Guide tube sheath assembly for an endoscope and endoscope assembly
By designing the guide tube sheath assembly and isolation sleeve, the problems of endoscope back-end contamination risk and high cost are solved, enabling safe reuse of the endoscope and cost reduction.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NINGBO XINWELL MEDICAL TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing endoscopes pose a risk of contamination during reuse, and disposable electronic endoscopes are expensive, making them difficult to use widely.
A guide tube sheath assembly is designed, including a guide tube sheath and an isolation sleeve. The guide tube sheath is elastically and securely fitted with a first elastic fixing ring to achieve a sealed connection and isolation protection for the rear end of the endoscope. The isolation sleeve can be stored on the guide tube sheath for easy installation and disassembly.
It effectively prevents contamination of the endoscope's back end, reduces the disinfection requirements and costs of the endoscope, and improves safety and economy in its use.
Smart Images
Figure CN224344902U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to the structure of a guide tube sheath assembly. Background Technology
[0002] In clinical medicine, endoscopic examination and treatment are currently the most commonly used minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment methods, causing minimal damage to patients. Endoscopes are widely used for exploring and treating natural cavities in the human body. Traditional endoscopes are typically reused after sterilization. Disposable endoscopes can solve the problems of cross-infection and repeated sterilization of reused endoscopes. However, disposable electronic endoscopes are relatively expensive, which is one of the important factors restricting their rapid development and widespread use.
[0003] To address the need for repeated sterilization and disinfection, reduce costs, and further minimize the outer diameter of endoscopes, a design has emerged that replaces disposable endoscopes with a guide tube sheath inserted into the body. The guide tube sheath has a closed design, ensuring the endoscope tube does not come into contact with the body after insertion. The guide tube sheath is discarded after surgery, while the endoscope can be reused. This reduces the need for repeated sterilization and disinfection, thus lowering costs.
[0004] However, when using this guide sheath, it only protects the front end of the endoscope. The rear end of the endoscope (such as the rear end of the endoscope tube or cables) is located outside the rear end of the guide sheath. Therefore, the rear end of the endoscope is still at risk of being contaminated. Utility Model Content
[0005] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a guide sheath assembly for an endoscope, which isolates and protects the portion of the endoscope exposed at the rear end of the guide sheath.
[0006] In addition, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide an endoscope assembly that incorporates the guide tube sheath assembly.
[0007] To achieve one of the above objectives, some embodiments of this application provide a guide sheath assembly for an endoscope, comprising:
[0008] A guide tube sheath having an endoscope insertion cavity having an insertion port located at the rear end of the guide tube sheath, so that an endoscope can be inserted into the endoscope insertion cavity through the insertion port;
[0009] The isolation sleeve includes a cylindrical sleeve body and a first elastic fixing ring. The sleeve body has openings at both its front and rear ends. The first elastic fixing ring is located at the front end of the sleeve body. The front end of the isolation sleeve is fitted onto the guide tube sheath. The first elastic fixing ring and the guide tube sheath form an elastic fastening fit to create a sealed connection between the sleeve body and the guide tube sheath. The opening at the rear end of the sleeve body is used for inserting the endoscope into the guide tube sheath.
[0010] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the guide tube sheath has a first fixing part, which forms an elastic sealing connection with the first elastic fixing ring.
[0011] In some embodiments, the first fixing part is an annular groove arranged circumferentially along the guide tube sheath, and the first elastic fixing ring is inserted into and fixed in the annular groove.
[0012] In some embodiments, the guide tube sheath has a handhold area, and the first fixing fit is located on the front side of the handhold area so that the portion of the guide tube sheath from the insertion port to the handhold area can be covered by the isolation sleeve.
[0013] In some embodiments, the rear end of the sleeve is provided with a second elastic retaining ring, which can be confined on the guide tube sheath so that the isolation sleeve can be completely housed on the guide tube sheath.
[0014] In some embodiments, the guide tube sheath has a handhold area and a second fixing engagement portion located behind the handhold area, the second fixing engagement portion being capable of connecting with the second elastic retaining ring to prevent the second elastic retaining ring from disengaging rearward along the axial direction of the guide tube sheath.
[0015] In some embodiments, the second fixing part is a protrusion or groove arranged circumferentially along the guide tube sheath, and the protrusion or groove provides an axially rearward limit for the second elastic fixing ring.
[0016] In some embodiments, the sleeve is made of a material or structure capable of stretching or contracting along its axial direction, and the isolation sleeve has a contracted state and an expanded state, wherein:
[0017] In the retracted state, the isolation sleeve is entirely housed on the guide tube sheath;
[0018] In the deployed state, the rear end of the isolation sleeve extends beyond the rear end of the guide tube sheath and extends a predetermined distance to cover at least a portion of the endoscope exposed at the rear end of the guide tube sheath.
[0019] In some embodiments, the second resilient retaining ring has a handle for an operator to pull the isolation sleeve forward and backward.
[0020] For one of the above objectives, some embodiments of this application provide an endoscope assembly including an endoscope and a guide sheath assembly as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the endoscope is insertable into the endoscope insertion cavity of the guide sheath assembly.
[0021] The guide tube sheath assembly according to the above embodiment includes a guide tube sheath and an isolation sleeve. The guide tube sheath has an insertion port at its rear end. The front end of the isolation sleeve is fitted onto the guide tube sheath and forms an elastic fastening fit with the guide tube sheath through a first elastic retaining ring, thereby creating a sealed connection between the isolation sleeve and the guide tube sheath, thus isolating and protecting the insertion port at the rear end of the guide tube sheath and the exposed portion of the endoscope. Furthermore, the elastic fastening fit between the first elastic retaining ring and the guide tube sheath also creates a good sealing effect between the front end of the isolation sleeve and the guide tube sheath. Simultaneously, based on this first elastic retaining ring structure, it is easier for the operator to install and remove the isolation sleeve from the guide tube sheath. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in one embodiment of the present application, showing the isolation sleeve fitted onto the guide tube sheath;
[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the isolation sleeve and guide tube sheath in one embodiment of this application;
[0024] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the various parts of the isolation sleeve in one embodiment of this application;
[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present application in which the isolation sleeve is housed on the guide tube sheath. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by related similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of the present application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.
[0027] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.
[0028] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).
[0029] This application provides a guide tube sheath assembly for an endoscope, which enables quick installation and removal of the isolation sleeve on the guide tube sheath through an isolation sleeve with a first elastic fixing ring, improves the sealing effect between the isolation sleeve and the guide tube sheath, and isolates and protects the endoscope exposed at the rear end of the guide tube sheath, preventing the exposed part of the endoscope from being contaminated.
[0030] Please refer to Figure 1 and 2 This application provides a guide sheath assembly 1 for an endoscope in some embodiments. This guide sheath assembly 1 can be used for endoscope insertion, so as to protect the endoscope when it is inserted into the patient's body, avoiding cross-infection and other problems caused by repeated use of the endoscope. Figure 1 and 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the guide tube sheath assembly 1 is typically a disposable guide tube sheath assembly. Of course, in other embodiments, the guide tube sheath assembly 1 can also be used in a reusable guide tube sheath assembly structure.
[0031] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 1 and 2 In some embodiments, the guide tube sheath assembly 1 includes a guide tube sheath 100 and an isolation sleeve 200. Of course, in addition to these features, in other embodiments, the guide tube sheath assembly 1 may also have other components depending on functional requirements, as can be found in the prior art.
[0032] The guide tube sheath 100 has an endoscope insertion cavity (obscured in the figure and not shown), which has an insertion port 101 located at the rear end of the guide tube sheath 100, so that the endoscope can be inserted into the endoscope insertion cavity through the insertion port 101. Of course, in other embodiments, the guide tube sheath 100 may also have other functional channels, such as instrument channels, gas detection channels, etc. The guide tube sheath 100 may be composed of multiple tube bodies, each forming a channel, such as a multi-lumen combination tube. Furthermore, the channels in the guide tube sheath 100 may also be integrally formed, for example, multiple channels may be formed simultaneously through a single tube body, and these channels can be used for different purposes.
[0033] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The isolation sleeve 200 includes a cylindrical sleeve body 210 and a first elastic retaining ring 220. The cylindrical structure of the sleeve body 210 has an internal cavity, and both the front and rear ends of the sleeve body 210 have openings. The sleeve body 210 can be made of, but is not limited to, sterile materials. The first elastic retaining ring 220 has a ring-shaped structure and can be made of, but is not limited to, a flexible material with elasticity, such as, but not limited to, silicone or rubber. The first elastic retaining ring 220 is located at the front end of the sleeve body 210 and forms a fixed connection with the sleeve body 210. The connection method includes, but is not limited to, any one or a combination of heat fusion, chemical bonding, laser welding, and adhesive bonding. During assembly, the front end of the isolation sleeve 200 is fitted onto the guide tube sheath 100, and the first elastic retaining ring 220 forms an elastic and tight fit with the guide tube sheath 100, so that the sleeve body 210 and the guide tube sheath 100 form a sealed connection, thereby ensuring that the maximum length of the isolation sleeve 200 can at least cover the insertion port 101 of the guide tube sheath 100. The opening at the rear end of the sheath 210 is used for inserting the endoscope into the guide sheath 100.
[0034] It should be noted that the front-back direction mentioned in this application refers to the end of the guide tube sheath 100 inserted into the subject as the front end (also known as the distal end) and the end away from the subject as the rear end (also known as the proximal end).
[0035] In the guide tube sheath assembly 1 shown in the above embodiment, the front end of the isolation sleeve 200 is fitted onto the guide tube sheath 100 and forms an elastic fastening fit with the guide tube sheath 100 through the first elastic fixing ring 220, so that the isolation sleeve 200 and the guide tube sheath 100 form a sealed connection, thereby isolating and protecting the insertion port 101 at the rear end of the guide tube sheath 100 and the exposed part of the endoscope. Of course, the exposed part of the endoscope mentioned here refers to the part of the endoscope that is exposed and close to the rear end of the guide tube sheath 100. The endoscope main unit, etc., are far away from the examinee, so they do not need to be isolated and protected by the isolation sleeve 200. Moreover, the elastic fastening fit between the first elastic fixing ring 220 and the guide tube sheath 100 can also form a good sealing effect between the front end of the isolation sleeve 200 and the guide tube sheath 100, preventing bacteria or other contaminants from entering the endoscope from the connection between the front end of the isolation sleeve 200 and the guide tube sheath 100. At the same time, based on this first elastic retaining ring 220 structure, it is also easier for the operator to install the isolation sleeve 200 onto the guide tube sheath 100 and remove the isolation sleeve 200 from the guide tube sheath 100.
[0036] To achieve a sealed connection between the front end of the isolation sleeve 200 and the guide tube sheath 100, in some embodiments, the outer wall of the guide tube sheath 100 has a first fixed mating portion, which forms an elastic sealing connection with the first elastic fixing ring 220. This elastic sealing connection can adopt various existing structures capable of achieving an elastic sealing connection with the first elastic fixing ring 220, and is not limited to the examples listed in this application.
[0037] For an example of a first fixed mating part, please refer to Figure 1 and 2 The first fixing part is an annular groove 102 arranged circumferentially along the guide tube sheath 100, and the first elastic fixing ring 220 is engaged and fixed in the annular groove 102. The annular groove 102 can be specifically provided on the outer wall of the guide tube sheath 100. The operator can deform the first elastic fixing ring 220 to pass over the two side walls of the annular groove 102, so that the first elastic fixing ring 220 is engaged in the annular groove 102. The annular groove 102 is arranged around the circumference of the guide tube sheath 100, which can also ensure that the guide tube sheath 100 and the first elastic fixing ring 220 form an elastic seal in the entire circumference.
[0038] Further, please refer to Figure 1 and 2In some embodiments, the guide tube sheath 100 has a handhold area 103, which is typically located at the rear end of the guide tube sheath 100 for the operator to grip. The handhold area 103 may typically have a structure that facilitates gripping, such as a perforated structure or an uneven structure. Of course, in other embodiments, the handhold area 103 may not have a special structure, and may simply be a portion of the rear end of the guide tube sheath 100. The first fixing part may be located in front of the handhold area 103. When the isolation sleeve 200 is fitted onto the guide tube sheath 100, since the front end of the isolation sleeve 200 extends forward beyond the handhold area 103, the portion of the guide tube sheath 100 from the insertion port 101 to the handhold area 103 can be covered by the isolation sleeve 200, achieving more comprehensive coverage.
[0039] On the other hand, the rear end of the isolation sleeve 200 may not be positioned, and it may extend rearward to the insertion port 101 of the guide tube sheath 100. However, this may make it difficult to insert the endoscope into the isolation sleeve 200 and the guide tube sheath 100. Therefore, in other embodiments, please refer to... Figure 3 and 4 The rear end of the sleeve 210 is provided with a second elastic fixing ring 230, which can be limited to the guide tube sheath 100 so that the isolation sleeve 200 can be completely stored on the guide tube sheath 100. This can prevent the rear end of the isolation sleeve 200 from being in a free state and difficult to store, and can also facilitate the insertion of the endoscope. For example, before inserting the endoscope, the rear end of the isolation sleeve 200 is first installed on the guide tube sheath 100. At this time, the influence of the rear end of the isolation sleeve 200 is eliminated, and the endoscope can be more easily inserted into the insertion port 101 of the guide tube sheath 100.
[0040] The second elastic retaining ring 230, as mentioned here, can be confined to the guide tube sheath 100. This means that, at least axially, the second elastic retaining ring 230 can be rearwardly confined, i.e., unless actively operated by the operator, the second elastic retaining ring 230 cannot move backward beyond the insertion port 101 of the guide tube sheath 100. In the forward axial direction of the guide tube sheath 100, the second elastic retaining ring 230 may or may not be confined. Of course, it is better if it can be confined in both the forward and backward directions, as this reduces the movement of the second elastic retaining ring 230 on the guide tube sheath 100. Furthermore, the second elastic retaining ring 230 itself has an elastic sealing function; when it is fitted onto the guide tube sheath 100, it can also form a certain degree of sealing and front-to-back confining effect with the guide tube sheath 100.
[0041] The second elastic retaining ring 230 is a ring-shaped structure and can be made of a flexible material, but not limited to, elastic materials, such as silicone or rubber. The second elastic retaining ring 230 is located at the rear end of the sleeve 210 and forms a fixed connection with the sleeve 210. The connection method includes, but is not limited to, any one or a combination of heat fusion, chemical bonding, laser welding, and adhesive bonding.
[0042] Furthermore, in order to achieve rearward limiting of the rear end of the isolation sleeve 200, in some embodiments, the guide tube sheath 100 has a second fixing engagement portion, which can be connected to the second elastic fixing ring 230 to prevent the second elastic fixing ring 230 from disengaging rearward along the axial direction of the guide tube sheath 100. This connection method can adopt, but is not limited to, various existing connection structures that can achieve the above-mentioned purpose.
[0043] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 The second fixing part is a protrusion 104 (which can also be replaced by a groove) provided circumferentially along the guide tube sheath 100. The protrusion 104 (which can also be replaced by a groove) provides an axial rearward limit for the second elastic fixing ring 230. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, there are multiple protrusions 104, scattered at different circumferential positions of the guide tube sheath 100, to limit the second elastic retaining ring 230 at least in the rearward direction. Alternatively, the second retaining portion can also be provided with an annular groove 102 similar to the first retaining portion.
[0044] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second fixing part can be disposed on the rear side of the handheld area 103. Especially when the second fixing part can simultaneously limit the second elastic fixing ring 230 forward and backward, when both ends of the isolation sleeve 200 are fixed and entirely housed on the guide tube sheath 100, the isolation sleeve 200 can completely cover the handheld area 103, providing protection and isolation. Particularly in embodiments where the handheld area 103 has a hollow structure, the isolation sleeve 200 can isolate these hollow structures.
[0045] Further, please refer to Figure 1 and 4 In some embodiments, the sleeve 210 is made of a material or structure capable of stretching or contracting along its axial direction, and the isolation sleeve 200 has a contracted state and an expanded state, wherein:
[0046] In the contraction state, see Figure 4 As shown, the isolation sleeve 200 is completely housed on the guide tube sheath 100;
[0047] In the unfolded state, see Figure 1As shown, the rear end of the isolation sleeve 200 extends beyond the rear end of the guide tube sheath 100 and extends a predetermined distance thereafter to cover at least a portion of the endoscope exposed at the rear end of the guide tube sheath 100.
[0048] The material or structure that stretches along its axis can be made of flexible material, such as a flexible film, or it can be achieved by setting a foldable structure, such as a bellows folding structure.
[0049] Furthermore, to facilitate the operator's movement of the rear end of the isolation sleeve 200, in some embodiments, please refer to... Figure 4 The second elastic retaining ring 230 has a handle 204, which allows the operator to pull the isolation sleeve 200 forward and backward. The handle 204 can be integrally formed with the second elastic retaining ring 230, or it can be fixedly connected.
[0050] On the other hand, some embodiments of this application provide an endoscope assembly, including an endoscope and a guide sheath assembly 1 as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the endoscope can be inserted into the endoscope insertion cavity of the guide sheath assembly 1.
[0051] The above-described specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can make various simple deductions, modifications, or substitutions based on the concept of this invention.
Claims
1. A guide sheath assembly for an endoscope, characterized in that, include: A guide tube sheath having an endoscope insertion cavity having an insertion port located at the rear end of the guide tube sheath, so that an endoscope can be inserted into the endoscope insertion cavity through the insertion port; The isolation sleeve includes a cylindrical sleeve body and a first elastic fixing ring. The sleeve body has openings at both its front and rear ends. The first elastic fixing ring is located at the front end of the sleeve body. The front end of the isolation sleeve is fitted onto the guide tube sheath. The first elastic fixing ring and the guide tube sheath form an elastic fastening fit to create a sealed connection between the sleeve body and the guide tube sheath. The opening at the rear end of the sleeve body is used for inserting the endoscope into the guide tube sheath.
2. The guide tube sheath assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the guide tube sheath has a first fixed fitting part, which forms an elastic sealing connection with the first elastic fixing ring.
3. The guide tube sheath assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first fixing part is an annular groove arranged along the circumference of the guide tube sheath, and the first elastic fixing ring is inserted into and fixed in the annular groove.
4. The guide tube sheath assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide tube sheath has a handhold area, and the first fixing part is located on the front side of the handhold area so that the portion of the guide tube sheath from the insertion port to the handhold area can be covered by the isolation sleeve.
5. The guide tube sheath assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear end of the sleeve is provided with a second elastic fixing ring, which can be confined on the guide tube sheath so that the isolation sleeve can be completely housed on the guide tube sheath.
6. The guide tube sheath assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The guide tube sheath has a handhold area and a second fixing engagement portion located behind the handhold area. The second fixing engagement portion can be connected to the second elastic retaining ring to prevent the second elastic retaining ring from disengaging rearward along the axial direction of the guide tube sheath.
7. The guide tube sheath assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second fixing part is a protrusion or groove arranged circumferentially along the guide tube sheath, and the protrusion or groove limits the second elastic fixing ring axially backward.
8. The guide tube sheath assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sleeve is made of a material or structure capable of stretching and contracting along its axial direction, and the isolation sleeve has a contracted state and an expanded state, wherein: In the retracted state, the isolation sleeve is entirely housed on the guide tube sheath; In the deployed state, the rear end of the isolation sleeve extends beyond the rear end of the guide tube sheath and extends a predetermined distance to cover at least a portion of the endoscope exposed at the rear end of the guide tube sheath.
9. The guide tube sheath assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second elastic retaining ring has a handle, which allows the operator to pull the isolation sleeve forward and backward.
10. An endoscope assembly, characterized in that, Includes an endoscope and a guide tube sheath assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the endoscope is insertable into the endoscope insertion cavity of the guide tube sheath assembly.