Probe device

Abstract

probe device, indicating a voltage source (4) and a probe body (1), wherein the voltage source (4) is configured to apply an electrical voltage to the probe body (1), wherein the applied electrical voltage generates an electric field surrounding the probe body (1) and / or an electric current flowing through the probe body (1), wherein the probe device has a control unit (12) which is designed to obtain information on the position of the probe body (1) and / or on a treated tissue type and / or on processes triggered by the probe device from a feedback signal of the voltage applied to the probe body (1), wherein the probe device is designed such that by applying the electrical voltage to the probe body (1) an electric field strength is generated which is sufficient to ignite a cold plasma discharge.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a probe device.

[0002] Probes are inserted into body cavities or tissues for treatment or examination. An example of a probe is an endo-file, which is used in root canal treatment in dentistry. During root canal treatment, a fine canal is first mechanically drilled, exposed, and cleaned. This process reaches the dendritic structure in the tooth root, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and living cells. Such treatment carries the risk of secondary inflammation, which can be caused, for example, by organic residues that are not completely removed during mechanical treatment and subsequent irrigation, by bacteria that are not completely eradicated and colonize the subsequently sealed cavity, or by nerve irritation. Even with meticulous cleaning, secondary inflammation can occur.Another problem is that sometimes too much material is removed to avoid secondary inflammation.

[0003] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved probe device. The probe device should, for example, be designed to remove contaminants in its environment, even in hard-to-reach fine structures, and, for example, to kill germs.

[0004] This problem is solved by a probe device according to claim 1.

[0005] A probe device is proposed, comprising a voltage source and a probe body. The voltage source is designed to apply an electrical voltage to the probe body, thereby generating an electric field surrounding the probe body. This electric field can support medical / dental treatments in various ways. In particular, the electric field, or the current generating the electric field, can remove contaminants and kill germs. The contamination-removing and germicidal effect of the electric field or current can extend to fine, difficult-to-access structures that are hardly reachable with conventional, purely mechanical treatment or a simple rinsing procedure.

[0006] An electrical effect that supports medical / dental treatment, induced by the electric field surrounding the probe body or by the current flowing through it, can occur after only a short exposure time. The probe device can therefore quickly achieve a low-germ environment within its operating space. The range of the electrical effect can be controlled by varying the applied voltage level, polarity, and / or frequency.

[0007] In addition to the medical / dental effects caused by the electric field or current, applying an electrical voltage can activate a surface, for example, by triggering a discharge. The activated surface may exhibit high wettability for a filler material used to seal a body cavity. This allows for a reliable seal of the surface. The filler material could be, for example, cement or an adhesive.

[0008] The electric field, which is preferably localized around the probe body, causes no side effects in the patient being treated, and poses no burden or risk to the surgeon. The use of toxic, irritating, or tissue-damaging substances is unnecessary.

[0009] The probe body can be a rod-, tube- or hose-shaped instrument for examination or treatment in body cavities or tissues.

[0010] The voltage source can, for example, be a high-voltage source.

[0011] The probe device can be designed so that the electric field and / or electric current cause germ reduction in the vicinity of the probe body. Germ reduction can be caused, for example, by one or more of the following effects, which can be triggered by applying the electric voltage: electrolytic release of active substances, ignition of a discharge, field effects on the surrounding environment such as...

[0012] Breaking down of adhering particles, field-induced killing of germs or cells by electroporation, introduction of active substances into surrounding tissue by electroporation, anodic oxidation of organic residues, support of diffusion by electrophoresis of active substances into fine, channel-like or porous structures, electrically induced cavitation and shock waves.

[0013] The probe device is designed so that applying an electrical voltage to the probe body generates an electric field strength sufficient to ignite a cold plasma discharge. This cold plasma discharge can activate a surface and kill germs. As a side effect, ozone and free radicals can be generated, which also kill germs. The cold discharge can be triggered in a fluid, such as a bodily fluid or a therapeutic fluid.

[0014] The probe device can be designed such that, by applying an electrical voltage to the probe body, an electric current flows through the probe body which is sufficient for an electrolytic release of an active substance.

[0015] The probe device can be designed such that applying an electrical voltage to the probe body generates an electric field strength sufficient to detach particles from a surface in the vicinity of the probe body.

[0016] The probe device can be designed so that applying an electrical voltage to the probe body generates an electric field strength sufficient to trigger electroporation. Electroporation can kill germs or cells within a treatment area. It can also be used to introduce a drug into surrounding tissue.

[0017] The probe device can be designed such that, by applying an electrical voltage to the probe body, an electric current flows through the probe body which is sufficient to anodically oxidize a surface.

[0018] The probe device can be designed such that applying an electrical voltage to the probe body generates an electric field strength sufficient to support the diffusion of an active substance by electrophoresis.

[0019] The probe device can be designed such that, by applying an electrical voltage to the probe body, an electric current flows through the probe body that is sufficient to irreversibly passivate nerve endings and / or achieve pain suppression.

[0020] The probe device can be designed such that applying an electrical voltage to the probe body generates an electric field strength sufficient to trigger electrically induced cavitation and shock waves.

[0021] The probe body may have a sharp-edged structure. This sharp-edged structure may, for example, have edges and / or points. The sharp-edged structure may enable mechanical processing of a surface, such as abrasive or cutting processes.

[0022] Additionally, electric field peaks can form at the edges and points of the sharp-edged structure. The sharp-edged structure can thus influence the shape of an electric field generated by the applied voltage.

[0023] Depending on the desired electrical effect to support medical / dental treatment, the voltage source can apply a suitable signal to the sensor body. The voltage source can be configured to apply the voltage to the sensor body as a pulsed or alternating current signal. It can also be configured to apply the voltage to the sensor body as a unipolar or bipolar signal, a burst of signals, a signal with a DC offset, or a symmetrical or asymmetrical signal.

[0024] The voltage source may include a piezoelectric transformer, for example, a Rosen-type transformer. The piezoelectric transformer may be designed to convert a low voltage into a high voltage.

[0025] The probe body can be hollow and have a passage for a fluid. The fluid can be directed through this passage into or out of a treatment area. The fluid can be a mixture of several fluids. The fluid can be a body fluid or a treatment fluid, such as an irrigation fluid.

[0026] The probe device may include a drive element designed to move the probe body. For example, the drive element may move the probe body in a rotational motion, vibrate it, or move it in pulses. The movement of the probe body may, in particular, facilitate the mechanical manipulation of tissue or a body cavity by the probe body.

[0027] The probe body can be electrically unipolar, or have areas of different electrical polarity.

[0028] A counter electrode can be attached to the probe body, exhibiting a polarity opposite to that of the probe body. For example, the counter electrode can be wound spirally around the probe body. In probe bodies without a counter electrode, surrounding tissue can act as the counter electrode. An electric field can be applied via a counter electrode attached to the probe body.

[0029] The probe device includes a control unit designed to derive information about the probe body's position, the treated tissue type, and / or processes triggered by the probe device from a feedback signal of the voltage applied to the probe body. Current, voltage, and / or the phase of the feedback signal can be taken into account.

[0030] The probe body could be, for example, an endodontic file. Alternatively, the sensor body could be a drill or a needle. The sensor body could be a probe for any medical / dental treatment, such as the treatment of peri-implantitis, periodontitis, or inflammatory or degenerative processes in periodontal pockets.

[0031] Preferred embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a probe device. Fig. Figure 2 shows an alternative example of a probe body of the probe device. Fig. Figure 3 shows a field distribution of an electric field at the tip of a probe body. Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 6 shows different examples of the course of an electrical voltage applied to a probe body.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a probe device. The probe device comprises a probe body 1. The probe body 1 has a probe designed for insertion into a body cavity or tissue. The probe body 1 has an elongated shape that facilitates insertion into the body cavity or tissue.

[0033] Furthermore, the probe body 1 can have an elastic design that allows for flexible penetration of curved channels.

[0034] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the probe body 1 is an endodontic file designed for root canal treatment in dentistry. During root canal treatment, a canal 2 in a tooth is mechanically drilled, exposed, and then treated. Fine structures 3 branch off from the canal 2. These fine structures 3 are microcanals whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the canal 2. The fine structures 3 can be, for example, canal-like or porous.

[0035] In a purely mechanical treatment procedure, it is difficult to treat the fine structures 3, as these are inaccessible to mechanical instruments. During irrigation, there is always the risk that the fine structures 3 will not be sufficiently rinsed with the treatment fluid. The problem also exists in other medical / dental treatments using a probe body, as very fine structures cannot be directly treated mechanically, for example, in the treatment of peri-implantitis, periodontitis, or inflammatory or degenerative processes in periodontal pockets. In these treatments, a probe body connected to a voltage source can also be used.

[0036] The in Fig. The probe device shown is designed to support the mechanical treatment of the fine structures 3 by means of a non-mechanical treatment, in which effects are brought about by means of a voltage applied to the probe body 1, which support the mechanical treatment and, for example, kill contaminants, e.g. germs, in the fine structures 3.

[0037] The probe device includes a voltage source 4. The voltage source 4 is designed to apply an electrical voltage to the probe body 1 and / or to conduct an electric current through the probe body 1. The electrical voltage applied to the probe body 1 by the voltage source 4 generates an electric field that surrounds the probe body 1. An electric field enhancement can be generated at the tip of the probe body 1. Through various mechanisms, which are explained in more detail below, the electric field surrounding the probe body 1 and / or the electric current flowing through the probe body 1 can have a supportive effect in medical / dental treatment. In particular, the electric field and / or the electric current can lead to the killing of germs and the elimination of contaminants in the vicinity of the probe body 1.

[0038] The electric field and the field effects it causes can also reach the fine structures 3. The processes triggered by the electric current can also act within the fine structures 3. Through the field effects caused by the electric field and / or the processes triggered by the electric current, a medical / dental-medical effect can be achieved within the fine structures 3.

[0039] The probe body 1 has sharp-edged structures 5. These sharp-edged structures 5 can mechanically treat a surface and, for example, have an abrasive or cutting effect. The sharp-edged structures 5 can have edges and / or points. An electric field enhancement can be generated at the sharp-edged structures 5, so that a high electric field strength is produced at the sharp-edged structures 5 – just as at a tip 6 of the probe body 1 – and the associated field effects kill germs and / or eliminate contamination.

[0040] The probe device includes a fluid application system 7. The fluid application system 7 can be, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows that the probe body 1 is designed separately from the probe body 1. In an alternative embodiment, the probe body 1 has a fluid line through which the fluid application system 7 can be connected to an operating chamber 8.

[0041] The probe body 3 can have a hollow shape. For example, the fluid line, through which a fluid 9 or a fluid mixture is transported, can be formed inside the probe body 3. The fluid line can extend to the tip 6 of the probe body 1. The fluid line can extend from the tip 6 of the probe body 1 to the fluid application system 7. The fluid 9 can be transported via the fluid line into an operating chamber 8 near the tip 6 of the probe body 1. In aspiration mode, fluid 9 can be drawn in at the tip 6 of the probe body 1 via the fluid line and transported away from the operating chamber 8. For example, body fluids can be removed from the operating chamber 8 in aspiration mode.

[0042] Fluid 9 can be, for example, a rinsing fluid intended to disinfect the working chamber 8. Fluid 9 can be an aqueous solution containing, for example, salts, acids, or oxidizing agents such as hypochlorite or peroxide. Fluid 9 can also be foamed with a gas component or contain bubbles. Fluid 9 can be introduced into the working chamber 8 manually or by an automated dosing system. Fluid 9 can be used in one or more of the process steps of cleaning, activating, or sterilizing the working chamber 8. Fluid 9 can be introduced into the working chamber 8 before or during the respective process step. Furthermore, Fluid 9 can be removed from the working chamber 8 after or during the respective process step.During transport into or out of the operating chamber 8, the fluid 9 can be transported along the fluid line, for example, by pulsation, suction or pumping.

[0043] The probe device includes a drive element 10. The drive element 10 is designed to move the probe body 1 in a predefined manner. For example, the drive element 10 can be designed to set the probe body 1 into a rotational motion. Alternatively or additionally, the drive element 10 can set the probe body 1 into an oscillating or pulsating motion. The movement of the probe body 1 can effect mechanical manipulation of a body cavity or tissue into which the probe body 1 has been inserted.

[0044] The in Fig. The probe device shown in Figure 1 can be designed as an integral handpiece. Alternatively, the probe device can be designed as a tabletop unit. Alternatively, the probe device can be designed as a combination of a tabletop unit and a handpiece, wherein, for example, the probe body 1 forms the handpiece and further elements of the probe device are integrated into the tabletop unit.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows contaminants 11 of the working space 8. These contaminants 11 can be, for example, particles, organic residues, microorganisms, or other germs. The contaminants 11 can be present not only in the borehole 2 but also in the fine structures 3. The following section explains various mechanisms by which the electric field surrounding the probe body 1, or an electric current flowing through the probe body 1, removes or kills the contaminants 11.

[0046] The electric current flowing through the probe body 1 can cause an electrolytic release of an active substance. The electric current supplying electrical energy to the probe body 1 triggers a chemical reaction, for example, in the fluid 9 surrounding the probe body 1 within the working chamber 8. This process can release active substances into the fluid 9. The active substances are then directly present in the working chamber 8. This allows the active substances to be generated within the desired working chamber 8, eliminating the need to transport them over a long distance.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, an electric field surrounding the probe body 1 can ignite a cold plasma discharge. A sufficiently high electric field strength is required to ignite a cold plasma discharge. The cold plasma can kill germs in the vicinity of the probe body 1. The cold plasma can penetrate the fine structures 3 and exert a germicidal effect there.

[0048] Additionally, the cold plasma can activate a surface located near the probe body 1. For example, surface activation can improve surface wettability. Compared to an untreated surface, the plasma-treated surface can be sealed more effectively with cement or a high-strength adhesive.

[0049] The electric field surrounding the probe body 1 can interact with contaminants 11 in the vicinity of the probe body 1. For example, particles adhering to a surface of the body cavity or tissue can be attracted by the electric field and thus detached from the surface.

[0050] Furthermore, the electric field surrounding the sensor body 1 can be strong enough to induce electroporation. During electroporation, the electric field temporarily permeables a cell membrane. Electroporation can inactivate microorganisms. It can kill germs or cells. Alternatively or additionally, electroporation can be used to introduce active substances into tissue located near the sensor body 1.

[0051] The electric current flowing through the probe body 1 can cause anodic oxidation of the contamination 11. This oxidation kills, for example, germs or organic residues.

[0052] The electric current flowing through the probe body 1 can, at a sufficiently high current intensity or voltage, irreversibly passivate active nerve endings in the tissue surrounding the probe body 1. This can suppress the propagation of nerve signals and / or pain signals from the treated region.

[0053] The electric field surrounding the probe body 1 can facilitate the diffusion of an active substance into the fine structures 3 via electrophoresis. The drift velocity of charged colliding particles during electrophoresis is proportional to the applied field strength. Accordingly, a strong electric field can increase the diffusion rate.

[0054] Furthermore, the electric field can induce cavitations and shock waves. These cavitations and shock waves help to introduce an active ingredient into the fine structures.

[0055] The effects of the electric field and the electric current flowing through the probe body 1, discussed above, demonstrate that applying an electrical voltage to the probe body 1 can enhance the medical / dental-medical effect of treatment with the probe device. Depending on which of the aforementioned effects is desired for the specific treatment, the electrical voltage signal applied to the probe body by the voltage source can be varied. In particular, the signal's pulse shape, amplitude, and frequency can be adjusted to achieve the desired effect. Examples of different electrical signals that can be applied to the probe body 1 are shown below. Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 discussed.

[0056] The probe device further comprises a control unit 12. The control unit 12 is configured to compare a signal of the electrical voltage applied to the probe body 1 with a feedback signal. The control unit 12 can compare the two signals, for example, with regard to their current and / or their voltage and / or their phase relationship. The control unit 12 is configured to derive information from this comparison regarding the position of the probe body 1 and / or the type of tissue being treated and / or processes triggered by the probe device. This information is taken into account by the probe device, and, for example, the electrical voltage applied by the voltage source 4 can be adjusted.

[0057] The probe body 1 can be nonpolar or bipolar. In a nonpolar design, the probe body 1 only has areas where a first electrical potential exists, and possibly further areas that are electrically insulated. In a probe device with a nonpolar probe body 1, the environment surrounding the probe body 1, for example, a body or tissue, acts as a counter electrode.

[0058] A bipolar probe body 1 has a first region where a first electrical potential is present, and a second region where a second electrical potential is present. The electric field is formed between the first region and the second region.

[0059] Fig. Figure 2 shows an alternative example of probe body 1. In which in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the probe body 1 is additionally provided with a counter electrode 13. The counter electrode 13 is wound spirally around the probe body 1. The probe body 1 is connected to a first terminal 14 of the voltage source 4. The counter electrode 13 is connected to a second terminal 15 of the voltage source 4. The voltage source 4 is configured to apply a first electrical potential to the probe body 1 and a different second electrical potential to the counter electrode 13.

[0060] Applying an electric voltage creates an electric field between the counter electrode 13 and the probe body 1. The counter electrode 13 facilitates field guidance. The electric field that forms between the counter electrode 13 and the probe body 1 differs from the electric field in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in 1, a more homogeneous profile is generated. The formation of strong local field peaks at the tip 6 or on sharp-edged structures 5 is avoided. The Fig. The probe body 1 shown with counter electrode 13 is suitable, for example, for a planar electrolytic process.

[0061] The counter electrode 13 can be insulated from the probe body 1 by a fluid 9 that wets the counter electrode 13.

[0062] Fig. Figure 3 shows a field distribution of an electric field at a sharp-edged tip 6 of the probe body 1. The probe body 1 has a diameter d in the range between 0.05 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 2.0 mm and 0.1 mm. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the diameter d of the probe body is 0.25 mm. The probe body 1 has an elongated shape. The probe body 1 has a tip 6 and an edge 5. The diameter d of the probe body 1 decreases linearly from the edge 5 to the tip 6. The tip 6 is almost point-like.

[0063] An electric potential of 1 volt is applied to the probe body 1. A field enhancement occurs at the tip 6 of the probe body 1. At the tip of the probe body 1, the electric field strength of the surrounding electric field is 1000 V / m. A local field enhancement also occurs at the edge 5 of the probe body 1, but it is less pronounced than the field enhancement at the tip 6. The electric field strength decreases with increasing distance from the probe body 1.

[0064] The Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 6 shows various examples of the course of the electrical voltage that can be applied to the probe body 1. The horizontal axis represents time in arbitrary units. The vertical axis represents the magnitude of the voltage applied to the probe body 1 in arbitrary units. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, a unipolar pulsed voltage is applied to the probe body 1. The voltage has short pulses, which can, for example, have a pulse duration of less than 1 µs. Each pulse can have a high voltage and thus generate an electric field with a high electric field strength on the probe body 1.

[0065] The pulses can have a duration between 10 µs and 100 ns. This short pulse duration prevents overheating of the treated tissue and avoids nerve damage.

[0066] Fig. Figure 5 shows an example of a burst-like signal. A voltage with a sinusoidal waveform is applied to the probe body 1, whereby the amplitude of the voltage is modulated in addition to the sinusoidal waveform and fluctuates between a maximum amplitude and a minimum amplitude.

[0067] Fig. Figure 6 shows an example of a voltage applied as a bipolar square wave signal. The signal consists of initial pulses 16 with a first polarity, alternating with second pulses 17 with a second polarity, where the second polarity is the inverse of the first. The duration and amplitude of the pulses 16 and 17 with the first and second polarities can differ.

[0068] Each of the signals shown here can also be modulated with a DC offset. The DC offset can ensure charge neutrality over time.

[0069] Here, the probe device was described using an endodontic file for root canal treatment as an example. The problem also exists with other medical / dental treatments using a probe body that very fine structures cannot be treated directly mechanically, for example, in the treatment of peri-implantitis, periodontitis, or inflammatory or degenerative processes in periodontal pockets. Therefore, probe bodies intended for these or other medical / dental treatments can also be combined with a voltage source that applies an electrical voltage to the probe body. The electrical signal applied to the probe body allows the mechanical treatment performed by the probe body to be supported by electrically induced effects, even with these probe devices. Reference symbol list 1 probe body 2 borehole 3 fine structure 4 Voltage source 5 sharp-edged structure 6 Tip of the probe body 7 Fluid application system 8 Area of ​​influence 9 Fluid 10 Drive element 11 Contamination 12 Control unit 13 Counter electrode 14 First connection of the voltage source 15 second connection of the voltage source 16 first pulse 17 second pulse d diameter

Claims

Probe device comprising a voltage source (4) and a probe body (1), wherein the voltage source (4) is configured to apply an electrical voltage to the probe body (1), wherein the applied electrical voltage generates an electric field surrounding the probe body (1) and / or an electric current flowing through the probe body (1), wherein the probe device has a control unit (12) configured to obtain information about the position of the probe body (1) and / or about a treated tissue type and / or about processes triggered by the probe device from a feedback signal of the voltage applied to the probe body (1), wherein the probe device is configured such that applying the electrical voltage to the probe body (1) generates an electric field strength sufficient to ignite a cold plasma discharge. Probe device according to claim 1, wherein the probe device is configured such that the electric field and / or the electric current causes a germ reduction in an environment of the probe body (1). Probe device according to one of the preceding claims, the probe device being configured such that, by applying an electrical voltage to the probe body (1), an electric current flows through the probe body (1) which is sufficient for an electrolytic release of an active substance. Probe device according to one of the preceding claims, the probe device being configured such that by applying the electrical voltage to the probe body (1) an electric field strength is generated which is sufficient to detach particles from a surface in a vicinity of the probe body (1). Probe device according to one of the preceding claims, the probe device being configured such that by applying the electrical voltage to the probe body (1) an electric field strength is generated which is sufficient to trigger electroporation. Probe device according to one of the preceding claims, the probe device being configured such that, by applying the electrical voltage to the probe body (1), an electric current flows through the probe body (1) which is sufficient to anodically oxidize a surface. Probe device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the probe device is configured such that by applying the electrical voltage to the probe body (1) an electric field strength is generated which is sufficient to support diffusion of an active substance by electrophoresis. Probe device according to one of the preceding claims, the probe device being configured such that, by applying the electrical voltage to the probe body (1), an electric current flows through the probe body (1) which is sufficient to irreversibly passivate nerve endings and / or to achieve pain suppression. Probe device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the probe device is configured such that by applying the electrical voltage to the probe body (1) an electric field strength is generated which is sufficient to trigger electrically induced cavitation and shock waves. Probe device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the probe body (1) has a sharp-edged structure (5). Probe device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the voltage source (4) is configured to apply the electrical voltage to the probe body (1) in a pulsed signal or an alternating voltage signal, and / or wherein the voltage source (4) is configured to apply the electrical voltage to the probe body (1) in a unipolar or bipolar signal, and / or wherein the voltage source (4) is configured to apply the electrical voltage to the probe body (1) in a burst of signals, and / or wherein the voltage source (4) is configured to apply the electrical voltage to the probe body (1) in a signal having a DC offset, and / or wherein the voltage source (4) is configured to apply the electrical voltage to the probe body (1) in a symmetrical or asymmetrical signal. Probe device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the voltage source (4) comprises a piezoelectric transformer. Probe device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the probe body (1) is hollow and has a passage for a fluid (9). Probe device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the probe device has a drive element (10) configured to move the probe body (1). Probe device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a counter electrode (13) is arranged on the probe body (1) which has a polarity opposite to the polarity of the probe body (1). Probe device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the probe body (1) is an endofile.

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