaken due to animal movement, gas can be injected into the micro-airbag 432 via the micro-pump 436 to inflate it. The inflated airbag gently expands the cavity, widening the field of view, while its friction with the cavity wall temporarily stabilizes the position of the front functional head 43, resulting in a clear and stable image. The internal pressure of the airbag is monitored in real time by the cavity pressure sensor 43c to prevent over-inflation. III. Rigid Locking and Intervention Operation Phase: When the endoscope tip reaches the target position and operations requiring stable support, such as biopsy or sampling, are needed, the operator activates the heating switch to energize the heating electrodes embedded in the shape memory alloy support wire 423. The NiTi alloy wire is heated above its austenitic phase transformation temperature, significantly increasing its stiffness (elastic modulus) and shape recovery force. This causes the originally flexible insertion tube 42 to partially or entirely "harden," locking its current shape. This prevents the insertion tube 42 from accidentally bending or shifting due to force during surgical instrument manipulation, providing a stable support platform for interventional procedures. After inflation, the micro-balloon 432 forms a channel with an inner diameter of 2-3 mm in its center, allowing small surgical instruments such as standard biopsy forceps and cell brushes to pass through directly to the lesion for sampling or treatment. IV. Throughout the entire diagnostic and treatment process, in addition to video imaging, multiple sensors integrated into the front-end functional head 43 work synchronously: a miniature contact pressure sensor 430 senses the pressure of the probe in contact with the tissue in real time; a temperature sensor 43a detects the local tissue temperature; and a pH sensor 43b detects the acidity or alkalinity of fluids within the cavity (such as gastric juice or intestinal juice). All of these sensor data are transmitted to the processor inside the handpiece via cable 439. After processing, the data, along with the video signal, is uploaded to the image processing host 2 via the data transmission module. Finally, the images and parameters are synchronously displayed on the display terminal 3, realizing multimodal information fusion diagnosis. The overall design utilizes the electrothermal phase change characteristics of the shape memory alloy support wire 423 to achieve adjustable stiffness of the insertion tube 42. During the insertion stage, it maintains low stiffness and flexibility, making it easy to pass through complex anatomical structures and reducing the risk of damage. During the observation or surgical stage, it can be instantly converted to a high stiffness state, effectively "freezing" the shape of the catheter and providing a stable support platform, thus solving the problem of the traditional endoscope being unable to achieve both flexibility and rigidity. By linking four cross-shaped traction steel wires 424 with the ball-jointed operating rocker arm 442, precise and intuitive bending control of the front-end functional head 43 in all directions (up, down, left, and right) is achieved. This design eliminates blind spots, allowing the lens to flexibly turn and quickly reach the target area. It is especially suitable for examining complex and tortuous cavities within animals, improving diagnostic efficiency and lesion detection rate. Based on acquiring 1080P high-definition video images, a miniature contact pressure sensor 430, a temperature sensor 43a, a pH sensor 43b, and a cavity pressure sensor 43c are integrated to simultaneously acquire multi-dimensional physical and chemical parameters such as mechanical contact pressure, local tissue temperature, intracavitary pH value, and air sac pressure. This provides veterinarians with comprehensive diagnostic information far exceeding that of visual images (such as using pH value to assist in judging gastric function and using abnormal temperature to indicate inflammation), making diagnosis more objective, scientific, and comprehensive. By combining the narrowband light mode of the LED cold light lamp 434 with the narrowband imaging filter 435, the narrowband imaging function is realized. This technology can significantly enhance the display contrast of the capillary network on the surface of the mucosa, which helps to detect subtle changes, intestinal metaplasia or tumor lesions of the mucosa at an early stage, and improves the device's ability to diagnose early diseases in animals. The miniature airbag 432, in conjunction with the pressure relief valve 438 and the cavity pressure sensor 43c, enables controllable and safe cavity expansion and instrument access functions, and can prevent tissue damage caused by over-inflation. The miniature contact pressure sensor 430 provides real-time contact force feedback, which can warn the operator to avoid damaging fragile tissues due to excessive force. The LED cold light 434 uses a cold light source, which avoids the heat accumulation that may be generated by traditional lighting and prevents thermal damage to tissues.

[0040] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An endoscope for animal diagnosis and treatment, comprising a movable frame (1), wherein an image processing host (2) is fixedly connected to the inner side of the movable frame (1), and a display terminal (3) electrically connected to the image processing host (2) is fixedly connected to the top of the movable frame (1), characterized in that, The signal input terminal of the image processing host (2) is connected to the endoscope module (4) via a wire. The endoscope module (4) includes: Handle housing (41); An insertion tube (42) is fixedly connected to one end of the handle housing (41); A front-end functional head (43) is fixedly connected to the end of the insertion tube (42) and is used to acquire images and parameters; The insertion tube (42) includes an integrated tube (422), with a flexible sheath (421) sleeved on the outside of the integrated tube (422). A plurality of shape memory alloy support wires (423) are inserted into the inner side of the integrated tube (422) in an axially uniform manner. Each of the shape memory alloy support wires (423) has a built-in heating electrode. A plurality of traction steel wires (424) are inserted into the inner side of the integrated tube (422). One end of each of the traction steel wires (424) is fixedly connected to the front end of the integrated tube (422), and the other end of each of the traction steel wires (424) extends to the inner side of the handle housing (41). An angle adjustment member (44) is provided on the inner side of the handle housing (41) for applying pressure to the traction steel wires (424) to drive the integrated tube (422) to bend.

2. The animal diagnostic endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front-end functional head (43) includes a front-end tube head (431) fixedly connected to the front end of the integrated tube (422). A micro airbag (432) is fixedly connected to the outside of the front-end tube head (431). A high-definition CMOS camera (433) is fixedly connected to the inside of the front-end tube head (431). An LED cold light lamp (434) is fixedly connected to the outer edge of the inside of the front-end tube head (431). A narrow-band imaging filter (435) aligned with the lens of the high-definition CMOS camera (433) is fixedly connected to the opening of the front-end tube head (431).

3. An animal diagnostic endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front-end functional head (43) also includes an air guide tube (437) and a cable (439) inserted into the integrated tube (422). The outlet end of the air guide tube (437) is connected to the inside of the micro airbag (432). The outlet end of the micro airbag (432) is fixedly connected to a pressure relief valve (438). The inlet end of the air guide tube (437) is fixedly connected to a micro air pump (436). The micro air pump (436) is fixedly installed on the inside of the handle housing (41).

4. An animal diagnostic endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that, The front end functional head (43) also includes a miniature contact pressure sensor (430), a temperature sensor (43a), and a pH sensor (43b) fixedly connected to the outside of the front end tube head (431), and a cavity pressure sensor (43c) fixedly connected to the inside of the miniature airbag (432).

5. An animal diagnostic endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that, A control panel is fixedly connected to the inner side of the handle housing (41). The control panel includes a processor, a data transmission module electrically connected to the processor, a heating switch, and an inflation switch. The data transmission module is electrically connected to the image processing host (2) via a wire. The high-definition CMOS camera (433) is electrically connected to the processor via a cable (439). The micro air pump (436) is electrically connected to the inflation switch. The heating electrode is electrically connected to the heating switch via a cable (439). The micro contact pressure sensor (430), temperature sensor (43a), pH sensor (43b), and cavity pressure sensor (43c) are all connected to the processor via signal.

6. An animal diagnostic endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape memory alloy support wire (423) is a NiTi alloy wire, and its stiffness is improved by heating through a built-in heating electrode.

7. An animal diagnostic endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that, The micro-airbag (432) is an elastic medical silicone airbag with an inner diameter expansion range of 2-3mm to adapt to surgical instruments of different specifications.

8. An animal diagnostic endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that, The high-definition CMOS camera (433) is a 1080P high-definition CMOS camera with a frame rate of 30fps; the LED cold light (434) can switch between white light and narrowband light to achieve narrowband imaging.

9. An animal diagnostic endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that, The angle adjustment component (44) includes a ball joint seat (441) fixedly connected to the inside of the handle housing (41). The ball joint seat (441) is ball-jointed to the inside of an operating rocker arm (442) that passes through the side wall of the handle housing (41). The operating rocker arm (442) is fixedly connected to a plurality of connecting blocks (443) that correspond one-to-one with the traction wires (424). The plurality of connecting blocks (443) are fixedly connected to the corresponding traction wires (424).

10. An animal diagnostic endoscope according to claim 9, characterized in that, The number of traction steel wires (424) is 4, and they correspond to the four directions of the front end tube head (431) respectively: up, down, left and right.

Images