Visual urethral dilator
By introducing visualization and gas-regulated dilation sacs into the urethral dilator, the problem of blind operation of existing urethral dilators has been solved, enabling precise and safe dilation of urethral strictures, reducing patient pain and operation time.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BEIHAI PEOPLES HOSPITAL
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing urethral dilators lack visualization capabilities during urethral dilation, leading to blind operation, difficulty in determining whether the dilator has entered the bladder, and the need to change dilators of different sizes multiple times, increasing patient pain and operation time.
A visual urethral dilator was designed, equipped with a gas channel, an image channel, and a fiber optic channel. Combined with an imaging lens and a handheld display component, it enables visualization of the entire urethra and adjusts the dilation of the urethral stricture by dilating the dilation sac, avoiding blind dilation and secondary damage.
It achieves precise dilation of urethral stricture, reduces the occurrence of iatrogenic urethral false passages, alleviates patient pain, and improves dilation efficiency and safety.
Smart Images
Figure CN224462111U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of urological surgical instruments, and in particular to a visual urethral dilator. Background Technology
[0002] Urethral dilators are a basic medical tool in urological surgery. They are commonly used in the examination and diagnosis of male urethral diseases, urethral anastomosis for urethral injuries caused by trauma, transurethral prostate dilation, prostatectomy, and treatment of urethral stricture caused by trauma, prostatectomy, and other reasons. They are also used in the prevention of urethral stricture after hypospadias urethroplasty. Their applications are very broad.
[0003] Currently, most urethral dilators used clinically are metal urethral dilators. These dilators only dilate the urethra and probe it, but cannot definitively determine whether the dilator has entered the bladder. These dilators come in various sizes, each with a different diameter. For a single patient, dilation often requires multiple attempts with different sizes, from small to large, resulting in a lengthy procedure and increased patient discomfort. For example, Chinese Patent Application No. 202211388696.0 discloses a multifunctional male urethral stricture dilator, which includes a rod section and a conical curved section. This dilator maximizes the opening through elongated side holes in the conical curved section, effectively dilating urethral strictures. However, this dilator has a single size, requiring the use of different sizes for more severe urethral strictures, necessitating repeated insertion and removal of dilators to probe and dilate the urethra. This process is cumbersome, time-consuming, and difficult to master. In addition, the dilator cannot directly visualize the urethra, making the dilation somewhat blind. This often leads to the dilator failing to pass through narrow areas, making it impossible to effectively determine whether the dilator strip has entered the bladder. Furthermore, there is no accurate diagnosis of the location of urethral stricture or whether there is any damage after dilation. Utility Model Content
[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems mentioned in the background art above, and to provide a visual urethral dilator with a reasonable structure, convenient operation, good controllability, and the ability to visualize the entire urethra. The size of the dilation sac can be adjusted by gas, which can effectively improve the dilation effect at the urethral stricture.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0006] A visual urethral dilator includes a dilator tube and a control handle. The control handle is mounted on the rear end of the dilator tube. The dilator tube has a hollow cavity and contains a gas channel, a water injection channel, an imaging channel, and an optical fiber channel. At least one columnar dilator sac is disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the dilator tube. The dilator tube has an air outlet that communicates with the dilator sac. An imaging lens is disposed at the front end of the dilator tube, and a handheld display component is disposed at the rear end of the control handle. The imaging lens is connected to the handheld display component via a data cable in the imaging channel. The control handle is provided with a ventilation interface, a water injection interface, an imaging interface, and a light source signal plug. The ventilation interface is detachably connected to the air supply component.
[0007] As a further improvement of this utility model, the air supply assembly includes a cylinder, a threaded push rod, a pressure gauge, an extension tube, and a connector; the rear end of the cylinder is provided with a threaded hole, the threaded push rod passes through the threaded hole and is threadedly connected to the threaded hole, the front end of the threaded push rod is provided with a piston that can seal with the inner wall of the cylinder, the front end of the cylinder is provided with a connecting tube, one side of the connecting tube is provided with a test tube, the top of the test tube is connected to the pressure gauge; one end of the extension tube is connected to the front end of the connecting tube, the other end of the extension tube is connected to the connector, and the connector is detachably connected to the air inlet.
[0008] As a further improvement of this utility model, the handheld display assembly includes a handheld housing, a control switch is provided on the front side of the handheld housing; a display screen is rotatably connected to the upper end of the handheld housing, and a controller and a power supply for power supply are provided inside the handheld housing.
[0009] As a further improvement of this utility model, the expansion tube is provided with scale markings.
[0010] As a further improvement of this utility model, the expansion tube includes a straight tube and a bent tube connected to the front end of the straight tube. The front end of the bent tube is provided with an expansion head, and the imaging lens is disposed at the connection between the expansion head and the bent tube. The rear end of the straight tube is connected to the control handle.
[0011] As a further improvement of this utility model, one end of the water injection channel is connected to the water injection interface, and the side of the bend near the expansion head is provided with a water outlet connected to the water injection channel.
[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0013] This invention relates to a visual urethral dilator. By incorporating a dilator capsule, high-pressure gas is injected into the capsule via a ventilation port and gas channel, adjusting the dilator's pressure according to the width of the urinary tract. This allows the lateral force of the capsule to dilate urethral strictures, enabling dilation of different diameters without requiring replacement of the dilator. It effectively prevents damage to surrounding tissues and the formation of false urethral passages, which is common with traditional methods using urethral dilators. Furthermore, it improves the effectiveness of dilating urethral strictures, significantly reducing the occurrence of iatrogenic false urethral passages and minimizing patient discomfort. An imaging lens at the front of the dilator allows for precise visualization of the lesion location via a handheld display component after insertion, providing visualization throughout the entire insertion process and preventing secondary damage from blind dilation. A water injection channel within the dilator allows for flushing and / or medication administration during surgery, and also facilitates the insertion of a guidewire into the bladder, avoiding the need for bladder fistula.
[0014] This invention uses an air supply assembly to inflate and deflate the expansion bladder. The air supply assembly uses a threaded air pump, which is easy to operate and allows for more accurate control of the inflation volume. A pressure gauge is provided to facilitate monitoring of the pressure value inside the expansion bladder. The threaded push rod, when rotated, pushes the piston inside the cylinder, thereby stabilizing the air pressure.
[0015] This invention can facilitate catheter placement in complex situations, serve as a visible urethral probe to pass smoothly through narrow urethras, and continuously dilate the urethra by intermittent pressure. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a visual urethral dilator according to the present invention;
[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a visual urethral dilator (without air supply assembly) according to the present invention;
[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the gas channel and expansion bladder of this utility model;
[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the gas supply component of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the expansion tube of this utility model;
[0021] The components in the attached diagram are labeled as follows: 1. Expansion tube; 2. Control handle; 3. Gas channel; 4. Water injection channel; 5. Image channel; 6. Fiber optic channel; 7. Expansion bladder; 8. Air outlet; 9. Imaging lens; 10. Ventilation interface; 11. Water injection interface; 12. Image interface; 13. Light source signal plug; 14. Cylinder; 15. Threaded push rod; 16. Pressure gauge; 17. Extension tube; 18. Connector; 19. Connecting tube; 20. Test tube; 21. Handheld housing; 22. Control switch; 23. Display screen; 24. Scale markings; 25. Straight tube; 26. Bend; 27. Expansion head; 28. Water outlet. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model; the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. 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 an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0024] Please see Figures 1-5A visual urethral dilator includes a dilator tube 1 and a control handle 2. The control handle 2 is mounted on the rear end of the dilator tube 1. The dilator tube 1 has a hollow cavity and contains a gas channel 3, a water injection channel 4, an image channel 5, and an optical fiber channel 6. At least one columnar dilator 7 is disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the dilator tube 1. The dilator 7 is integrally columnar and the connection between the dilator 7 and the dilator tube 1 is a sealed connection. The dilator tube 1 has an air outlet 8, which communicates with the dilator 7. A miniature imaging lens 9 is disposed at the front end of the dilator tube 1. A handheld display component is disposed at the rear end of the control handle 2. The imaging lens 9 is connected to the handheld display component through a data cable in the image channel 5. A beam guide is disposed in the optical fiber channel 6. The control handle 2 is provided with a ventilation interface 10, a water injection interface 11, an image interface 12, and a light source signal plug 13. The ventilation interface 10 is detachably connected to the air supply component.
[0025] This invention, by setting up an expansion sac 7, allows high-pressure gas to be injected into the expansion sac 7 through the ventilation port 10 and gas channel 3, according to the width of the urinary tract passage. This enables the lateral force of the expansion sac 7 to expand the urethral stricture, allowing for expansion of different diameters without changing the dilator. It also effectively prevents damage to surrounding tissues and the formation of a false urethral passage, which is easily caused by traditional methods of using urethral dilators to expand the urethral stricture. Furthermore, it improves the effectiveness of expanding the urethral stricture, greatly reduces the occurrence of iatrogenic false urethral passages, and reduces patient suffering. By setting up a miniature imaging lens 9 at the front end of the expansion tube 1, the entire insertion process is visualized, allowing visualization of the entire urethra and avoiding secondary damage caused by blind expansion. The water injection channel 4 set inside the expansion tube 1 can be used for flushing and / or drug administration during the operation, and can also be used in conjunction with the guidewire to guide the placement of the guidewire and the placement of a urinary catheter through the guidewire, so as to achieve the function of draining urine through the urinary catheter and avoiding bladder fistula.
[0026] To achieve more accurate control of the inflation volume, in this embodiment, the air supply assembly includes a cylinder 14, a threaded push rod 15, a pressure gauge 16, an extension tube 17, and a connector 18. The rear end of the cylinder 14 has a threaded hole, through which the threaded push rod 15 passes and is threadedly connected. The front end of the threaded push rod 15 has a piston that can seal against the inner wall of the cylinder 14. The front end of the cylinder 14 has a connecting tube 19, with a test tube 20 on one side. The top of the test tube 20 is connected to the pressure gauge 16. One end of the extension tube 17 is connected to the front end of the connecting tube 19, and the other end is connected to the connector 18. The connector 18 is detachably connected to the venting interface 10. This invention controls the expansion degree of the expansion bladder 7 by controlling the gas pressure inside the expansion bladder 7, thereby achieving the purpose of adjusting the expansion degree. It features a simple structure, convenient operation, and low cost. By setting pressure gauge 16, it is easy to monitor the pressure value inside the expansion bladder 7. By setting threaded push rod 15, rotating threaded push rod 15 achieves the pushing effect, which in turn pushes the piston inside cylinder 14, thereby achieving the function of stabilizing the pushing air pressure.
[0027] Preferably, the handheld display component includes a handheld housing 21 for easy gripping during use. A control switch 22 is provided on the front side of the handheld housing 21. A display screen 23 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the handheld housing 21. A controller and a power supply for power supply are provided inside the handheld housing 21. The connection between the display screen 23, the controller and the power supply is prior art and will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.
[0028] Preferably, the expansion tube 1 is made of stainless steel, but it can also be made of other materials with a certain degree of hardness and elasticity, such as plastic. The expansion tube 1 is provided with scale markings 24.
[0029] Preferably, the expansion tube 1 includes a straight tube 25 and a bent tube 26 connected to the front end of the straight tube 25. The front end of the bent tube 26 is provided with an expansion head 27. The imaging lens 9 is disposed at the connection between the expansion head 27 and the bent tube 26. The expansion head 27 is provided with a beam outlet and a water outlet 28 on the side near the imaging lens 9. The expansion bladder 7 is disposed on the front end of the straight tube 25. The expansion bladder outside the straight tube 25 can gradually and continuously expand, reducing patient pain and providing convenience for medical staff. The rear end of the straight tube 25 is connected to the control handle 2.
[0030] Preferably, one end of the water injection channel 4 is connected to the water injection interface 11, and the side of the bend 26 near the expansion head 27 is provided with a water outlet 28 connected to the water injection channel 4.
[0031] The method of using this utility model of a visual urethral dilator is as follows: When in use, insert the dilator tube 1 into the urethra and turn on the display screen 23. By electrically connecting the imaging lens 9 to the display screen 23, the imaging lens 9 can transmit the image inside the urethra to the display screen 23. The display screen 23 can be used to directly observe the situation detected by the imaging lens 9, which is convenient for doctors to watch. Insert the dilator tube 1 deep into the urethra and use the display screen 23 to confirm the position of the dilator tube 1. When the dilator tube 1 is inserted into the narrow position, rotate the threaded push rod 15 of the air supply component to slowly inject gas into the dilator 7, so that the dilator 7 expands and dilates the narrow section of the urethra. When cleaning, enter the cleaning fluid into the water injection channel 4. The cleaning fluid will flow out from the water outlet 28 to clean the area that needs to be cleaned. During the cleaning process, the cleaning results can also be viewed on the display screen 23. The water injection channel 4 can also be used to place a guide wire and insert a urinary catheter through the guide wire to avoid bladder fistula.
[0032] The above description is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present utility model. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the patent application of the present utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made under the technical spirit of the present utility model should fall within the patent scope covered by the present utility model.
Claims
1. A visual urethral dilator, comprising a dilator tube (1) and a control handle (2), wherein the control handle (2) is mounted on the rear end of the dilator tube (1), characterized in that: The expansion tube (1) has a hollow cavity. The expansion tube (1) is provided with a gas channel (3), a water injection channel (4), an image channel (5) and an optical fiber channel (6). At least one columnar expansion bladder (7) is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the expansion tube (1). The expansion tube (1) is provided with an air outlet (8), which is connected to the expansion bladder (7). An imaging lens (9) is provided at the front end of the expansion tube (1). A handheld display component is provided at the rear end of the control handle (2). The imaging lens (9) is connected to the handheld display component through a data cable in the image channel (5). The control handle (2) is provided with a ventilation interface (10), a water injection interface (11), an image interface (12) and a light source signal plug (13). The ventilation interface (10) is detachably connected to the air supply component.
2. The visual urethral dilator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air supply assembly includes a cylinder (14), a threaded push rod (15), a pressure gauge (16), an extension tube (17), and a connector (18). The rear end of the cylinder (14) is provided with a threaded hole, the threaded push rod (15) passes through the threaded hole and is threadedly connected to the threaded hole, the front end of the threaded push rod (15) is provided with a piston that can seal with the inner wall of the cylinder (14), the front end of the cylinder (14) is provided with a connecting tube (19), one side of the connecting tube (19) is provided with a test tube (20), the top of the test tube (20) is connected to the pressure gauge (16); one end of the extension tube (17) is connected to the front end of the connecting tube (19), the other end of the extension tube (17) is connected to the connector (18), and the connector (18) is detachably connected to the air inlet (10).
3. The visual urethral dilator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handheld display assembly includes a handheld housing (21), a control switch (22) is provided on the front side of the handheld housing (21); a display screen (23) is rotatably connected to the upper end of the handheld housing (21); and a controller and a power supply for power supply are provided inside the handheld housing (21).
4. A visual urethral dilator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The expansion tube (1) is provided with scale markings (24).
5. A visual urethral dilator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The expansion tube (1) includes a straight tube (25) and a bent tube (26) connected to the front end of the straight tube (25). The front end of the bent tube (26) is provided with an expansion head (27). The imaging lens (9) is located at the connection between the expansion head (27) and the bent tube (26). The rear end of the straight tube (25) is connected to the control handle (2).
6. A visual urethral dilator according to claim 5, characterized in that: One end of the water injection channel (4) is connected to the water injection interface (11), and the side of the bend (26) near the expansion head (27) is provided with a water outlet (28) connected to the water injection channel (4).