An endoscopic nebulizer

Abstract

This invention provides an endoscopic nebulizer, installed at the tip of an endoscope, comprising a nebulizer body and a fixing component. The fixing component includes a mounting arm located on the outer periphery of the nebulizer body, with a cylindrical sleeve at the end of the mounting arm that is fitted onto the outer side of the endoscope tip during assembly. The nebulizer body contains a liquid reservoir and a nebulizing element. The liquid reservoir has an installation port, and the nebulizing element is installed at the installation port with the atomizing surface exposed. The nebulizing element sprays a uniform mist of dye outwards to stain the mucosa of digestive tract lesions. The nebulizer provided by this invention can be used with an endoscope and inserted into the patient's body, spraying the dye to cover the area to be examined. This achieves uniform and stable staining with a much lower amount of dye than traditional spraying, reducing dye side effects, avoiding the delivery tube from occupying the endoscope's working channel, and preventing dye contamination from affecting camera imaging.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with patent application number 202510452858.X, patent application date of April 11, 2025, and invention title "An atomizer for endoscope". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of endoscopy technology, and in particular to an endoscopic nebulizer. Background Technology

[0003] In gastrointestinal endoscopy, the local application of staining agents to enhance mucosal surface contrast has become an important auxiliary method for the diagnosis of early cancerous changes and flat lesions. Iodine staining can produce a characteristic pale staining in glycogen-depleted areas (i.e., "iodine non-staining sign"), significantly improving the detection rate of esophageal squamous intraepithelial neoplasia; while indigo carmine can selectively deposit in mucosal crypt structures, clearly outlining the three-dimensional contours of subtle lesions. However, traditional staining agent spraying systems use a mechanical irrigation method by inserting an irrigation catheter (outer diameter > 1.8 mm) into the endoscope's working channel, which has the following drawbacks: 1. To achieve effective mucosal coverage, a large amount of irrigation (several mL to tens of mL) is required, which increases the side effects of the staining agent. In particular, during iodine staining, a large amount of iodine solution can cause severe esophageal spasm, affecting subsequent endoscopic treatment and observation. On the other hand, it also increases the risk of chemical damage to the mucosa caused by the staining agent. 2. Traditional spraying methods produce staining droplets with an average diameter >200μm, which easily form a liquid film at the tip of the endoscope, leading to blurred vision and reduced sensitivity in detecting early cancerous lesions. 3. Existing irrigation catheters often have an outer diameter exceeding 30% of the standard endoscope working channel, making it impossible to insert other endoscopic tools simultaneously and limiting the implementation of complex diagnostic and treatment procedures. 4. Due to the large lumen volume of the catheter irrigation system (the dead space volume of conventional catheters reaches 0.3-0.5ml), the residual staining agent accounts for 25%-40% of the total irrigation volume, resulting in waste of some expensive staining agents. 5. Traditional irrigation methods are prone to uneven staining agent distribution, easily creating staining blind spots in anatomically complex areas such as the cardia. Therefore, this invention provides a nebulizer for use with endoscopes, which can atomize the staining agent and solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this invention proposes a more practical nebulizer structure for endoscopes.

[0005] An endoscopic nebulizer is installed at the tip of an endoscope and can enter the patient's body along with the endoscope tip. It includes a nebulizer body and a fixing component. For connection and fixation with the endoscope tip, the fixing component includes a mounting arm located on the outer periphery of the nebulizer body. The end of the mounting arm is provided with a cylindrical sleeve. The sleeve is fitted onto the outside of the endoscope tip during assembly. In addition, the nebulizer body and the camera at the endoscope tip are axially offset to avoid the nebulizer obstructing the camera's field of view and affecting the examination.

[0006] The nebulizer body has a liquid storage chamber and a nebulizing element inside. The liquid storage chamber is filled with dye and has an installation port. The nebulizing element is installed at the installation port, and the atomizing surface of the nebulizing element is exposed. The dye can be sprayed outward in a uniform mist through the nebulizing element to stain the mucosa of digestive tract lesions.

[0007] The nebulizer provided by this invention is an accessory for endoscopes. It can be used with endoscopes and enter the patient's body to spray staining agent to cover the area to be tested. It achieves uniform and stable staining with a much lower amount of staining agent than traditional spraying, reduces staining agent side effects, avoids the delivery tube occupying the endoscope's working channel, and avoids staining solution contamination affecting camera imaging.

[0008] Preferably, the wires of the atomizing plate extend outward through the endoscope and connect to an external power supply and controller. Alternatively, the atomizer body contains a circuit board and a battery. The circuit board includes a wireless communication module, connects to and controls the atomizing plate, and the battery powers the atomizing plate and the circuit board. In other words, the power supply and control mechanism of the atomizing plate can be located inside the atomizer, resulting in high integration and greater intelligence, or externally, reducing cost, simplifying the atomizer's structure, and allowing for the carrying of more dye solution.

[0009] Preferably, to minimize size, the mounting arm is arc-shaped with its concave wall surface closely attached to the outer periphery of the endoscope tip.

[0010] Preferably, a reinforcing rib is provided between the concave wall surface of the atomizer body and the mounting arm, which can improve the strength of the overall shell of the atomizer and make it less prone to deformation or breakage.

[0011] Preferably, in order to make the sleeve replaceable when damaged and to reduce the overall molding difficulty of the atomizer, the atomizer is disassembled. The sleeve is a rubber sleeve, which not only has elasticity but also strong friction, and can be firmly fitted onto the outer periphery of the end of the mounting arm.

[0012] Preferably, a concave-convex limiting structure is provided between the sleeve and the mounting arm, which can improve the assembly firmness between the mounting arm and the sleeve.

[0013] Preferably, the outer peripheral surface of the end of the mounting arm has a strip-shaped groove, the inner ring of the sleeve has a notch for the end of the mounting arm to be inserted, and the side of the notch facing the center of the sleeve has a strip-shaped protrusion. When the end of the mounting arm is inserted into the notch of the sleeve, the strip-shaped protrusion is engaged in the strip-shaped groove.

[0014] Preferably, the atomizer body includes a base and a top cover. The top cover is installed on the top of the base, the liquid storage chamber is disposed between the base and the top cover, the mounting port is disposed on the top cover, and the atomizing element is pressed and installed in the liquid storage chamber by a sealing rubber ring. The structure is simple and easy to form and assemble.

[0015] Preferably, the base has an opening at its bottom edge, which connects to the liquid storage chamber and is covered. The top cover has a wire hole facing the tip of the endoscope, and the wire of the atomizing plate extends from the wire hole and is inserted into the tip of the endoscope.

[0016] Preferably, to prevent the atomizing plate from failing to contact the dyeing agent, the atomizing element further includes a water-absorbing sponge column, one end of which extends into or is installed in the liquid storage chamber, and the other end is close to or attached to the atomizing plate, thereby enabling the atomizing plate to continuously supply dyeing agent, allowing the atomizer to spray atomized dyeing agent in different states.

[0017] Preferably, the controller of the atomizing plate is equipped with a power adjustment switch, which can control the height or distance of the spray from the atomizing plate by controlling the power of the atomization.

[0018] As can be seen from the above description of the present invention, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The nebulizer provided by this invention is an accessory for endoscopes. It can be used with endoscopes and enter the patient's body to spray staining agent to cover the area to be tested. It achieves uniform and stable staining with a much lower amount of staining agent than traditional spraying, reduces staining agent side effects, avoids the delivery tube from occupying the endoscope's working channel, and avoids staining solution from affecting camera imaging. The power supply and control method of the atomizing plate can be set inside the atomizer, which is highly integrated and more intelligent, or it can be set outside, which is low in cost, reduces the structural difficulty of the atomizer, and can carry more dyeing liquid. The mounting arm adopts a detachable structure, which allows for replacement when the sleeve is damaged, while also reducing the overall molding difficulty of the atomizer; The atomizing element also includes a water-absorbing sponge column, one end of which extends into or is installed in the liquid storage chamber, and the other end is close to or attached to the atomizing plate. This prevents the atomizing plate from being unable to contact the dye and enables the atomizing plate to be continuously supplied with dye, allowing the atomizer to spray atomized dye in different states. The height or distance of the dye spray can be adjusted by controlling the power of the atomizing plate to meet the needs of different detection and dyeing scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are provided to further illustrate the invention and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention.

[0020] in: Figure 1 An axial view of an endoscopic nebulizer Figure 1 ; Figure 2 An axial view of an endoscopic nebulizer Figure 2 ; Figure 3 An axial view of an endoscopic nebulizer Figure 3 ; Figure 4 An explosion of an endoscopic nebulizer Figure 1 ; Figure 5 An explosion of an endoscopic nebulizer Figure 2 ; Figure 6 An explosion of an endoscopic nebulizer Figure 3 ; Figure 7 This is a front view of an endoscopic nebulizer; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of an endoscopic nebulizer. Figures 1 to 8 The markings are as follows: Endoscope tip 1, Camera 11, Nebulizer body 2, Liquid reservoir 21, Nebulizing plate 22, Base 23, Cover 231, Top cover 24, Wire hole 241, Mounting port 242, Absorbent sponge column 25, Mounting arm 3, Reinforcing rib 31, Strip groove 32, Sleeve 4, Notch 41, Strip protrusion 42. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0022] Please see Figures 1 to 8 An endoscopic nebulizer is installed at the tip of an endoscope 1 and can enter the patient's body along with the tip of the endoscope 1, including a nebulizer body 2 and a fixing component.

[0023] To facilitate installation with the endoscope tip 1, the fixing component includes a mounting arm 3 located on the outer periphery of the nebulizer body 2. The end of the mounting arm 3 is provided with a sleeve 4, which is fitted onto the outer periphery of the endoscope tip 1 during assembly. In addition, the camera 11 at the end of the endoscope tip 1 and the nebulizer body 2 are offset axially from each other, which can prevent the nebulizer from obstructing the field of view of the camera 11 and affecting the examination.

[0024] In one embodiment, to minimize size, the mounting arm 3 is arc-shaped, with its concave wall surface closely attached to the outer periphery of the endoscope tip 1. Preferably, a reinforcing rib 31 is provided between the concave wall surfaces of the atomizer body 2 and the mounting arm 3, which can improve the overall strength of the atomizer shell and prevent deformation or breakage.

[0025] In another embodiment, to ensure the sleeve 4 is replaceable when damaged and to reduce the overall molding difficulty of the atomizer, the atomizer is disassembled. The sleeve 4 is a rubber sleeve, possessing both elasticity and strong friction, allowing it to be securely fitted onto the outer periphery of the end of the mounting arm 3. Preferably, a concave-convex limiting structure is provided between the sleeve 4 and the mounting arm 3 to improve the assembly firmness between them. For example, in one specific embodiment, the outer periphery of the end of the mounting arm 3 has a strip-shaped groove 32, and the inner ring of the sleeve 4 has a notch 41 for inserting the end of the mounting arm 3. The side of the notch 41 facing the center of the sleeve 4 has a strip-shaped protrusion 42. When the end of the mounting arm 3 is inserted into the notch 41 of the sleeve 4, the strip-shaped protrusion 42 engages with the strip-shaped groove 32.

[0026] The atomizer body 2 has a liquid storage chamber 21 and an atomizing element inside. The liquid storage chamber 21 is filled with dye and has an installation port 242. The atomizing element is installed at the installation port 242, and the atomizing plate 22 of the atomizing element is exposed. This allows the dye to be diffused outward in a mist form through the atomizing element and cover the area to be tested, thus dyeing the area to be tested.

[0027] In one embodiment, the atomizer body 2 includes a base 23 and a top cover 24. The top cover 24 is mounted on top of the base 23, and the liquid storage chamber 21 is disposed between the base 23 and the top cover 24. The mounting port 242 is disposed on the top cover 24, and the atomizing element is pressed and installed in the liquid storage chamber 21 by a sealing ring. The structure is simple and easy to form and assemble. Preferably, the bottom edge of the base 23 has an opening, which is connected to the liquid storage chamber 21 and is provided with a cap 231. In addition, the top cover 24 has a wire hole 241 facing the endoscope tip 1. The wire of the atomizing plate 22 extends from the wire hole 241 and is inserted into the endoscope tip 1.

[0028] To prevent the atomizing plate 22 from failing to contact the dye, in one embodiment, the atomizing element further includes a water-absorbing sponge column 25. One end of the water-absorbing sponge column 25 extends into or is installed in the liquid storage chamber 21, and the other end is close to or attached to the atomizing plate 22, thereby enabling the atomizing plate 22 to continuously supply the dye, allowing the atomizer to spray atomized dye in different states.

[0029] Based on the above embodiments, in one embodiment, the wires of the atomizing plate 22 extend outward through the endoscope and connect to an external power supply and controller; or, in another embodiment, the atomizer body 2 is equipped with a circuit board and a battery, the circuit board including a wireless communication module, the circuit board connecting to and controlling the atomizing plate 22, and the battery supplying power to the atomizing plate 22 and the circuit board. That is, the power supply and control method of the atomizing plate 22 can be located inside the atomizer, resulting in high integration and greater intelligence, or they can be located externally, resulting in lower cost, reduced structural complexity of the atomizer, and the ability to carry more dye solution.

[0030] In addition, the controller of the atomizing plate 22 is equipped with a power adjustment switch. By controlling the power of the atomization, the height or distance of the spray from the atomizing plate 22 can be controlled.

[0031] In use, the endoscopic nebulizer is installed on the endoscope lens and inserted into the human body, such as the gastrointestinal tract. The controller then activates the nebulizer plate 22 to spray the staining agent as a mist, staining the area to be examined. In one embodiment, to further improve spray accuracy, atomization uniformity, and reduce the amount of staining agent used, an ultrasonic nebulizer can be used. In addition, the end of the mounting arm 3 away from the endoscope tip 1 is elastic, allowing it to bend and recover. When entering or exiting narrow channels, deformation can improve the passage of the endoscopic nebulizer, avoiding discomfort and tissue damage to the patient due to low deformability.

[0032] The nebulizer provided by this invention is an accessory for endoscopes. It can be used with endoscopes and enter the patient's body to spray staining agent to cover the area to be tested. It achieves uniform and stable staining with a much lower amount of staining agent than traditional spraying, reduces staining agent side effects, avoids the delivery tube occupying the endoscope working channel, and avoids the problem of staining solution contaminating the camera 11 and affecting imaging.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] In this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0038] Although the above embodiments have been shown and described, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Any changes, modifications, substitutions and variations made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An endoscopic nebulizer, characterized in that, Installed at the tip of an endoscope, including the nebulizer body and fixing components; The fixing component includes a mounting arm located on the outer periphery of the atomizer body, and a cylindrical sleeve at the end of the mounting arm. The sleeve is fitted onto the outside of the endoscope tip during assembly. The atomizer body and the camera at the endoscope tip are axially offset upwards. The end of the mounting arm away from the endoscope tip is elastic. The atomizer body has a liquid storage chamber and an atomizing element inside. The liquid storage chamber has an installation port, the atomizing element is installed at the installation port, and the atomizing surface of the atomizing element is exposed. The wires of the atomizing plate extend outward through the endoscope and connect to an external power source and controller. Alternatively, the atomizer body contains a circuit board and a battery. The circuit board includes a wireless communication module. The circuit board connects to and controls the atomizing plate, and the battery powers the atomizing plate and the circuit board.

2. The nebulizer for endoscopy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The atomizing element also includes a water-absorbing sponge column, one end of which extends into or is installed in the liquid storage chamber, and the other end is close to or attached to the atomizing plate.

3. The nebulizer for endoscopy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting arm is arc-shaped, with its concave wall surface closely attached to the outer side of the endoscope tip.

4. An endoscopic nebulizer according to claim 3, characterized in that, A reinforcing rib is provided between the concave wall surface of the atomizer body and the mounting arm.

5. An endoscopic nebulizer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sleeve is a rubber sleeve and is located at the end of the mounting arm.

6. An endoscopic nebulizer according to claim 5, characterized in that, A concave-convex limiting structure is provided between the sleeve and the mounting arm.

7. An endoscopic nebulizer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer circumferential surface of the end of the mounting arm has a strip-shaped groove, and the inner ring of the sleeve has a notch for the end of the mounting arm to be inserted. The side of the notch facing the center of the sleeve has a strip-shaped protrusion. When the end of the mounting arm is inserted into the notch of the sleeve, the strip-shaped protrusion is engaged in the strip-shaped groove.

8. An endoscopic nebulizer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The atomizer body includes a base and a top cover. The top cover is installed on the top of the base, the liquid storage chamber is located between the base and the top cover, the mounting port is located on the top cover, and the atomizing element is pressed and installed in the liquid storage chamber by a sealing rubber ring.

9. An endoscopic nebulizer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The base has an opening at its bottom edge, which is connected to the liquid storage chamber and is covered; the top cover has a wire hole facing the tip of the endoscope, and the wire of the atomizing plate extends from the wire hole and is inserted into the tip of the endoscope.

10. An endoscopic nebulizer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller of the atomizing plate is equipped with a power adjustment switch, which controls the height or distance of the mist sprayed by the atomizing plate by controlling the power of the atomization.

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