Surgical electrode assembly

Abstract

The utility model relates to an electrode assembly for surgery. The electrode assembly comprises an electrode device; the control device is used for controlling the operation of the electrode device; the electrode driving device is used for driving the first electrode and the second electrode to move between a first position and a second position under the action of the operating device, the electrode driving device comprises an inner tube and an outer tube which can move relatively in the longitudinal direction, the far end of the inner tube is connected to the near ends of the first electrode and the second electrode, and the outer tube is arranged on the inner tube in a sleeving mode; the utility model relates to an electrode device comprising an electrode assembly, a dropping device comprising a liquid feed tube, the liquid feed tube being open with its distal opening towards the electrode assembly to feed liquid thereto, the dropping device comprising an infusion tube via which liquid can be taken from the outside, the dropping device comprising an adapter line capable of fluidly communicating the liquid feed tube and the infusion tube with each other. The technical effect lies in, but is not limited to, the additional arrangement of the liquid dropping device realizes the anti-electrocoagulation adhesion between the electrode and the target tissue during the electrocoagulation operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a hemostatic tool for surgical operations, in particular to a surgical electrode assembly. The surgical electrode assembly is particularly suitable for use in small channel deep surgeries such as minimally invasive microsurgery, neurosurgery and transnasal approach surgery, and is particularly suitable for use with a nasal cavity mirror and a ventriculoscope, and is mainly used for electrocoagulation hemostasis in minimally invasive microsurgery or neurosurgery. Background Art

[0002] At present, the refinement and specialization of medical devices is a goal and trend. Electrocoagulation is widely used in surgical operations as an efficient and reliable way to stop bleeding. Since the operating space of various surgeries is limited, and the larger the surgical incision or channel, the greater the secondary damage to the patient, the surgical channel is minimized and minimally invasive.

[0003] Various shapes of bipolar electrocoagulation forceps are commonly used in existing surgical operations. The main principle is to install two tweezers in a fixed seat, pinch the tweezers with fingers, so that the tips of the two tweezers clamp the blood vessels or tissues, so that the high-frequency current passing through the tips of the two tweezers passes through the clamped local blood vessels or tissues, and utilizes the thermal effect of the high-frequency current to dehydrate and shrink the blood vessel wall, coagulate the blood in the blood vessels, and make the blood vessels and blood clots merge into one, so as to achieve the purpose of effective hemostasis. Since the tweezers of ordinary bipolar electrocoagulation forceps are wide and the structure volume is large, the maximum distance between the front rods of the two tweezers entering the human body is at least 10 mm, and the length is limited, so it is not suitable for hemostasis of minor wounds or wounds that penetrate deep into the tissue from small channels (such as transnasal approach, ventriculoscope, etc.), especially when used in minimally invasive microsurgery and neurosurgery, there are great limitations. In addition, the large volume of the tweezers entering the human body hinders simultaneous use with other instruments. In addition, since the forward extension of the forceps of ordinary bipolar electrocoagulation forceps is long, the tip is often easily misaligned when engaged, affecting the electrocoagulation effect and efficiency.

[0004] An existing surgical electrode assembly achieves the approach and separation of the electrode tip through the cooperation of the inner tube and the outer tube. However, the existing surgical electrode assembly does not have a dripping function, which leads to adhesion of the electrode to the tissue, especially after multiple electrocoagulation hemostasis, causing the hemostasis surgery to be unsuccessful and reducing the hemostasis effect. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a surgical electrode assembly, which can solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] According to the utility model, a surgical electrode assembly is provided, wherein the electrode assembly has a distal end which is farther away from an operator when in use and a proximal end which is closer to the operator when in use, and is characterized in that the electrode assembly comprises:

[0007] An electrode device, the electrode device is disposed at a distal end of the electrode assembly, the electrode device comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode are movable between a first position away from each other and a second position close to each other;

[0008] A manipulator, the manipulator being disposed at the proximal end of the electrode assembly and used for manipulating the operation of the electrode assembly, the manipulator comprising a housing and an actuating mechanism at least partially disposed within the housing;

[0009] an electrode driving device, the electrode driving device being arranged between the manipulation device and the electrode device, and being used for driving the first electrode and the second electrode of the electrode device to move between the first position and the second position under the action of the manipulation device, wherein the electrode driving device comprises an inner tube and an outer tube capable of relatively moving in the longitudinal direction by means of the actuating mechanism, the distal end of the inner tube being connected to the proximal ends of the first electrode and the second electrode, the outer tube being sleeved on the inner tube and the distal end of the outer tube being capable of abutting against the first electrode and the second electrode; and

[0010] A dripping device, comprising a liquid feeding tube, which is at least partially arranged in the inner tube and is open with its distal end opening toward the electrode device to feed liquid thereto, the dripping device comprises an infusion tube, which at least partially extends outside the shell and can obtain liquid from the outside via the infusion tube, and the dripping device comprises a transfer tube, which can connect the liquid feeding tube and the infusion tube to each other fluidically.

[0011] The technical effects that can be achieved by the surgical electrode assembly include but are not limited to: the addition of a drip device to prevent electrocoagulation adhesion between the electrode and the target tissue during electrocoagulation surgery.

[0012] Advantageously, an elongated balancing piece is provided in the inner tube, and the balancing piece and the liquid feed tube are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the inner tube.

[0013] Advantageously, the inner tube is formed with at least two symmetrical recesses, and the tube walls of the inner tube at the two recesses are pressed against the liquid feeding tube and the balancing piece respectively.

[0014] Advantageously, the liquid feed pipe and the balancing element are at least partially arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively.

[0015] Advantageously, the liquid feed pipe and the balancing element have the same diameter.

[0016] Advantageously, the liquid feed pipe is longer than or equal to the balancing element.

[0017] Advantageously, the compensating element is of tubular or solid design.

[0018] Advantageously, the adapter line comprises a flexible adapter hose, which extends at least partially within the shell, wherein the adapter hose is sleeved on the liquid feed pipe with its front end, or the adapter hose is connected to the liquid feed pipe and the tubular balancing piece at the same time with its front end via a three-way joint.

[0019] Advantageously, a clamping block for fixing the front end of the power cord is provided in the housing, and a groove is provided on the circumferential surface of the clamping block, and the adapter hose extends over the clamping block in the groove.

[0020] Advantageously, the recess is surrounded laterally by the housing.

[0021] Advantageously, the groove is rounded at at least one end.

[0022] Advantageously, the housing is provided with a groove on its inner surface, and the adapter hose partially extends in the groove.

[0023] Advantageously, the adapter line comprises a straight connector assembly for connecting the adapter hose to the infusion tube fluid.

[0024] Advantageously, the straight connector assembly comprises a straight connector and a straight tube partially inserted therein, the straight tube is in fluid communication with a transfer hose, and the straight connector is in fluid communication with an infusion tube.

[0025] Advantageously, the straight connector has a cylindrical outer surface and is provided with a flange at its front end, and the front end of the infusion tube can be sleeved on the outer surface of the straight connector and abut against the flange.

[0026] Advantageously, the through-connector has a channel which successively includes a first space, a second space adjacent to the first space and having a smaller diameter than the first space, and a third space adjacent to the second space and having a smaller diameter than the second space, wherein the through-tube passes through the first space and the second space and stops with its end face on a step surface at the transition from the second space to the third space.

[0027] Advantageously, a glue receiving portion is formed in the first space between the through-pipe and the through-connector.

[0028] Advantageously, the passage comprises a truncated cone-shaped bell mouth open outward, and the first space is adjacent to the bell mouth.

[0029] Advantageously, the channel comprises a fourth space adjacent to the third space and having a diameter greater than the first space, the fourth space being open to the outside.

[0030] Advantageously, the straight connector is connected to the straight pipe by injection molding.

[0031] Advantageously, the straight-through connector assembly is connected to the power line via a heat shrink tube or adhesively connected.

[0032] Advantageously, the infusion tube is provided with a flow regulator.

[0033] Other objects, features and details of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the advantages of the respective embodiments and various other embodiments by reading the following detailed description of the respective embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings listed below. In addition, the individual features of the accompanying drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The sizes of the individual features and elements in the accompanying drawings may be enlarged or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the utility model. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1a A schematic side view showing a first embodiment of a surgical electrode assembly according to the present invention as a nasal endoscope electrode assembly is shown, which is partially cut away;

[0036] Figure 1b Show Figure 1a A schematic top view of a surgical electrode assembly in which the upper cover is omitted;

[0037] Figure 1c Show Figure 1a A schematic side view of an outer tube of a surgical electrode assembly;

[0038] Figure 2 Show Figure 1a A schematic three-dimensional view of the surgical electrode assembly in the region of the manipulator, wherein the upper cover is omitted;

[0039] Figure 3 Show Figure 1a A schematic enlarged view of a portion I of a surgical electrode assembly;

[0040] Figure 4 Show Figure 1a A schematic perspective view of a distal portion of a surgical electrode assembly in FIG. 1 , wherein two capillaries and two wires in the inner tube can be seen;

[0041] Figure 5a Show Figure 1a A schematic side view of a portion of an electrode and inner tube of a surgical electrode assembly;

[0042] Figure 5b Show Figure 5a A schematic top view of a portion of the electrode and inner tube in FIG.

[0043] Figure 5c Show Figure 5a A schematic end view of a portion of the electrode and inner tube in FIG.

[0044] Figure 5d Show Figure 5a A schematic cross-sectional view of the electrodes and the inner tube at the section line KK, where two opposing capillaries and two opposing electrodes can be seen;

[0045] Figure 6a Show Figure 1a A schematic perspective view of some components of the surgical electrode assembly in the area of ​​the manipulator;

[0046] Figure 6b Show Figure 6a A schematic stereoscopic view of the components of the apparatus as viewed from another angle, wherein the infusion tube at the rear end is omitted;

[0047] Figure 7 Show Figure 1a A schematic enlarged view of a part II of the surgical electrode assembly;

[0048] Figure 8a Show Figure 1a A schematic three-dimensional diagram of a card block of a surgical electrode assembly;

[0049] Figure 8b Show Figure 8a A schematic top view of a card block in FIG.

[0050] Figure 8c Show Figure 8b A schematic cross-sectional view of the card block at the section line HH;

[0051] Fig. 9 Show Figure 1a A schematic perspective view of some components of the surgical electrode assembly, wherein the lower shell is omitted;

[0052] Fig.10a Show Figure 1a A schematic bottom view of an upper shell of a surgical electrode assembly;

[0053] Fig.10b Show Fig.10a A schematic cross-sectional view of the upper shell at the section line LL;

[0054] Fig.11 Show Figure 1a A schematic enlarged view of a portion III of the surgical electrode assembly;

[0055] Fig.12 Show Figure 1a A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a through-connector assembly of a surgical electrode assembly;

[0056] Fig.13a A top view showing a distal portion of a second embodiment of a surgical electrode assembly according to the present invention as a ventriculoscope electrode assembly, wherein the upper cover is omitted; and

[0057] Fig.13b A side view showing a distal end portion of a surgical electrode assembly according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The various illustrative embodiments of the utility model are described below. In this specification, for the sake of explanation only, various systems, structures and devices are schematically depicted in the accompanying drawings, but all the features of the actual systems, structures and devices are not described, such as well-known functions or structures are not described in detail, so as to avoid unnecessary details that make the utility model unclear. Of course, it should be understood that in any practical application, many specific implementation decisions need to be made to achieve the specific goals of the developer or user, and system-related and industry-related restrictions need to be followed, and these specific goals may vary from practical application to practical application. In addition, it should be understood that such specific implementation decisions are complex and time-consuming, but this is a routine task for ordinary technicians in the field who benefit from this application.

[0059] The terms and phrases used herein should be understood and interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the understanding of such terms and phrases by those skilled in the relevant art. Consistent usage of a term or phrase herein is not intended to imply a special definition of the term or phrase, i.e., a definition that is different from the ordinary and customary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. For terms or phrases that are intended to have a special meaning, i.e., a meaning that is different from that understood by those skilled in the art, such special definition will be explicitly listed in the specification as a definition, directly and unambiguously giving the special definition of the term or phrase.

[0060] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "install", "connect", "couple", "connect", "fix" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0061] In the present invention, “distal” refers to a direction away from an operator when the surgical electrode assembly of the present invention is used, and “proximal” refers to a direction close to an operator when the surgical electrode assembly of the present invention is used.

[0062] Next, embodiments of the present utility model are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A first embodiment of a surgical electrode assembly according to the present invention is shown. The surgical electrode assembly is used in conjunction with a nasal cavity endoscope and is referred to herein as a nasal cavity endoscope electrode assembly 100 .

[0064] See also Figures 1a to 4 The nasal endoscope electrode assembly 100 mainly includes at its distal end: two electrodes 101, 102, an inner tube 106 fixed to the proximal ends of the electrodes 101, 102, two wires 103 electrically connected to the electrodes 101, 102 and located in the inner tube 106, two capillaries 104, 105 located in the inner tube 106, namely the capillary 104 as a liquid feeding tube and the capillary 105 as a balance piece, and an outer tube 107 sleeved on the inner tube 106. The nasal endoscope electrode assembly 100 mainly includes at its proximal end a manipulation device 108 connected to the inner tube 106 and the outer tube 107, and the outer tube 107 can be moved longitudinally relative to the inner tube 106 by actuating the manipulation device 108. In addition, the wire 103 is connected to a power source, such as a high-frequency electric knife, through a power cord 109. The capillary 104 is connected to the infusion tube 110 through a switching assembly.

[0065] Next, the specific composition and connection method of each component are explained in detail.

[0066] See also Figure 3 and Figure 5a The distal portion 113 of the electrodes 101 and 102 is a tip for operation, and the shape of the tip is designed to be curved upward, thereby reducing the obstruction of the visual field during the operation and facilitating the accurate clamping of the target tissue of the human body. In other embodiments, the shape of the tip can also be designed to be curved downward or straight. The tips of the electrodes 101 and 102 are respectively provided with clamping surfaces for clamping the target tissue of the human body on the opposite inner sides. In order to reduce or avoid the adhesion of the electrode tip to the target tissue of the human body during the operation, the electrode tip can be treated to prevent electrocoagulation adhesion.

[0067] The proximal portion 114 of the electrodes 101, 102 is curved (see Figure 5b ) and are respectively provided with insulating electrode sleeves 111, 112 (see Figure 5d The clamping surface of the distal tip of the electrode forms a step on the transition portion to the proximal portion 114 of the electrode to prevent the electrode sleeves 111 and 112 on the proximal portion 114 from contacting each other during the closing process of the electrodes 101 and 102 and interfering with the clamping surface clamping the target human tissue.

[0068] The proximal ends of the electrodes 101 and 102 are fixed to the inner tube 106. An opening (not shown, the opening may be a circular, oval or rectangular opening, for example) for filling an adhesive (e.g., epoxy resin adhesive) may be provided on the inner tube 106. The adhesive is used to fix the proximal ends of the electrodes 101 and 102 (together with the adjacent wires 103 and capillaries 104 and 105) in the inner tube 106, thereby preventing the electrodes 101 and 102 from moving in the inner tube 106. In addition, the inner tube 106 may be subjected to an extrusion process or a rib pressing process using a specific tool at the electrode portion extending into the inner tube 106, thereby pressing the inner tube 106 and the electrodes 101 and 102 together, thereby further ensuring the fixation of the electrodes 101 and 102 to the inner tube 106. Therefore, the fixing of the inner tube 106 to the electrodes 101, 102 can be carried out as follows, that is, first, the inner tube 106 is squeezed at the electrodes 101, 102 extending into the inner tube 106, so that the inner tube 106 and the electrodes 101, 102 are positively locked together, and then the electrodes 101, 102 and the inner tube 106 are further materially fixed by injecting an adhesive into the inner tube 106.

[0069] For the above-mentioned extrusion process of the inner tube 106, see Figure 5a to Figure 5d The tool is used to simultaneously squeeze the electrodes 101 and 102 from both sides in the width direction toward the center, thereby forming two concave portions 115 opposite to each other about the longitudinal axis of the inner tube on the inner tube 106, and the tube wall of the inner tube 106 forms a roughly dumbbell-shaped structure here. The two electrodes 101 and 102 are symmetrically constrained in two symmetrically large spaces of the dumbbell-shaped structure about the longitudinal axis of the inner tube.

[0070] The electrode assembly of the utility model is equipped with a dripping device, which can be used to feed liquid, such as anti-adhesion liquid (such as physiological saline) to the electrode tip when electrocoagulating and stopping bleeding on tissue, so as to prevent adhesion between the clamping surface and the tissue during the electrocoagulation process. The dripping device can include a capillary 104 as a liquid feeding tube, and the capillary 104 can be made of metal, such as stainless steel, and of course it is conceivable that it can be made of other suitable materials. The capillary 104 can be arranged in the inner tube 106, and its distal end face is substantially flush with the distal end face of the inner tube 106, so that liquid can be dripped toward the clamping surface of the electrodes 101, 102.

[0071] During the above-mentioned extrusion process of the inner tube 106, it is important to always maintain the parallelism of the two electrodes 101, 102. Here, the parallelism of the proximal portions 114 of the two electrodes 101, 102 in the inner tube 106 also determines the parallelism of the clamping surfaces of the tips of the distal portions 113 of the two electrodes 101, 102, or in other words, the parallelism of the two is always consistent. If the two clamping surfaces are not parallel to each other, the tissue cannot be clamped uniformly and comprehensively when clamping the tissue, which reduces the hemostatic effect.

[0072] However, the applicant has found in production practice that after the two electrodes 101, 102 and the capillary 104 are inserted into the inner tube 106, the electrode sleeves 111, 112 of the two electrodes 101, 102 have been pressed against each other, while the capillary 104 can only be located at one corner in the width direction of the electrodes 101, 102, and abut against the two electrodes 101, 102 (or their electrode sleeves 111, 112) and the inner surface of the inner tube 106. When the above-mentioned extrusion process is then performed, the inner tube wall on both sides in the width direction of the two electrodes 101, 102 is pressed against each other, at which time, the inner tube wall on the side with the capillary 104 will press the capillary 104 toward the center, and at the same time, the capillary 104 will press the two electrodes 101, 102 away from each other on the side where the capillary 104 is located, which will cause the two electrodes 101, 102 to lose parallelism due to the extrusion process, that is, tilt against each other, which leads to the above-mentioned undesirable situation.

[0073] After research and practice, the applicant proposed that in order to maintain the parallelism of the two electrodes 101 and 102 during the extrusion process, a balancing piece be provided for the capillary 104 serving as the liquid feed tube to balance the lateral extrusion force of the capillary 104 on the two electrodes 101 and 102 during the extrusion process. To this end, the balancing piece has the same diameter as the liquid feed tube and is arranged symmetrically with the liquid feed tube about the longitudinal axis of the inner tube. The balancing piece is configured as a capillary 105 here, which has the same structure as the capillary 104, but the two extend to different positions toward the proximal end, that is, they have different lengths. The capillary 105 can be made of metal, such as stainless steel, like the capillary 104, but it is also conceivable that it can be made of other suitable materials. In combination Figure 2 and Figure 6a to Figure 6b , the capillary 104 extends toward the proximal side through the inner tube 106, while the capillary 105 as the balancing piece only extends to the proximal end of the inner tube 106, that is, the proximal ends of the two are aligned or the former is slightly in front of or behind the latter. In addition to being tubular, the balancing piece can also be solid, as long as its diameter is the same as that of the capillary 104.

[0074] Based on the existence of the capillary 105 as a balance piece, the inner tube 106 can apply pressure to the capillary 104 and the capillary 105 at both sides evenly, and the capillary 104 and the capillary 105 simultaneously apply a squeezing force transverse to the width direction to the two electrodes 101 and 102 at both sides in the width direction of the electrodes 101 and 102, and these two squeezing forces keep the two electrodes 101 and 102 or their two roughly rectangular cross-sections parallel and away from each other until Figure 5d Schematically illustrated state. Here, the liquid feed tube and the balancing element are located between two formed recesses 115 and between two parallel electrodes 101 , 102 .

[0075] See also Figure 3 , the outer tube 107 is sleeved on the inner tube 106, and the electrodes 101 and 102 can move radially away from each other to enter the first position or radially approach each other to enter the second position by the outer tube 107 moving longitudinally relative to the inner tube 106. Specifically, the electrodes 101 and 102 are fixedly connected to the distal end of the inner tube 106, and when the outer tube 107 moves distally relative to the inner tube 106, the proximal portions 114 of the electrodes 101 and 102 are more constrained in the outer tube 107, so that the electrodes 101 and 102 are radially close to each other; when the outer tube 107 moves proximally relative to the inner tube 106, the electrodes 101 and 102 are more exposed from the outer tube 107, so that the electrodes 101 and 102 are radially separated from each other based on their own elasticity.

[0076] See also Figure 1a to Figure 1c In order to reduce the friction between the distal end of the outer tube 107 and the outer sides of the electrode sleeves 111 and 112 of the electrodes 101 and 102, the distal opening of the outer tube 107 may be configured with an outward flange, which is smooth at least at the contact portion with the electrode sleeves 111 and 112, thereby reducing the wear of the distal end of the outer tube 107 on the outer sides of the electrode sleeves 111 and 112. In some embodiments, the distal opening of the outer tube 107 may be configured with an outer roll, that is, the end surface of the outer tube is rolled back at least 180 degrees or even 360 degrees.

[0077] The outer diameter of the outer tube 107 is 1.5 to 3.5 mm, which is only 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 of the distance between the two blades of the common bipolar electrocoagulation forceps, and the length of the outer tube can reach more than 350 mm. In addition, the electrodes 101 and 102 are also thinner, and their average thickness is only 1 / 2 to 2 / 3 of the distal part of the tip of the common electrocoagulation forceps. Therefore, the nasal endoscope electrode assembly according to the utility model is more suitable for deep surgical treatment of small passages through the nose.

[0078] In order to facilitate the introduction of the nasal endoscopic electrode assembly into the human body through the nose, based on the curvature of the internal passage of the nasal cavity, the inner tube 106 has an inner tube proximal portion located at the proximal end, an inner tube distal portion located at the distal end, and an inner tube bent portion located between the inner tube proximal portion and the inner tube distal portion, and the inner tube bent portion has a certain curvature, so that the inner tube distal portion and the inner tube proximal portion are arranged at an angle to each other, and the outer tube 107 has an outer tube proximal portion 116 located at the proximal end, an outer tube distal portion 117 located at the distal end, and an outer tube connecting portion 118 with a bending portion located between the outer tube proximal portion 116 and the outer tube distal portion 117.

[0079] When the inner tube 106 and the outer tube 107 with different diameters are bent at the same time, the bending curvatures of the inner tube 106 and the outer tube 107 will be slightly different, so that the convex side of the outer tube 107 will be pressed against the convex side of the inner tube 106, thereby generating significantly increased friction during the longitudinal relative movement, and even causing the inner tube 106 and the outer tube 107 to be unable to move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction due to getting stuck. Therefore, in order to reduce friction, especially friction generated in the convex side contact area of ​​the inner tube 106 and the outer tube 107 when the inner tube 106 and the outer tube 107 move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, an opening 119 can be provided on at least the convex side of the outer tube connecting portion 118 of the outer tube 107.

[0080] The size of the opening 119 is designed so that the widest part of the inner tube 106 can leave the opening 119 without scraping the edge of the opening 119, thereby minimizing the friction between the inner tube 106 and the outer tube 107 when the inner tube 106 and the outer tube 107 move relative to each other. When the operating device 108 is operated to make the inner tube 106 and the outer tube 107 move relative to each other, the longitudinal and circumferential dimensions of the opening are sufficient to allow the inner tube curved portion of the inner tube 106 to smoothly move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction between the outer tube proximal portion 116 and the outer tube distal portion 117 of the outer tube 107 without interfering with the outer tube proximal portion 116 and the outer tube distal portion 117 of the outer tube 107.

[0081] Observing toward the cross section of the outer tube, the opening 119 of the outer tube connection part 118 occupies approximately one-half of the circumference of the outer tube and exposes the convex side of the inner tube curved part instead of the concave side, which greatly reduces the contact area of ​​the inner tube 106 and the outer tube 107 where friction is most likely to occur. In other words, observing toward the cross section of the outer tube, the arc length of the outer tube part left at the opening 119 is approximately one-half of the circumference of the outer tube. The proportion "one-half" is only one embodiment of the utility model. Of course, the opening 119 can be designed to occupy more than one-half or less than one-half of the circumference of the outer tube according to actual needs, as long as the opening 119 can achieve: the inner tube curved part of the inner tube 106 smoothly moves relative to each other in the longitudinal direction between the outer tube proximal part 116 and the outer tube distal part 117 of the outer tube without interfering with the outer tube proximal part 116 and the outer tube distal part 117 of the outer tube. Of course, whether to expose the convex side or the concave side of the inner tube curved part can also be selected accordingly according to the actual application situation in the spirit of minimizing friction. In the example shown, the opening 119 may extend to only a small distance from the manipulator 108. In some embodiments, the distance is less than 1 cm, preferably less than 0.5 cm.

[0082] In some embodiments, the circumferential length of the outer tube connection portion 118 of the outer tube 107 at the location where the opening 119 is provided is less than or equal to half of the circumference of the outer tube 107, thereby further ensuring that no large friction occurs when the inner tube 106 and the outer tube 107 move relative to each other. The outer tube connection portion 118 of the outer tube 107 is at least partially spaced apart from the inner tube curved portion of the inner tube 106 when the inner tube 106 and the outer tube 107 move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, thereby reducing friction when the inner tube 106 and the outer tube 107 move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0083] When in use, the distal edge and the proximal edge of the opening 119 should always be at a certain distance from the apex of the inner tube bending portion of the inner tube 106. The distance is designed so that the distal edge and the proximal edge of the opening 119 are not likely to or will not contact the target human tissue when the electrode assembly is used, thereby reducing or eliminating the possibility of the distal edge and the proximal edge of the opening 119 scratching the target human tissue during surgery.

[0084] In some embodiments, the distal and proximal edges of the opening 119 are curled inward or wrapped with suitable materials to significantly reduce their sharpness to ensure that the distal and proximal edges of the opening 119 do not scratch the target human tissue when they come into contact with the target human tissue during surgery.

[0085] In some embodiments, the outer tube connection portion 118 is a separately manufactured component from the outer tube distal portion 116 and / or the outer tube proximal portion 117, and the outer tube connection portion 118 is fixedly connected to the outer tube distal portion 116 and / or the outer tube proximal portion 117 in the installed state. The outer tube connection portion 118 can be, for example, a rod or a plate with a curved portion. The outer tube connection portion 118 is used to transmit force from the operating device 108 to the outer tube distal portion 117 of the outer tube 107 while generating as little friction as possible, thereby achieving the desired longitudinal relative movement between the inner tube 106 and the outer tube 107. The outer tube connection portion 118 is fixedly connected to the outer tube distal portion 117 and the outer tube proximal connection portion 116 of the outer tube 107, for example, by riveting, threading, welding and / or bonding. In some embodiments, the outer tube connection portion 118 extends around all or part of the circumference of the inner tube curved portion of the inner tube 106.

[0086] Advantageously, the inner tube bending portion of the inner tube 106 and the outer tube connecting portion 118 of the outer tube 107 are made of flexible materials, and the degree of curvature of the inner tube bending portion and the degree of curvature of the outer tube connecting portion 118 can be changed simultaneously. The degree of curvature of the inner tube bending portion and the degree of curvature of the outer tube connecting portion 118 are changed between 10° and 60°. It has been proved very advantageous after many tests that the degree of curvature of the inner tube bending portion and the degree of curvature of the outer tube connecting portion 118 are changed between 30° and 40°. Thus, the degree of curvature of the nasal endoscope electrode assembly can be adjusted according to the actual needs of different surgeries and other instruments used together.

[0087] See also Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 2 The operating device 108 can be held by an operator to achieve longitudinal relative movement of the inner tube 106 and the outer tube 107. The operating device 108 includes a housing and an actuating mechanism at least partially disposed in the housing.

[0088] The housing of the operating device 108 includes an upper housing 120 and a lower housing 121. The two-piece housing can be manufactured simply and at low cost. The upper housing 120 and the lower housing 121 can be molded or manufactured by an additive manufacturing method (3D printing method).

[0089] The upper shell 120 and the lower shell 121 are fixed at the front end with a front screw cover 122 and at the rear end with a rear screw cover 123. For this purpose, the upper shell 120 and the lower shell 121 are respectively formed with threads at the front end and the rear end, and the threaded connection can realize a more reliable fastening of the upper shell 120 and the lower shell 121 using the front screw cover 122 and the rear screw cover 123. Of course, other connection methods can be set here to fix the upper shell 120 and the lower shell 121, such as clamp connection, connection with the help of screws or rivets, etc. The upper shell 120 and the lower shell 121 can be connected in the middle by an internal buckle or a clamp on the periphery or a threaded connection or riveting. Connecting in the middle can also achieve reliable prevention of the undesirable separation of the elongated upper and lower shells 120 and 121 in the middle.

[0090] Depend on Figure 1b and Figure 2 It can be seen that the housing includes a fixing block 125 for fixing the inner tube 106 in the housing. The fixing block 125 is locked in the housing, and therefore the fixing block 125 and the inner tube 106 cannot move relative to the housing.

[0091] Depend on Figure 2It can be seen that the actuating mechanism includes a crank device and a slider device 126 and a coil spring 127 that cooperate with the crank device. The crank device includes a crank 128 and a connecting rod 129. Instead of the coil spring 127, other suitable damping devices, such as a hollow elastic body, etc., can also be used. When the crank 128 is pressed, the slider device 126 can overcome the elastic force of the coil spring 127 and move to the distal side. When the crank 128 is released, the slider device 126 can move to the proximal side under the elastic force of the coil spring 127.

[0092] Depend on Figure 2 It can be seen that a crank 128 and a connecting rod 129 are respectively arranged at the junction of the upper shell 120 and the lower shell 121 on both sides of the shell. The two cranks 128 are pivotally connected to the cylinder 130 protruding from the lower shell 121 at their proximal ends. The proximal ends of the two connecting rods 129 are pivotally connected to the distal ends of the cranks 128, respectively, and the distal ends of the two connecting rods 129 are pivotally connected to the protrusions 131 on both sides of a common slider device 126. The slider device 126 is directly fixedly connected to the outer tube 107, so that the outer tube 107 can move in the longitudinal direction when the slider device 126 moves.

[0093] See also Figure 2 The fixing block 125 is located between the slider device 126 and the column 130, and the slider device 126 is arranged at a certain distance far from the fixing block 125 and is hollow. The inner tube 106 extends from far to near through the slider device 126 and the proximal end of the inner tube 106 is fixed in the fixing block 125.

[0094] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the inner tube 106 extends into and passes through the longitudinal through hole (not shown) of the fixing block 125 and is fastened in the longitudinal through hole by the fastening element 132. Starting from the outer circumference of the fixing block 125, preferably perpendicular to the inner tube 106, a lateral through hole (not shown) is formed, which extends to the longitudinal through hole of the fixing block 125. The fastening element 132 can be introduced into the lateral through hole from the outside and pressed against the inner tube 106. The fastening element is, for example, a fastening screw or a rivet.

[0095] See also Figure 2 , the proximal end of the outer tube 107 is fixed on the slider device 126. In order to fix the outer tube 107 to the slider device 126, the proximal end opening of the outer tube 107 is formed with a flange 133 (see Figure 1c ), the slider device 126 is provided with a groove 134 on its inner circumference corresponding to the proximal opening flange 133 of the outer tube 107 (see Figure 6b ), so that the proximal end of the outer tube 107 can be fixed in the slider device 126 in a form-fitting manner.

[0096] A guide portion 135 is provided on the slider device 126 (see Figure 6b), a matching guide portion 136 for cooperating with the guide portion 135 is provided on the inner circumference of the housing (see Fig.10a ). The movement of the slider device 126 can be limited to linear movement through the cooperation of the guide portion 135 and the matching guide portion 136. Figure 6b The guide portion 135 is four vertically opposed guide pieces protruding from the proximal side of the slider device 126 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the slider device 126. The matching guide portion 136 is protruding from the inner circumference of the lower shell 121 (not shown) and the inner circumference of the upper shell 120 (see Fig.10a ) and extending parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing. In the installed state, the guide pieces of the slider device 126 are respectively abutted against the inner side of the matching guide pieces in the housing. Stoppers that can be abutted by the ends of the guide pieces are respectively provided between the matching guide pieces at both ends of the two matching guide pieces, and the maximum sliding distance of the slider device 126 is limited by the stoppers.

[0097] See also Figure 6b The distal portion of the slider device 126 is cylindrical and forms a shoulder 137 with the proximal portion, so that the coil spring 127 can be sleeved on the cylindrical distal portion of the slider device 126 and abut against the shoulder 137 at the proximal end. Figure 2 The distal end of the coil spring 127 abuts against an annular flange 138 protruding from the inner circumference of the housing.

[0098] When the cranks 128 on both sides are pinched, the two connecting rods 129 push the slider device 126 to drive the outer tube 107 to move distally, and the outer tube 107 then pushes the two electrodes 101 and 102 to achieve a clamping action. When the hand is released, the rebound elastic force of the spring 127 is directly applied to the slider device 126 to return it to its original position, and the slider device 126 pushes the two cranks 128 back to their initial state, while the two electrodes 101 and 102 open again due to their own elasticity. In this way, the electrodes 101 and 102 can move closer to and farther from each other.

[0099] Depend on Figure 2 It can be seen that the column 130 protruding from the inner periphery of the shell is located on the central axis of the lower shell 121 and has a groove extending from the top of the column 130 toward the bottom of the column in the middle, and the wire 103 connected to the electrodes 101 and 102 can pass through the groove. Fig.10a It can be seen that a corresponding column 170 protrudes from the inner periphery of the upper shell 120 on the central axis of the upper shell 120. In the installed state, the free end of the corresponding column 137 abuts against the free end of the column 130, thereby preventing the wire 103 from moving out of the groove of the column 130 and also playing the role of positioning the upper shell 120 and the lower shell 121 during installation.

[0100] Depend on Figure 2It can be seen that the crank 128 is designed as an elongated pressing handle and is designed to be so narrow that the middle finger will not be clamped when the two cranks 128 are pressed with the thumb and index finger, thereby greatly improving the safety and convenience of operation. An anti-slip structure, such as a convex-concave structure, can be provided on the pressing surface of the crank 128.

[0101] Depend on Figure 1b and Figure 2 It can be seen that in the housing, a clamping block 137 is provided between the column 130 and the rear screw cover 123 near the rear screw cover 123. The clamping block 137 is integrally formed with the power cord passing through the middle, and the clamping block 137 is clamped in a corresponding clamping groove in the housing, thereby reliably fixing the front end of the power cord 109 in the housing. On the left side of the clamping block 137, the conductor of the wire 103 is welded with the conductor of the power cord 109, thereby achieving electrical connection between them.

[0102] See also Figure 6a and Figure 6b The proximal end of the capillary tube 104 of the dripping device as a liquid feeding tube extends to a certain distance far from the block 137. In order to fluidly connect the capillary tube 104 and the infusion tube 110 extending behind the outside of the manipulation device 108 and as a part of the dripping device, the dripping device may further include a transfer line.

[0103] See also Figures 6a to 12 The transfer line may include a soft transfer hose 139 and a straight connector assembly 143 connected to the transfer hose 139. Figure 6a , Figure 6b and Figure 7 The adapter hose 139 is mounted on the capillary tube 104 with its distal end to communicate with the fluid, and continues to extend proximally beyond the block 137. For this purpose, see Figures 8a to 8c A groove 140 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the block is provided on the circumferential surface of the block 137. The groove 140 is open at both ends and laterally toward the housing, in this case, the upper shell 120. The adapter hose 139 can be at least partially inserted into the groove 140, thereby being constrained laterally or radially by the upper shell 120 and the groove 140. In order to prevent the adapter hose 139 from being blocked at both ends of the groove 140 due to bending, a rounded portion 141 is provided at the front and rear ends of the groove 140. Fig. 9 , Fig.10a and Fig.10b After passing through the block 137, the adapter hose 139 continues to extend through the connecting portion 124 of the upper shell 120 with a smaller diameter that is screwed to the rear screw cover 123. To this end, a groove 142 may be provided on the inner side of the connecting portion 124, and the adapter hose 139 may be inserted into the groove 142 for better positioning. Figure 7The rear screw cover 123 is eccentrically provided with an outlet hole at its bottom to allow the adapter hose 139 to extend out of the housing.

[0104] See also Fig. 9 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 The straight connector assembly 143 may include a straight tube, which is configured as a capillary tube 150, and a straight connector 144 connected to the capillary tube 150. The capillary tube 150 may be inserted into the proximal end of the adapter hose 139 at its front end (left end), and inserted into the straight connector 144 at its rear end (right end). The capillary tube 150 may be made of metal, such as stainless steel, and may also be made of other suitable materials. Fig.12 , the straight connector 144 may have a cylindrical outer surface and a flange 155 at its front end. Fig.11 The front end of the infusion tube 110 can be sleeved on the outer surface of the straight connector 144 and the front end surface thereof abuts against the flange 155. Figure 1a and Figure 1b The infusion tube 110 has a flow regulator 152, through which the infusion tube 110 can be opened and closed or the flow rate of the physiological saline can be adjusted. Fig.12 The straight connector 144 has a central channel, which may include, from the front end to the rear end, a truncated cone-shaped bell mouth 145; a first cylindrical space 146 adjacent to the bell mouth 145; a second cylindrical space 147 adjacent to the first cylindrical space 146 and having a smaller diameter than the bell mouth 145; a third cylindrical space 148 adjacent to the second cylindrical space 147 and having a smaller diameter than the first cylindrical space 146; and a fourth cylindrical space 149 adjacent to the third cylindrical space 148 and having a larger diameter than the first cylindrical space 146. The fourth cylindrical space 149 may be directly connected to the fluid of the infusion tube 110, so its larger diameter is conducive to smoothly receiving the liquid flow from the infusion tube 110. The outer diameter of the capillary tube 150 may be equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the second cylindrical space 147 and larger than the diameter of the third cylindrical space 148, thus, see Fig.12The capillary 150 can be inserted into the second cylindrical space 147 to be radially constrained by it, and its rear end face stops on the step surface transitioning from the second cylindrical space 147 to the third cylindrical space 148 to be axially constrained by it. A glue receiving portion 151 is formed between the outer surface of the capillary 150 and the inner surface of the straight joint defining the first cylindrical space 146. Glue can be easily injected into the glue receiving portion 151 through the bell mouth 145, for example, when the straight joint assembly 143 is placed vertically, so as to glue the capillary 150 and the straight joint 144 to each other. Of course, in addition to the glue connection of the capillary 150 and the straight joint 144, the two can also be connected by injection molding, that is, the plastic straight joint 144 is injection molded on the capillary 150. Thus, the fluid communication between the transfer hose 139 and the infusion tube 110 can be achieved through the specially designed straight joint assembly 143.

[0105] In the present embodiment, the capillary 105 as a balancing piece is only used for the balancing function, and is not responsible for feeding liquid to the electrodes 101 and 102. Therefore, the capillary 105 is not connected to the adapter hose 139 at its proximal end, but exists as a "broken tube". In other embodiments, the balancing piece or the capillary 105 can be configured to not only be used for the balancing function, but also be responsible for feeding liquid to the electrodes 101 and 102 like the capillary 104. For this purpose, the adapter hose 139 can be connected to the capillary 104 and the capillary 105 at the distal end, for example, via a three-way connector, so as to supply liquid to both at the same time. At this time, the positions to which the capillary 104 and the capillary 105 extend to the proximal end can be substantially the same.

[0106] The nasal cavity mirror electrode assembly in this embodiment has the following advantages, for example: the surgical electrode assembly ensures that sufficient actuation force including reset force is provided, is more ergonomic, greatly improves the operational sensitivity of the surgical electrode assembly, and thus greatly improves the surgical efficiency, safety and operational comfort. The setting of the curved tube can greatly improve the convenience of the nasal cavity mirror electrode assembly when it is introduced into the human body through the nose and during the operation, and reduces the undesirable contact or even scratching of the nasal cavity mirror electrode assembly with the human tissue in the nasal passage during the operation, and based on the bending, the handle part of the electrode assembly will not interfere with the instruments used at the same time, such as the aspirator. The adjustability of the bending degree can better adapt the nasal cavity mirror electrode assembly to different surgical needs and to other instruments used at the same time so that they do not interfere. In addition, by providing an opening on the connecting part of the outer tube or replacing the connecting part of the outer tube with a connecting element, the large friction force or even jamming when the inner tube and the outer tube move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction when the bending degree is large is greatly reduced, thereby greatly improving the operational sensitivity and accuracy of the nasal cavity mirror electrode assembly during the operation, and these advantages are crucial for the successful completion of the operation. The addition of a drip device prevents electrocoagulation adhesion between the electrode and the tissue during electrocoagulation surgery.

[0107] Fig.13a and Fig.13b The distal end portion of the second embodiment of the surgical electrode assembly is schematically shown. The surgical electrode assembly can be used in conjunction with a ventriculoscope, and is referred to herein as a ventriculoscope electrode assembly 200. The components such as the operating device and the dripping device in this embodiment are basically the same as those in the embodiment of the nasal cavity endoscope electrode assembly 100. Please refer to the relevant description of the operating device and the dripping device of the nasal cavity endoscope electrode assembly 100 in the previous embodiment, which will not be repeated here. It can be seen that the difference from the previous embodiment is that in this embodiment, the inner tube and the outer tube 207 are straight and thinner, the electrodes 201 and 202 are also thinner and shorter, and the electrode tip is straight. Of course, the electrode tip can also be bent up or down as needed.

[0108] In addition, it is conceivable that the dripping device of the present invention can also be provided to similar surgical electrode assemblies other than the above-mentioned embodiments, so as to increase the dripping function therefor and avoid electrocoagulation adhesion between the electrode and the tissue.

[0109] The present invention may include any feature or feature combination or generalization disclosed implicitly or explicitly, and is not limited to any of the limited scopes listed above. Any of the elements, features and / or structural arrangements described above may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0110] The specific embodiments disclosed above are exemplary only, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art who benefit from the teachings herein that the present invention can be modified and implemented in different but equivalent ways. Obviously, the specific embodiments disclosed above can be changed and modified, and all these variations are considered to fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A surgical electrode assembly, the electrode assembly having a distal end further away from an operator when in use and a proximal end closer to an operator when in use, characterized in that: The electrode assembly comprises: An electrode device, the electrode device is disposed at a distal end of the electrode assembly, the electrode device comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode are movable between a first position away from each other and a second position close to each other; A manipulator, the manipulator being disposed at the proximal end of the electrode assembly and used for manipulating the operation of the electrode assembly, the manipulator comprising a housing and an actuating mechanism at least partially disposed within the housing; an electrode driving device, the electrode driving device being arranged between the manipulation device and the electrode device, and being used for driving the first electrode and the second electrode of the electrode device to move between the first position and the second position under the action of the manipulation device, wherein the electrode driving device comprises an inner tube and an outer tube capable of relatively moving in the longitudinal direction by means of the actuating mechanism, the distal end of the inner tube being connected to the proximal ends of the first electrode and the second electrode, the outer tube being sleeved on the inner tube and the distal end of the outer tube being capable of abutting against the first electrode and the second electrode; and A dripping device, comprising a liquid feeding tube, which is at least partially arranged in the inner tube and is open with its distal end opening toward the electrode device to feed liquid thereto, the dripping device comprises an infusion tube, which at least partially extends outside the shell and can obtain liquid from the outside via the infusion tube, and the dripping device comprises a transfer tube, which can connect the liquid feeding tube and the infusion tube to each other fluidically.

2. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein: An elongated balancing piece is arranged in the inner tube, and the balancing piece and the liquid feeding tube are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the inner tube.

3. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The inner tube is formed with at least two symmetrical recesses, and the tube walls of the inner tube at the two recesses are pressed against the liquid feeding tube and the balancing piece respectively.

4. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The liquid feed pipe and the balance are at least partially arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively.

5. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The liquid feed pipe and the balancing piece have the same diameter.

6. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The liquid feeding pipe is longer than or equal to the balancing member.

7. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The compensating element can be tubular or solid.

8. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The adapter line includes a flexible adapter hose, which extends at least partially within the shell, wherein the adapter hose is sleeved on the liquid feed pipe at its front end, or the adapter hose is connected to the liquid feed pipe and the tubular balancing piece at the same time via a three-way joint.

9. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 8, wherein: A clamping block for fixing the front end of the power line is arranged in the shell, and a groove is arranged on the peripheral surface of the clamping block, and the adapter hose extends over the clamping block in the groove.

10. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The recess is surrounded laterally by the housing.

11. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The groove is rounded at at least one end.

12. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The housing is provided with a groove on its inner surface, and the adapter hose partially extends in the groove.

13. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The transfer line comprises a straight connector assembly for connecting the transfer hose to the infusion tube fluid.

14. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The straight connector assembly comprises a straight connector and a straight tube partially inserted therein, wherein the straight tube is in fluid communication with a transfer hose, and the straight connector is in fluid communication with an infusion tube.

15. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The straight-through connector has a cylindrical outer surface and is provided with a flange at its front end. The front end of the infusion tube can be sleeved on the outer surface of the straight-through connector and abut against the flange.

16. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The straight-through connector has a channel, which successively includes a first space, a second space adjacent to the first space and having a smaller diameter than the first space, and a third space adjacent to the second space and having a smaller diameter than the second space, wherein the straight-through pipe passes through the first space and the second space and stops with its end face on a step surface that transitions from the second space to the third space.

17. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 16, wherein: A glue receiving portion is formed between the straight pipe and the straight connector in the first space.

18. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 17, wherein: The passage includes a truncated cone-shaped bell mouth that is open outward, and the first space is adjacent to the bell mouth.

19. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 16, wherein: The channel includes a fourth space adjacent to the third space and having a diameter greater than the first space, and the fourth space is open to the outside.

20. The surgical electrode assembly of claim 14, wherein: The straight-through joint is connected to the straight-through pipe by injection molding.

21. The surgical electrode assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The straight-through connector assembly is connected to the power line via a heat shrink tube or adhesively.

22. The surgical electrode assembly of claim 1, wherein: The infusion tube is provided with a flow regulator.

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