Endoscope assembly and method of operation thereof

Abstract

This invention provides an endoscope assembly and its working method. The endoscope assembly includes: a flexible endoscope comprising a handle and a flexible tube, one end of which is for gripping, and the other end of which is connected to the flexible tube; the handle having gripping surfaces and operating surfaces on opposite sides; a metal sheath comprising a sheath tube, a retaining portion located at the tail of the sheath tube, and a hand catch located between the sheath tube and the retaining portion; a portion of the flexible tube being housed within the sheath tube; and a guide sheath comprising a tube body, an adapter located at the tail of the tube body, and a handle located between the tube body and the adapter; the sheath tube being housed within the tube body; the hand catch and the adapter having an interlocking structure; and the front end of the flexible tube protruding from the front end of the tube body. Therefore, the combination of the sheath tube and the flexible endoscope can replace the function of a ureteral guide sheath. The sheath tube provides rigidity for the ureteral guide sheath, and the flexible endoscope provides the doctor with a field of vision during insertion, thereby achieving visual insertion of the sheath and avoiding the risks associated with blind insertion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of endoscopy, and more particularly to an endoscope assembly and its operating method. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional ureteral surgery, because the ureteral guide sheath is made of a relatively soft material, a dilator must be attached to provide rigidity during insertion. Therefore, after attaching the dilator to the guide sheath, it is necessary to reach the target site along the guidewire. However, during this process, it is impossible to insert an endoscope; the guide sheath can only be placed along the guidewire. Therefore, the insertion of the ureteral guide sheath is a blind insertion, which greatly tests the surgeon's skills and feel, and carries risks such as ureteral injury and perforation.

[0003] In addition, in traditional surgery, a rigid endoscope is first used to place the guide wire. After the rigid endoscope is withdrawn, a guide sheath is inserted along the guide wire. After the guide sheath is placed, a flexible endoscope is then inserted to complete the targeted surgery. The whole surgical process is complicated and requires switching between rigid and flexible endoscopes. Moreover, there are many pieces of equipment, making it difficult to carry out in a small operating room. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem solved by this invention is to provide an endoscope assembly and its working method to replace a rigid endoscope in completing the guidewire placement task. It can also replace the combination of a guide sheath and a dilator, enabling visualized guide sheath insertion, simplifying the operation process, and reducing surgical risks.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an endoscope assembly and its working method. The endoscope assembly includes a flexible endoscope, comprising a handle and a flexible tube. One end of the handle is for gripping, and the other end of the handle is connected to the flexible tube. The handle has gripping surfaces and operating surfaces on opposite sides. A metal sheath includes a sheath tube, a retaining portion located at the tail of the sheath tube, and a hand catch located between the sheath tube and the retaining portion. A portion of the flexible tube is housed within the sheath tube. A guide sheath includes an adapter located at the tail of the tube body and a handle located between the tube body and the adapter. The sheath tube is housed within the tube body. The hand catch and the adapter have an interlocking structure. The front end of the flexible tube protrudes from the front end of the tube body.

[0006] Optionally, the retaining part includes a main body and a pair of locking parts, the main body being located at the end of the sheath, and the pair of locking parts being arranged symmetrically about the main body.

[0007] Optionally, one end of the locking part extends from the main body, and the other end of the locking part is a free end, which has a hook.

[0008] Optionally, the adapter has a slot, and the hook and the slot form an interlocking structure.

[0009] Optionally, the tip of the hose protrudes 2 to 8 millimeters from the tip of the sheath.

[0010] Optionally, the gap between the hose and the sheath is less than or equal to 0.3 mm.

[0011] Optionally, the leading edge of the sheath has rounded corners.

[0012] Optionally, the sheath is made of stainless steel and has a thickness between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm.

[0013] Optionally, the operating surface, hand catch, and handle are located on the same side of the flexible endoscope.

[0014] The present invention also provides a method for operating an endoscope assembly, for use with the endoscope assembly as described above, comprising: providing a flexible endoscope, including a handle and a flexible tube, one end of the handle for gripping, the other end of the handle being connected to the flexible tube, and the handle having gripping surfaces and operating surfaces on opposite sides; attaching a portion of the flexible tube to a metal sheath, the metal sheath including a sheath tube, a retaining portion located at the tail of the sheath tube, and a hand catch located between the sheath tube and the retaining portion; and delivering the metal sheath to the target area through the field of view of the flexible endoscope to complete the exploration of the target area. The procedure involves examining and placing a guidewire; after placing the guidewire, installing a sheath into the guide sheath, which includes a tube body, an adapter at the tail of the tube body, and a handle between the tube body and the adapter. The sheath is housed within the tube body, and the handle and adapter have an interlocking structure. The tip of the flexible tube protrudes from the tip of the tube body. The guide sheath is then guided to the target area through the field of vision of the flexible endoscope. After the guide sheath reaches the target area, the metal sheath is removed. The flexible endoscope is then guided along the guide sheath to the target area to complete the stone fragmentation and removal work in the target area.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The endoscope assembly provided by this invention includes a flexible endoscope comprising a handle and a flexible tube. One end of the handle is for gripping, and the other end of the handle is connected to the flexible tube. The handle has gripping surfaces and operating surfaces on opposite sides. A metal sheath comprises a sheath tube, a retaining portion located at the tail of the sheath tube, and a hand catch located between the sheath tube and the retaining portion. A portion of the flexible tube is housed within the sheath tube. A guide sheath comprises a tube body with an adapter located at the tail of the tube body and a handle located between the tube body and the adapter. The sheath tube is housed within the tube body. The hand catch and the adapter have an interlocking structure. The front end of the flexible tube protrudes from the front end of the tube body. Therefore, when the sheath tube and the flexible endoscope are combined, they can replace the rigid endoscope to complete the guidewire placement task. At the same time, the sheath tube provides rigidity to the guide sheath, and the flexible endoscope can provide the doctor with a field of vision during insertion, replacing the traditional combination of the guide sheath and the dilator. This achieves visualized guide sheath insertion, thereby simplifying the operation process, enabling visual insertion of the sheath into the target area, and avoiding the risks associated with blind insertion. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an endoscope assembly in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a metal sheath in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a flexible endoscope protruding from the front end of the sheath in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an endoscope assembly installed on an endoscope holder in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: Flexible endoscope-1, flexible tube-11, grip surface-121, operating surface-122, lens-13. Metal sheath-2, sheath tube-21, retaining part-22, hand catch-23, main body-231, locking part-232, hook-2321, front end-25. Guiding sheath-3, tube body-31, adapter-32, handle-33 Mirror holding device-4. Detailed Implementation

[0018] As mentioned in the background art, the insertion of existing ureteral guide sheaths is blind, which greatly tests the surgeon's skills and feel, resulting in high surgical risks. Furthermore, guidewire placement and surgery usually require switching between rigid and flexible endoscopes, making the surgical process cumbersome.

[0019] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the endoscope assembly provided by the present invention includes a flexible endoscope comprising a handle and a flexible tube. One end of the handle is for gripping, and the other end of the handle is connected to the flexible tube. The handle has gripping surfaces and operating surfaces on opposite sides. A metal sheath includes a retaining portion of the sheath tube at the tail end and a hand buckle located between the sheath tube and the retaining portion. The flexible tube is housed within the sheath tube. A guide sheath includes a tube body, an adapter located at the tail end of the tube body, and a handle located between the tube body and the adapter. A portion of the sheath tube is housed within the tube body. The hand buckle and the adapter have an interlocking structure. The front end of the flexible tube protrudes from the front end of the tube body. Therefore, the combination of the sheath tube and the flexible endoscope replaces the rigid endoscope in completing the guidewire placement task. At the same time, the sheath tube provides rigidity for the guide sheath, and the flexible endoscope can provide the doctor with a field of vision during insertion, replacing the traditional combination of the guide sheath and the dilator. This achieves visualized guide sheath insertion, thereby simplifying the operation process, enabling visual insertion of the sheath into the target area, and avoiding the risks associated with blind insertion.

[0020] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and beneficial effects of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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 skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. (if present) in the specification, claims, and drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus. Additionally, directional terms such as above, below, up, down, upward, downward, left, right, etc., are used relative to exemplary embodiments as they are shown in the figures, with upward or upper directions pointing towards the top of the corresponding figure and downward or lower directions pointing towards the bottom of the corresponding figure.

[0022] Please refer to the reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The endoscope assembly includes: a flexible endoscope 1, a metal sheath 2, and a guide sheath 3.

[0023] The flexible endoscope 1 includes a handle and a flexible tube 11. One end of the handle is for gripping, and the other end of the handle is connected to the flexible tube 11. The handle has a gripping surface 121 and an operating surface 122 on opposite sides. The metal sheath 2 includes a sheath tube 21, a retaining part 22 located at the tail of the sheath tube 21, and a hand catch 23 located between the sheath tube 21 and the retaining part 22. A portion of the flexible tube 11 is inserted into the sheath tube 21. The guide sheath 3 includes a tube body 31, an adapter 32 located at the tail of the tube body 31, and a handle 33 located between the tube body 31 and the adapter 32. The sheath tube 21 is housed within the tube body 31. The hand catch 23 and the adapter 32 have an interlocking structure. The front end of the flexible tube 11 protrudes from the front end of the tube body 31.

[0024] For further details, please refer to... Figure 3 The front end of the flexible tube 11 protrudes 2 mm to 8 mm from the front end of the sheath 21, exposing the lens 13 of the flexible endoscope 1.

[0025] Preferably, the front end of the hose 11 protrudes 3 to 5 millimeters beyond the front end of the sheath 21.

[0026] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 3 The gap between the hose 11 and the sheath 21 is less than or equal to 0.3 mm to ensure that the sheath 21 and the hose 11 fit together. In the traditional guide sheath installation expander scheme, a certain installation gap is usually reserved between the guide sheath and the expander. However, by setting a stainless steel sheath 21 between the hose 11 and the tube body 31, the gap between the sheath 21 and the tube body 31 can be controlled within 0.1 mm to ensure that it fits tightly with the tube body 31, improve the pushing performance, and avoid problems such as the tube body 31 getting stuck or curling during travel.

[0027] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 3 The front end 25 of the sheath 21 has rounded edges, thereby reducing damage to the inner wall of tissues and organs during intervention.

[0028] In this embodiment, the sheath 21 is made of stainless steel.

[0029] Preferably, the thickness of the sheath 21 is between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm to ensure that the guide sheath 3 has sufficient strength to penetrate the tissue and reach the intended position when inserted.

[0030] Furthermore, during the stone removal surgery, the sheath 21 needs to be withdrawn from between the guide sheath 3 and the flexible endoscope 1. The thickness of the sheath 21 should be adapted to the gap between the guide sheath 3 and the flexible endoscope 1. The gap size after the sheath 21 is withdrawn should meet the requirements of the negative pressure aspiration and return water performance during the stone removal surgery, so that there is sufficient irrigation flow and aspiration flow during the operation, and sufficient heat dissipation and stone fragment suction.

[0031] In the endoscope assembly of this embodiment, the flexible endoscope 1 includes a handle and a flexible tube 11. One end of the handle is for gripping, and the other end of the handle is connected to the flexible tube 11. The handle has a gripping surface 121 and an operating surface 122 on opposite sides. The metal sheath 2 includes a sheath tube 21, a retaining portion 22 located at the tail of the sheath tube 21, and a hand catch 23 located between the sheath tube 21 and the retaining portion 22. A portion of the flexible tube 11 is housed within the sheath tube 21. The guide sheath 3 includes a tube body 31, an adapter 32 located at the tail of the tube body 31, and a handle 33 located between the tube body 31 and the adapter 32. The sheath 21 is housed within the tube body 31. The hand buckle 23 and the adapter 32 have an interlocking structure. The front end of the flexible tube 11 protrudes from the front end of the tube body 31. Therefore, the combination of the sheath 21 and the flexible endoscope 1 replaces the rigid endoscope to complete the guidewire placement task. At the same time, the sheath 21 provides rigidity to the guide sheath 3, and the flexible endoscope 1 can provide the doctor with a field of vision during insertion, replacing the traditional combination of guide sheath and dilator, realizing visualized guide sheath insertion, thereby simplifying the operation process, realizing visualized insertion of the sheath into the target area, and avoiding the risks of blind insertion.

[0032] For further details, please refer to... Figure 2 The hand buckle 23 includes a main body 231 and a pair of locking parts 232. The main body 231 is located at the end of the sheath 21, and the pair of locking parts 232 are arranged symmetrically about the main body 231.

[0033] For further information, please refer to the following: Figure 2 One end of the locking part 232 extends from the main body part 231, and the other end of the locking part 232 is a free end.

[0034] In this embodiment, the free end has a hook 2321.

[0035] In this embodiment, the adapter 32 has a slot, and the hook 2321 forms an interlocking structure with the slot.

[0036] In this embodiment, the lens 13 of the flexible endoscope 1 has a conical surface and rounded corners, which is the same design as the head of a traditional dilator. Combined with the rigidity of the sheath 21, it can replace the traditional dilator and achieve visual insertion of the guide sheath 3, reducing surgical risks.

[0037] For further details, please refer to... Figure 4 When the endoscope assembly is held in the endoscope holder 4, the operating surface 122, the hand buckle 23 and the handle 33 are located on the same side of the flexible endoscope 1, which makes it convenient for the operator to control the endoscope assembly from the side closer to the body. At the same time, the flexible tube 11 is also bent towards the operator's side. The operator can flexibly adjust the holding position of the flexible endoscope 1 on the endoscope holder 4 according to the bending of the flexible tube 11.

[0038] The present invention also provides a method for operating an endoscope assembly, for use with the endoscope assembly as described above, comprising: providing a flexible endoscope 1, including a handle and a flexible tube 11, one end of the handle for gripping, the other end of the handle being connected to the flexible tube 11, and the handle having a gripping surface 121 and an operating surface 122 on opposite sides; installing a portion of the flexible tube 11 to a metal sheath 2, the metal sheath 2 including a sheath tube 21, a retaining portion 22 located at the tail of the sheath tube 21, and a hand catch 23 located between the sheath tube 21 and the retaining portion 22; and delivering the metal sheath 2 to a target area (not shown) through the field of view of the flexible endoscope 1 to complete the exploration and placement of the target area. The procedure involves placing a guidewire (not shown); after placing the guidewire, the sheath 21 is installed into the guide sheath 3. The guide sheath 3 includes a tube body 31, an adapter 32 located at the tail of the tube body 31, and a handle 33 located between the tube body 31 and the adapter 32. The sheath 21 is housed within the tube body 31. The handle 23 and the adapter 32 have an interlocking structure. The front end of the flexible tube 1 protrudes from the front end of the tube body 31. The guide sheath 3 is then guided to the target area through the field of vision of the flexible endoscope 1. After the guide sheath 3 reaches the target area, the metal sheath 2 is removed. The flexible endoscope 1 is then guided along the guide sheath 3 to the target area to complete the stone fragmentation and removal work in the target area.

[0039] Furthermore, after the metal sheath 2 and the flexible endoscope 1 are combined, the metal sheath 2 provides rigidity to the flexible endoscope 1, allowing it to enter the target area through the inlet to complete the exploration and guidewire placement. Thus, compared to the traditional method of using rigid endoscopes, this application saves on the cost of using rigid endoscopes, avoids the need to switch between flexible and rigid endoscopes, and transforms surgeries that previously required both flexible and rigid endoscopes into surgeries that can be completed using only the flexible endoscope 1. Simultaneously, the high definition of the flexible endoscope 1 provides the surgeon with a better field of vision, facilitating observation.

[0040] In this embodiment, the flexible endoscope 1 is a ureteral flexible endoscope, the target area is the ureter, and the guide sheath 3 is a ureteral guide sheath.

[0041] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. An endoscope assembly, characterized in that, include: A flexible endoscope includes a handle and a flexible tube, one end of the handle being for gripping, the other end of the handle being connected to the flexible tube, and the handle having a gripping surface and an operating surface on opposite sides. A metal sheath includes a sheath tube, a retaining portion located at the tail of the sheath tube, and a hand catch located between the sheath tube and the retaining portion, with a portion of the flexible tube housed within the sheath tube; A guide sheath includes a tube body, an adapter located at the tail of the tube body, and a handle located between the tube body and the adapter. The sheath tube is housed within the tube body, the handle and the adapter have an interlocking structure, and the front end of the flexible tube protrudes from the front end of the tube body.

2. The endoscope assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hand buckle includes a main body and a pair of locking parts. The main body is located at the end of the sheath, and the pair of locking parts are arranged symmetrically about the main body.

3. The endoscope assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the locking part extends from the main body, and the other end of the locking part is a free end, which has a hook.

4. The endoscope assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The adapter has a slot, and the hook and the slot form the interlocking structure.

5. The endoscope assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tip of the hose protrudes 2 to 8 millimeters from the tip of the sheath.

6. The endoscope assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gap between the hose and the sheath is less than or equal to 0.3 mm.

7. The endoscope assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The front edge of the sheath has rounded corners.

8. The endoscope assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sheath is made of stainless steel and has a thickness between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm.

9. The endoscope assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating surface, the hand buckle, and the handle are located on the same side of the flexible endoscope.

10. A method of operating an endoscope assembly, for use with the endoscope assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, include: A flexible endoscope is provided, including a handle and a flexible tube, one end of the handle for gripping, the other end of the handle being connected to the flexible tube, and the handle having gripping surfaces and operating surfaces on opposite sides; A portion of the hose is installed to a metal sheath, the metal sheath comprising a sheath tube, a retaining portion located at the tail of the sheath tube, and a hand buckle located between the sheath tube and the retaining portion; The metal sheath is delivered to the target area through the field of vision of the flexible endoscope, and the target area is explored and the guide wire is placed. After the guidewire is placed, the sheath is installed into the guide sheath. The guide sheath includes a tube body, an adapter located at the tail of the tube body, and a handle located between the tube body and the adapter. The sheath is housed within the tube body. The handle and the adapter have an interlocking structure. The front end of the flexible tube protrudes from the front end of the tube body. The guide sheath is delivered to the target area through the field of vision of the flexible endoscope; After the guiding sheath reaches the target area, the metal sheath is removed; The flexible endoscope is advanced along the guide sheath to the target area to complete the stone fragmentation and removal work in the target area.

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