Rigid-flexible combined endoscope

Abstract

The utility model provides a rigid-flexible combined type endoscope, which relates to the field of medical instruments and comprises an endoscope component, a flexible section and a flexible section, the endoscope assembly is arranged in an inner cavity of the hard outer sheath in a penetrating mode. The hard sheath is detachably connected to the endoscope assembly, and the hard sheath and the endoscope assembly are matched to form fluid sealing. The control mechanism is linked with the bendable section and is used for controlling the bendable section to deform; when the endoscope assembly is fixedly connected with the hard sheath, the endoscope assembly and the hard sheath are combined to form a rigid nephroscope operation unit. When the endoscope assembly is separated from the hard sheath, the bendable section relieves rigid constraint and is in a freely bendable state. The disposable endoscope assembly and the detachable hard sheath are modularly combined, the bendable section at the front end of the disposable endoscope assembly breaks through the rigid limitation of a traditional disposable nephroscope, can actively reach a complex renal calyx and can be converted into a rigid operation unit in combination with the sheath, and the scheme realizes the unification of infection control and operation flexibility under the condition that the cost is controllable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to a rigid-flexible combined endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] A percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a procedure where doctors insert a small tube through a tiny opening in the patient's lower back to examine and operate on the kidney. It acts like a thin probe, used to treat conditions such as kidney stones. Traditionally, this probe was made of metal and required repeated sterilization.

[0003] Currently, existing nephroscopes are mainly divided into two categories: one is the reusable rigid percutaneous nephroscope, whose endoscope component is an inflexible rigid metal tube. The other is the disposable nephroscope, but most of these products also adopt a simple rigid straight tube design in order to control costs.

[0004] The aforementioned existing technologies have significant limitations. Reusable nephroscopes pose a risk of cross-infection and have high maintenance costs; while existing disposable nephroscopes, due to their generally rigid design, cannot flexibly adjust the tip angle during surgery, making it difficult to reach certain complex corners within the kidney, thus limiting their application in challenging cases. Therefore, there is an urgent clinical need for a disposable nephroscope that can both prevent infection and flexibly handle different anatomical structures. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by modularly combining a disposable endoscope assembly with a detachable rigid outer sheath. The endoscope assembly is disposable, eliminating cross-infection and requiring no maintenance. Its flexible front end overcomes the rigidity limitations of traditional disposable nephroscopes, enabling it to actively reach complex renal calyces. Combined with the outer sheath, it can be converted into a rigid operating unit. This solution achieves a balance between infection control and surgical flexibility while keeping costs under control.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model solves the problems of disposable nephroscopes being unable to be bent and infections from repeated use through the following technical solution.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A rigid-flexible combined endoscope, comprising:

[0009] Endoscope assembly with a flexible section;

[0010] A rigid outer sheath, in which the endoscope assembly passes through the inner cavity of the rigid outer sheath. The rigid outer sheath is detachably connected to the endoscope assembly, and the two cooperate to form a fluid seal;

[0011] A control mechanism, which is linked to the bendable section, is used to control its deformation;

[0012] When the endoscope assembly is fixedly connected to the rigid outer sheath, the two combine to form a rigid nephroscope operating unit; when the endoscope assembly is separated from the rigid outer sheath, the flexible section is released from rigid constraint and is in a freely flexible state.

[0013] Preferably, the endoscope assembly is for single use, and the endoscope assembly includes an operating part, a tube body, and the flexible section connected sequentially from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0014] Preferably, the control mechanism includes at least one knob disposed on the operating part, which controls the bending of the bendable section by pulling at least one traction line.

[0015] Preferably, the flexible segment is composed of multiple articulated rings that are hinged to each other.

[0016] Preferably, the endoscope assembly is made of a polymer material, and the rigid outer sheath is made of a biocompatible polyurethane material.

[0017] Preferably, the endoscope assembly is made of a lightweight alloy, and the rigid outer sheath is made of stainless steel.

[0018] Preferably, it further includes a connection structure disposed between the endoscope assembly and the rigid outer sheath for detachable connection of the two and maintaining fluid seal in the connected state. The connection structure includes a first connector disposed at the proximal end of the endoscope assembly and a second connector disposed at the proximal end of the rigid outer sheath, the first connector and the second connector cooperating with each other.

[0019] Preferably, the first connector and the second connector are provided with interlocking mating parts adapted to the connection structure, and the connection structure includes at least one of the following: threaded locking mechanism, snap-locking mechanism, rotary locking mechanism, magnetic connection mechanism and Luer tapered joint.

[0020] Preferably, the connection structure further includes a sealing member disposed at the junction of the first connector and the second connector.

[0021] Preferably, the rigid outer sheath is provided with a working channel.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] This application provides a rigid-flexible combined endoscope, which modularly combines a disposable endoscope component with a detachable rigid outer sheath. The endoscope component is disposable, eliminating cross-infection and eliminating maintenance. Its flexible front end overcomes the rigidity limitations of traditional disposable nephroscopes and can actively reach complex renal calyces. Combined with the outer sheath, it can be converted into a rigid operating unit. This solution achieves a balance between infection control and surgical flexibility while keeping costs under control. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bendable section of this utility model in a bent state;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the right-side cross-sectional structure of the bendable section of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the endoscope assembly of this utility model.

[0030] Figure number explanation: 1. Endoscope assembly; 11. Operating part; 12. Tube body; 13. Flexible section; 131. Joint ring; 2. Rigid outer sheath; 21. Working channel; 3. Connecting structure; 31. First connector; 311. Internal thread; 32. Second connector; 321. External thread; 33. Sealing component; 4. Control mechanism; 41. Traction line; 42. Knob. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] The following description is intended to disclose the present invention so that those skilled in the art can implement it. The preferred embodiments described below are merely examples, and other obvious modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The basic principles of the present invention defined in the following description can be used in other embodiments, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and other technical solutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0033] Those skilled in the art should understand that in the disclosure of this utility model, the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or position based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the purpose of simplifying the description of this utility model and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0034] It is understood that the term "a" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more", that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element can be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the element can be multiple, and the term "a" should not be understood as a limitation on the number.

[0035] Example: Please refer to Figures 1-5 A rigid-flexible combined endoscope includes: an endoscope assembly 1, which is disposable and has a flexible section 13 at its front end; a rigid outer sheath 2, in which the endoscope assembly 1 is detachably inserted; a connecting structure 3, disposed between the endoscope assembly 1 and the rigid outer sheath 2, for realizing rapid connection and separation of the two and fluid sealing in the connected state; and a control mechanism 4, which is linked to the flexible section 13 for controlling its active bending; wherein, when the endoscope assembly 1 and the rigid outer sheath 2 are fixedly connected by the connecting structure 3, the two combine to form a rigid nephroscope operating unit; when the endoscope assembly 1 is separated from the rigid outer sheath 2, it can be used as an independent flexible nephroscope.

[0036] The present application discloses a rigid-flexible combined endoscope, which is mainly composed of an endoscope assembly 1, a rigid outer sheath 2, a connecting structure 3, and a control mechanism 4.

[0037] Endoscope assembly 1 is the core of the entire instrument and is designed for single use. It comprises, from proximal to distal, an operating section 11, a tube body 12, and a flexible section 13. The entire endoscope assembly 1 is preferably made of high-strength, biocompatible medical polymer materials, such as polycarbonate or ABS, and is integrally molded or assembled in segments using injection molding to ensure low cost and single-use. Endoscope assembly 1 internally integrates mutually isolated illumination fiber optic channels, imaging fiber optic channels, and instrument working channels (not shown in the figure). To further optimize the passage of surgical instruments in a bent state, the inner wall of the instrument working channel may be lined with a low-friction coefficient polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material layer.

[0038] In this embodiment, the flexible segment 13 is hinged together by multiple articulated rings 131, forming a structure resembling a snake's belly. The control mechanism 4 includes at least one knob 42 disposed on the operating part 11 and a traction line 41 connected thereto. The distal end of the traction line 41 is fixed to the articulated ring 131 at the distal end of the flexible segment 13, and the proximal end is wound around the spool of the knob 42. By rotating the knob 42 clockwise or counterclockwise, the traction line 41 can be tightened or loosened, thereby pulling the flexible segment 13 to produce a controllable active bending in a specific direction, with a bending angle of more than 180° to adapt to the complex anatomical structure within the kidney.

[0039] The rigid outer sheath 2 is a straight, rigid tubular sheath made of a biocompatible material with sufficient rigidity, such as medical-grade polyurethane or polycarbonate. The rigid outer sheath 2 is provided with a working channel 21, the proximal end of which is provided with an irrigation interface for connecting external irrigation equipment to achieve perfusion and drainage during surgery, in order to maintain a clear surgical field and control intrarenal pressure.

[0040] The first connector 31 and the second connector 32 are provided with interlocking mating parts adapted to the connection structure. The connection structure 3 includes at least one of the following: threaded locking mechanism, snap-locking mechanism, rotary locking mechanism, magnetic connection mechanism and Luer tapered joint.

[0041] In this embodiment, the connection structure 3 includes a first connector 31 disposed at the proximal end of the operation part 11 of the endoscope assembly 1 and a second connector 32 disposed at the proximal end of the rigid outer sheath 2.

[0042] In this embodiment, the connection structure 3 can be a threaded connector. Specifically, the first connector 31 has an internal thread 311, and the second connector 32 has an external thread 321. A secure connection and separation with the rigid outer sheath 2 can be achieved by rotating the endoscope assembly 1. To achieve fluid sealing in the connected state and prevent leakage of the perfusion fluid, a sealing member 33 is provided at the connection joint. The sealing member 33 is an O-ring, which is located at the root of the internal thread 311 of the first connector 31 or the end of the external thread 321 of the second connector 32. When the connector is in the locked state, the sealing member 33 is compressed to achieve a fluid seal.

[0043] Another implementation differs from Embodiment 1 primarily in the materials and some structural elements, providing a higher-strength solution. The tube body 12 of the endoscope assembly 1 can be made of a lightweight medical alloy, such as aluminum alloy, to provide higher torsional strength. However, its flexible section 13 still needs to employ an articulated or flexible material structure to ensure bending functionality. The rigid outer sheath 2 is made of medical-grade stainless steel tubing, offering excellent rigidity. Furthermore, the specific structure of the flexible section 13 is not limited to an articulated ring; in other embodiments, laser-cut flexible metal tubing or polymer shape memory alloy tubing can also be used to achieve bending functionality.

[0044] Working principle:

[0045] When the surgery only requires exploration or treatment of stones located in tricky renal calyces, the rigid outer sheath 2 is not required. The surgeon directly holds the operating part 11 of the endoscope assembly 1 and enters the kidney through a percutaneous channel. By rotating the knob 42 of the control mechanism 4, the bending direction and angle of the flexible tip 13 are precisely controlled, enabling the tip of the endoscope assembly to actively search for stones, achieving comprehensive observation and precise surgery.

[0046] When surgery requires establishing a stable working channel, performing efficient lithotripsy, or removing larger stones, a combination of these components is necessary. The endoscope assembly 1 is fully inserted into the lumen of the rigid outer sheath 2, and the two are quickly locked together via the connecting structure 3. At this point, the rigid outer sheath 2 provides rigid support for the entire instrument, forming a rigid and stable nephroscopic operating unit together with the endoscope assembly 1. This mode fully inherits all the functions of a traditional rigid percutaneous nephrolithotomy, allowing for high-flow perfusion through the flushing port of the working channel 21 of the rigid outer sheath 2, and efficient stone removal utilizing its spacious lumen.

[0047] In a complex surgery, surgeons can quickly switch between two modes as needed. For example, they can first use mode two, where the rigid unit establishes a channel and crushes the main stone, then disconnect and separate endoscope component 1, switching to mode one, the flexible mode, to access and treat residual stones in narrow renal calyces. This flexibility greatly expands the indications for the surgery and improves the stone clearance rate.

[0048] In summary, through ingenious modular design, the advantages of single-use infection control are combined with the functional advantages of flexibility and rigidity, providing unprecedented surgical flexibility for clinical practice while ensuring cost control.

[0049] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present invention described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. The purpose of the present invention has been fully and effectively achieved. The functions and structural principles of the present invention have been shown and explained in the embodiments. Without departing from the stated principles, the implementation of the present invention may have any variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A rigid-flexible combined endoscope characterized by comprising: include: Endoscopic assembly (1) has a flexible section (13); A rigid outer sheath (2) is provided, and the endoscope assembly (1) is inserted into the inner cavity of the rigid outer sheath (2). The rigid outer sheath (2) is detachably connected to the endoscope assembly (1), and the two cooperate to form a fluid seal. The control mechanism (4), which is linked to the bendable section (13), is used to control its deformation; When the endoscope assembly (1) is fixedly connected to the rigid outer sheath (2), the two are combined to form a rigid nephroscope operation unit; when the endoscope assembly (1) is separated from the rigid outer sheath (2), the flexible section (13) is released from rigid constraint and is in a freely flexible state.

2. A rigid-flexible combined endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The endoscope assembly (1) is for single use. The endoscope assembly (1) includes an operating part (11), a tube body (12), and a flexible section (13) connected sequentially from the proximal end to the distal end.

3. A rigid-flexible combined endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control mechanism (4) includes at least one knob (42) disposed on the operation part (11) to control the bending of the bendable section (13) by pulling at least one traction line (41).

4. The rigid-flexible combined endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible section (13) is composed of multiple articulated rings (131) that are hinged to each other.

5. The rigid-flexible combined endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a connection structure (3), which is disposed between the endoscope assembly (1) and the rigid outer sheath (2) for detachable connection of the two and maintaining fluid seal in the connected state. The connection structure (3) includes a first connector (31) disposed at the proximal end of the endoscope assembly (1) and a second connector (32) disposed at the proximal end of the rigid outer sheath (2), and the first connector (31) and the second connector (32) cooperate with each other.

6. A rigid-flexible combined endoscope according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first connector (31) and the second connector (32) are provided with interlocking mating parts adapted to the connection structure. The connection structure (3) includes at least one of the following: threaded locking mechanism, snap-locking mechanism, rotary locking mechanism, magnetic connection mechanism and Luer tapered joint.

7. A rigid-flexible combined endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that: The connection structure (3) further includes a sealing member (33), which is disposed at the junction of the first connector (31) and the second connector (32).

8. The rigid-flexible combined endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rigid outer sheath (2) is provided with a working channel (21).

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