Flexible shaft, surgical instrument, method for manufacturing a flexible shaft and method for mounting a guide wire to a flexible shaft

Abstract

The present invention provides a flexible shaft (1) for a surgical instrument, in particular for a flexible endoscope, comprising: a distal end (2) and a proximal end (3); a plurality of shaft sections (4) arranged in series between the distal end (2) and the proximal end (3); wherein the plurality of shaft sections (4) is articulated at least in one plane and comprises a through-opening (5) designed to receive a working channel and an optical imaging device, wherein the through-opening (5) is further designed to receive at least two guide wires (6), wherein the through-opening (5) extends through the plurality of shaft sections (4) from the proximal end (3) to the distal end (2).Furthermore, the present invention relates to a surgical instrument comprising such a flexible shaft, as well as to a method for producing a flexible shaft for a surgical instrument and to a method for mounting a guide wire on a flexible shaft for a surgical instrument.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to a flexible shaft for a surgical instrument and to a surgical instrument having such a flexible shaft. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a flexible shaft for a surgical instrument and a method for assembling a guide wire to a flexible shaft for a surgical instrument.BACKGROUNDFlexible surgical instruments having a tubular shaft, such as flexible endoscopes, are used for a wide variety of applications in medicine and technology. Such flexible endoscopes comprise a flexible, elongate shaft suitable for insertion into a cavity, for example an inner body cavity or a cavity of a technical object. As a rule, an endoscope lens is arranged at the tip of the endoscope shaft, which generates an image of a scene in the cavity under consideration. For recording and transmitting the endoscopic image from the distal end region (i.e. remote from the observer) to the proximal end region (i.e. close to the observer) of the endoscope, an ordered bundle of optical fibers running in the interior of the shaft or an electronic image sensor, such as a CCD chip, can be provided, which is arranged in the region of the distal end of the shaft and the signals of which are transmitted to the proximal end region via electrical lines running in the interior of the shaft. Since there is usually not sufficient light in the cavities under consideration, a light guide system can additionally be arranged in the interior of the shaft in order to guide light to the distal end of the endoscope, where it serves for illuminating the cavity. Further, the endoscope shaft may include one or more working channels for passing endoscopic working instruments from the proximal to distal end portions of the shaft to perform manipulations within the cavity.Flexible surgical instruments having a tubular shaft are also known, comprising a flexible elongate shaft also suitable for insertion into a cavity, for example an inner body cavity or a cavity of a technical object. Such a flexible endoscopic instrument can be used for carrying out manipulations in the cavity and for this purpose can be designed, for example, as a gripping instrument for gripping and manipulating tissue or objects in the cavity in the interior of the body or in the cavity of a technical object. For this purpose, a tool is arranged at the distal end of the flexible shaft, which tool can be operated from the proximal end of the shaft via a transmission means running in the interior of the shaft. Such a flexible endoscopic instrument generally does not have its own optics for recording an endoscopic image, but can be used in particular together with a flexible endoscope.It is often desirable to be able to angle the distal end of the shaft, i.e. the tip of the endoscope or endoscopic instrument, in order to make it possible to insert the endoscope or endoscopic instrument through a non-flexible endoscope through a non-rectilinear channel, to be able to move the tip in the lateral direction within a cavity and to be able to change the viewing direction of an optical system arranged in the endoscope tip or the working direction of a tool arranged at the tip of the endoscopic instrument. For this purpose, the shaft has a controllable section, in particular a controllable end section, which can be actively angled by a desired amount in a desired direction and can be controlled for this purpose from the proximal end of the endoscope or endoscopic instrument. The shaft for a flexible endoscopic instrument does not itself have to have a tool and a transmission means, but can, for example, comprise a working channel into which a flexible endoscopic working instrument, which cannot be actively angled and which has such a tool, can be introduced as far as the distal end of the shaft and, if appropriate, beyond it, so that the flexible working instrument can be angled with the aid of the shaft.In order to enable a controllable angular mounting of a section of a shaft of a flexible endoscope, it is known to design it with a base structure which comprises individual segments which can be pivoted relative to one another and which can be actuated via cable pulls or Bowden cables guided in the endoscope shaft. For actuation, hand wheels arranged in particular on the endoscope handle are provided.In the document US 2005 / 0131279 A1, each segment of a controllable section of the endoscope shaft is mounted pivotably with respect to the next or previous segment. For bending the relevant shaft section or the relevant endoscope tip, four cables are provided, which are guided to the endoscope tip by a proximally arranged control device. The cables run in the edge region of the segments and are each offset relative to one another by 90° with respect to a longitudinal axis, so that the endoscope tip can be steered in a desired direction by rolling up the corresponding cables in the control device.However, each cable is guided in a tiny through bore along the shaft, so that the production and in particular the assembly of the flexible shaft is difficult and / or time-consuming. One-piece injection molded shafts currently available on the market normally have complex shapes such that round cable guide holes are produced throughout the shaft.DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTIONThe object of the present invention is to provide a flexible shaft which can be manufactured and assembled easily and quickly.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a flexible shaft for a surgical instrument having the features of claim 1, by a surgical instrument having the features of claim 8, by a method for producing a flexible shaft for a surgical instrument having the features of claim 11 and / or by a method for mounting a guide wire to a flexible shaft for a surgical instrument having the features of claim 13.According to a first aspect of the invention, a flexible shaft for a surgical instrument, in particular for a flexible endoscope, is provided. The flexible shaft includes a distal end and a proximal end. Further, the flexible shaft includes a plurality of shaft portions arranged in series between the distal end and the proximal end. The plurality of shank portions is articulated at least in one plane and includes a through opening configured to receive a working channel and an optical imaging device. The through hole is further configured to receive at least two guide wires, the through hole passing through the plurality of shaft portions from the proximal end to the distal end.According to a second aspect of the invention, a flexible surgical instrument, in particular a flexible endoscope, is provided. The flexible surgical instrument includes a flexible shaft according to the first aspect of the invention disposed at a distal end of the flexible surgical instrument. Further, the flexible surgical instrument includes an operator interface disposed at the proximal end of the flexible shaft and configured to operate the flexible shaft.According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for producing a flexible shaft for a surgical instrument, in particular for producing a flexible shaft according to the first aspect of the invention, is provided. The method comprises the steps of:forming a plurality of shaft portions arranged in series between a distal end and a proximal end and having a through hole configured to receive a working channel and an optical imaging device, the through hole further configured to receive at least two guide wires, the through hole extending through the plurality of shaft portions from the proximal end to the distal end.Demolding the flexible shank from the forming tool, wherein the plurality of shank portions is articulated at least in one plane.According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for mounting a guide wire to a flexible shaft for a surgical instrument, in particular to a flexible shaft according to the first aspect of the invention, is provided. The method comprises the steps of:providing a flexible shaft comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a plurality of shaft portions arranged in series between the distal end and the proximal end, the plurality of shaft portions being articulated at least in one plane and comprising a through hole configured to receive a working channel and an optical imaging device, the through hole further configured to receive at least two guide wires, the through hole extending through the plurality of shaft portions from the proximal end to the distal end.guiding a first guide wire and a second guide wire through the through hole of the plurality of shaft portions from the proximal end to the distal end.displacing the first guide wire in the radial direction of the flexible shaft for radially positioning the first guide wire with respect to the through hole.A basic idea of the invention is to provide a flexible vertebra or shaft for all main components of the flexible surgical instrument, in particular flexible endoscope, which includes an inner contour or through-opening. The inner contour accommodates in particular the guide wires, the working channel and the optical imaging device. The flexible vertebra or shaft corresponds to an active bending section of the flexible surgical instrument, in particular flexible endoscope. The distal end of the flexible shaft corresponds to the distal end of the flexible surgical instrument. Moreover, the methods disclose a possibility for producing the vertebrae and for mounting the vertebrae on the endoscope.A particular advantage of the solution according to one aspect of the invention is that the flexible shaft comprises an inner contour or through-opening instead of three separate openings which have to be formed in the manufacturing process. An inner contour can simplify the assembly process of the guide wires.Another advantage of the present invention is that restrictions on the plastics to be used for the flexible shaft can be reduced because the flexible shaft according to the invention does not have small elements. Moreover, the assembly of the small components such as the guide wires can be simplified due to the relatively large inner contour compared to the typical separate openings for guide wires as known in the art.The present invention can provide a simpler and / or more robust construction for the vertebrae. Moreover, the present invention can enable simpler and faster assembly of the guide wires.The operating interface and / or the surgical instrument can be made of a plastic material. For example, the surgical instrument can be made entirely of a plastic material, in particular if the surgical instrument is provided only for one-time use.The working channel can be inserted into a tubular shaft of the surgical instrument. The working channel is mounted or guided in the surgical instrument at least at one end, in particular a proximal end, of a rod. In particular, the rod is mounted or guided in the tube shaft in such a way that the working channel cannot be displaced or rotated axially relative to the tube shaft.A tool, which can be designed in particular in the form of a replaceable accessory, can be fluidically coupled to the accessory connection.If the surgical instrument is to be operated by a user, for example a surgeon, the surgical instrument comprises a handle as a holding device for the user. The operating interface then transmits a force or a torque, which is exerted by the user via a suitable actuation (e.g. movable handle limb) on the handle, for example on a force transmission element.If the surgical instrument is to be connected to a robot, the surgical instrument comprises a corresponding connection interface for the robot, which can apply an axial force or a torque to the force transmission element via the operating interface.Advantageous embodiments and refinements emerge from the description with reference to the figures.According to some embodiments of the invention, the flexible shaft is formed as one piece that has been manufactured by injection molding. As a result, the flexible shaft can be produced in a molding process, in particular without mounting the plurality of shaft sections. Therefore, the production can be made faster. For example, the flexible shaft can be designed as a one-piece swirl which is produced from plastic by the injection molding process and comprises a single plastic material which is flexible. The plurality of shank portions may be connected by an integrated connecting web connecting adjacent shank portions such that they are articulated in a plane.In addition, a one-piece vertebra for a disposable endoscope can be produced by injection molding. A similar configuration may be used for forming separate connection vortices to facilitate assembly of the guide wires. The flexible vortices can be configured in such a way that the molding tool is simple and robust.For example, each shaft portion may be configured as a swirl element coupled to the adjacent swirl element such that there is pivotability of the swirl element relative to the adjacent swirl element about a radial axis.According to some further embodiments of the invention, the plurality of shank portions is made of a single type of plastic material that is elastically deformable. Thus, the complexity of the flexible shaft can be reduced. Moreover, material properties and bending behavior of the flexible shaft can be determined more accurately.For example, the flexible shaft is formed as a one-piece vertebra of a single use flexible endoscope having an inner contour for all main components such as the working channel, the optical imaging device and the guide wires. In particular, the flexible shaft comprises the one-piece flexible endoscope joint for single use at the distal end.According to some further embodiments of the invention, the plurality of shank portions has a circular or oval shape, such that a circular or oval flexible shank is formed. As a result, the flexible shaft can have a constant diameter.According to some further embodiments of the invention, the through hole comprises a circular central portion and two protruding portions, wherein the two protruding portions are respectively arranged on opposite sides with respect to the circular central portion and are respectively connected to the circular central portion such that a guide wire is slidable within the through hole between the circular central portion and the two protruding portions in a radial direction of the flexible shaft.According to some further embodiments of the invention, each of the two protruding regions is angled, in particular in the manner of a hook or a bayonet lock, such that the plurality of shank portions comprises a nose element which partially separates the protruding region from the circular central region. The nose element may support the guide wire when a force is applied to the guide wire towards the central region. Thus, the guide wire can be held in the protruding region when the flexible shaft is bent.According to some further embodiments of the invention, the two protruding regions have a width / diameter in a range from about 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm.According to some further embodiments of the invention, the flexible surgical instrument further comprises a working channel for conveying fluids or medical tools from the operating interface to the distal end of the flexible shaft and two guide wires extending from the operating interface through the through opening to articulate the flexible shaft.According to some further embodiments of the invention, the flexible surgical instrument further comprises an optical imaging device, which extends from the operating interface through the through-opening, for generating image data of an area in front of the distal end.According to some further embodiments of the invention, the forming comprises an injection molding process wherein the injection molded flexible shaft is demolded in one piece. As a result, the flexible shaft can be produced in a molding process, in particular without mounting the plurality of shaft sections. Therefore, the production can be made faster.According to some further embodiments of the invention, the second guide wire is guided through the through-opening simultaneously with the first guide wire.According to some further embodiments of the invention, the step of displacing comprises displacing the second guide wire in a radial direction of the flexible shaft to position the second guide wire radially opposite the first guide wire with respect to the through hole.The above embodiments and developments can be combined with one another as desired, insofar as appropriate. Further possible configurations, developments and implementations of the invention are also combinations of features of the invention described above or below in the exemplary embodiments, which are not explicitly mentioned. In particular, a person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or supplements to the respective basic form of the present invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURESThe present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments listed in the schematic figures. The following are shown: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a flexible shaft for a flexible endoscope according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a shank section of the flexible shank according to FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a flexible shaft for a surgical instrument according to another embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for assembling a guide wire to a flexible shaft for a surgical instrument according to another embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a flexible shaft for a flexible endoscope according to a further embodiment of the invention with two cross-sectional views A-A and B-B; FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a flexible shaft formed as one piece according to another embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a flexible shaft for a flexible endoscope according to another embodiment of the invention.The accompanying figures are intended to provide a more complete understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and are used in conjunction with the specification to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned are apparent in view of the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale with respect to one another. Directional indicating terminology such as "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "over", "under", "horizontal", "vertical", "front", "rear" and similar information are used merely for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit generality to particular configurations illustrated in the figures.In the figures of the drawing, elements, features and components that are the same, have the same function and function-unless explained otherwise-are each provided with the same reference numerals.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a flexible shaft 1 for a flexible endoscope.The flexible endoscope (not shown) may be configured as, for example, a handheld endoscope including an endoscope handle for manual operation by a user. Alternatively, the endoscope handle may be configured as a corresponding interface for a robot for guidance by a robot. The flexible endoscope includes the flexible shaft 1 disposed at a distal end of the flexible endoscope. The flexible endoscope may further include an operation interface and a shaft enclosing a working channel, the shaft being coupled to the operation interface and the flexible shaft 1. The shaft and the working channel can be designed as a round hose. The working channel is configured for conveying fluids or medical instruments. Furthermore, the shaft can be arranged concentrically in the operating interface.The flexible shaft 1 comprises a distal end 2 and a proximal end 3. Thus, the operating interface can be arranged at the proximal end 3 of the flexible shaft 1 and configured for operating the flexible shaft 1.Furthermore, the flexible shaft 1 has a plurality of shaft sections 4 arranged in series between the distal end 2 and the proximal end 3. The plurality of shank portions 4 are articulated in a plane and comprise a through hole 5. Each shank portion 4 is configured as a swirl element which is coupled to the adjacent swirl element in such a way that the swirl element is pivotable relative to the adjacent swirl element about a radial axis. In FIG. 1, the plurality of shaft portions 4 have a circular shape, so that a circular flexible shaft 1 is formed. As a result, the flexible shaft 1 has a constant diameter. However, the shape of the flexible shaft 1 is not limited thereto, and may have an oval or similar shape.The through-opening 5 is designed to receive the working channel and an optical imaging device. In particular, the through-opening 5 is furthermore designed to receive two guide wires 6. As a result, the through-opening 5 runs through the plurality of shank sections 4 from the proximal end 3 to the distal end 2. the two guide wires 6 extend here from the operating interface of the endoscope in order to fasten the flexible shank 1 in an articulated manner.FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a shank portion 4 of the flexible shank 1 according to FIG. 1.The shank section 4 comprises a through-opening 5 which serves to receive the working channel, the optical imaging device and the two guide wires 6. As a result, the through-opening 5 comprises a circular central region 5 aand two protruding regions 5 b. The two protruding portions 5 bare respectively disposed on opposite sides with respect to the circular central portion 5 a.In FIG. 2, the two protruding portions 5 bare disposed on the left and right sides of the shaft portion 4. In addition, the two protruding portions 5 bare respectively connected to the circular central portion 5 a, so that the guide wire 6 is slidable between the circular central portion 5 aand the two protruding portions 5 bin the through hole 5 in the radial direction of the flexible shaft 1. One of the two protruding portions 5 b, here the left side protruding portion 5 b, is combined with an optical imaging device capturing portion 8.Each of the two protruding regions 5 bis shaped in a bayonet-lock manner, such that the plurality of shank portions 4 or each shank portion comprises a nose element 7 which partially separates the protruding region 5 bfrom the circular central region 5 a. The nose element supports the guide wire 6 when a force is applied to the guide wire 6 in the direction of the central region 5a. Thus, the guide wire 6 can be held in the protruding portion 5b upon angling of the flexible shaft 1. Here, the two protruding portions 5 bhave a width in a range of about 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm.FIG. 3 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for producing a flexible shaft for a surgical instrument.The method comprises the steps of forming S 1 and demolding S 2.In the step of rough molding S 1, a plurality of shaft portions 4 arranged in series between a distal end 2 and a proximal end 3 are rough molded. Furthermore, the plurality of shaft sections 4 comprises a through-opening 5 configured to receive a working channel and an optical imaging device. The through-opening 5 is further configured to receive at least two guide wires 6, wherein the through-opening 5 runs through the plurality of shaft sections 4 from the proximal end 3 to the distal end 2. In particular, the primary molding S 1 comprises an injection molding method.In the demolding step S 2, the flexible shank 1 is removed from the primary molding tool, wherein the plurality of shank sections 4 are articulated in one plane. By the one injection molding process, the injection molded flexible shaft 1 is removed from the mold in a piece S 2.Figure 4 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for mounting a guide wire 6 to a flexible shaft 1 for a surgical instrument.The method comprises the steps of providing M 1, guiding M 2 and shifting M 3.In the providing step M 1, a flexible shaft 1 is provided, which comprises a distal end 2, a proximal end 3 and a plurality of shaft sections 4. The plurality of shank portions 4 is arranged in series between the distal end 2 and the proximal end 3, wherein the plurality of shank portions 4 is articulated at least in one plane. Furthermore, the plurality of shaft sections 4 comprises a through-opening 5 configured to receive a working channel and an optical imaging device. In addition, the through-opening 5 is configured to receive two guide wires 6, wherein the through-opening 5 runs through the plurality of shaft sections 4 from the proximal end 3 to the distal end 2.In the guiding step M 2, a first guide wire 6 and a second guide wire 6 are guided through the through hole 5 of the plurality of shaft portions 4 from the proximal end 3 to the distal end 2. In addition, the second guide wire 6 is guided through the through hole 5 M 2 simultaneously with the first guide wire 6.In the sliding step M 3, the first guide wire 6 is slid in the radial direction of the flexible shaft 1 to position the first guide wire 6 radially with respect to the through hole 5. Moreover, the second guide wire 6 is slid in the radial direction of the flexible shaft 1 to position the second guide wire 6 radially opposite to the first guide wire 6 with respect to the through hole 5.FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a flexible shaft 1 for a flexible endoscope with two cross-sectional views A-A and B-B.The flexible shaft 1 comprises a distal end 2 and a proximal end 3. Thus, the operating interface can be arranged at the proximal end 3 of the flexible shaft 1 and configured for operating the flexible shaft 1.Furthermore, the flexible shaft 1 has a plurality of shaft sections 4 arranged in series between the distal end 2 and the proximal end 3. The plurality of shank portions 4 are articulated in a plane and comprise a through hole 5. Each shank portion 4 is configured as a swirl element which is coupled to the adjacent swirl element in such a way that the swirl element is pivotable relative to the adjacent swirl element about a radial axis.In particular, the cross-sectional view A-A illustrates the cross-section of the flexible shaft between two adjacent shaft portions 4. The cross-sectional view B-B illustrates the cross-section of the shaft portion 4.In view A-A, it can be clearly seen that adjacent shank sections 4 are connected to one another in such a way that they can be pivoted relative to one another in one plane. When each connection between adjacent shank portions 4 has the same radial orientation as shown in Fig. 5, the flexible shank 1 is articulated in one plane. If at least one connection between adjacent shank portions 4 has a different radial orientation compared to some other connections, the flexible shank 1 is articulated in at least two planes.In addition, two guide wires 6 are accommodated in the through-opening 5. The through-opening 5 and the two guide wires 6 extend through the plurality of shaft sections 4 from the proximal end 3 to the distal end 2.As a result, the through-opening 5 comprises a circular central region 5 aand two protruding regions 5 b. The two protruding portions 5 bare respectively disposed on opposite sides with respect to the circular central portion 5 a.In the two cross-sectional views A-A and B-B, the two protruding portions 5 bare disposed on the upper side and on the lower side of the shaft portion 4. In addition, the two protruding portions 5 bare respectively connected to the circular central portion 5 a, so that the guide wire 6 is slidable between the circular central portion 5 aand the two protruding portions 5 bin the through hole 5 in the radial direction of the flexible shaft 1. One of the two protruding portions 5 b, here the upper side protruding portion 5 b, is combined with an optical imaging device accommodating portion 8.Each of the two protruding regions 5 bis shaped in a bayonet-lock manner, such that the plurality of shank portions 4 or each shank portion comprises a nose element 7 which partially separates the protruding region 5 bfrom the circular central region 5 a. The nose element supports the guide wire 6 when a force is applied to the guide wire 6 in the direction of the central region 5a. Thus, the guide wire 6 can be held in the protruding region 5b when the flexible shaft 1 is bent. Here, the two protruding portions 5 bhave a width in a range of about 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm.FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a flexible shaft 1 configured as one piece. the flexible shaft of FIG. 6 comprises substantially the same elements as the flexible shaft 1 of FIG. 1 or 5.Here, the flexible shaft 1 is different from that in FIG. 1 or 5 in that it is configured as a part manufactured by injection molding. That is, the flexible shaft 1 can be manufactured in a molding process without assembling the plurality of shaft portions 4.As a result, the plurality of shank sections 4 is connected by an integrated connecting web 9 which connects adjacent shank sections 4 in an articulated manner in one plane.FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of a flexible shaft 1 for a flexible endoscope.The flexible shaft of FIG. 7 comprises substantially the same elements as the flexible shaft 1 of FIG. 1 or 5. in FIG. 7, the flexible shaft 1 and the through-opening 5, in particular the central region 5 a, have a constant diameter. However, the shape of the flexible shaft 1 is not limited thereto, and may have an oval or similar shape. In addition, the shape of the through-opening 5, in particular of the central region 5 a, is not restricted thereto and can also have an oval or similar shape. For example, the flexible shaft 1 and the through hole 5 may have the same shape with different diameters and different widths, respectively. Alternatively, the flexible shaft 1 and the through-opening 5, in particular the central region 5 a, can have different shapes.In the above detailed description, various features have been combined in one or more examples to further illustrate the disclosure. However, it should be understood that the above description is merely illustrative and is not by way of limitation. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of the various features and embodiments. Many other examples will be readily and immediately apparent to one skilled in the art based on the knowledge of the person skilled in the art having regard to the above description.The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to be able to best represent the principles underlying the invention and the possible applications thereof in practice. This enables the skilled person to optimally modify and use the invention and its various exemplary embodiments with regard to the intended purpose of use. In the claims and the specification, the terms "including" and "having" are used as neutral linguistic concepts for the corresponding terms "comprising". Moreover, the use of the terms "a", "an" and "an" is not intended to exclude the plurality of elements and components thus described in principle.While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s) is disclosed herein, it is understood that modifications, substitutions, and alternatives may be apparent to one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It is intended that this disclosure cover all adaptations or variations of the example embodiment(s). Moreover, in this disclosure, the terms "comprise" or "comprising" do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms "a" or "one" do not exclude a plurality, and the term "or" means either or both. Moreover, described features or steps may also be used in combination with other features or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise. By reference, the complete disclosure of all patents or applications the advantages or priority of which claims this disclosure are incorporated into the disclosure.LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS1 Flexible shaft 2 distal end 3 proximal end 4 plurality of shaft sections 5 through-opening 5 aof circular central region 5 bprotruding region 6 guide wire 7 nose element 8 region 9 connecting web M 1 providing M 2 guiding M 3 displacing S 1 rough forming S 2 demoldingReferences included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedUS 2005 / 0131279 A1

[0006]

Claims

Flexible shaft (1) for a surgical instrument, in particular for a flexible endoscope, comprising: a distal end (2) and a proximal end (3); and a plurality of shaft sections (4) arranged in series between the distal end (2) and the proximal end (3); wherein the plurality of shaft sections (4) is articulated at least in one plane and comprises a through opening (5) configured to receive a working channel and an optical imaging device, wherein the through opening (5) is further configured to receive at least two guide wires (6), wherein the through opening (5) runs through the plurality of shaft sections (4) from the proximal end (3) to the distal end (2).Flexible shaft (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible shaft (1) is formed as one piece, which has been produced by injection molding.Flexible shaft (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plurality of shaft portions (4) are made of a single type of plastic material that is elastically deformable.Flexible shaft (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of shaft sections (4) has a circular or oval shape, so that a circular or oval flexible shaft is formed.Flexible shaft (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the through hole (5) comprises a circular central area (5a) and two protruding areas (5b), wherein the two protruding areas (5b) are respectively arranged on opposite sides with respect to the circular central area (5a) and are respectively connected to the circular central area (5a), such that a guide wire (6) is displaceable within the through hole (5) between the circular central area (5a) and the two protruding areas (5b) in a radial direction of the flexible shaft (1).Flexible shaft (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that each of the two protruding regions (5b) is formed angled, in particular hook-type or bayonet-type closure, such that the plurality of shaft sections (4) comprises a nose element (7) which partially separates the protruding region (5b) from the circular central region (5a).Flexible shaft (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the two protruding areas (5b) have a width / a diameter in a range of about 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm.A flexible surgical instrument, in particular a flexible endoscope, comprising: a flexible shaft (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is arranged at a distal end of the flexible surgical instrument; an operating interface, which is arranged at the proximal end (3) of the flexible shaft (1) and is configured for operating the flexible shaft (1).The flexible surgical instrument according to claim 8, characterized in that the flexible surgical instrument further comprises a working channel for conveying fluids or medical tools from the operating interface to the distal end (2) of the flexible shaft (1) and two guide wires (6) extending from the operating interface through the through hole (5) for articulating the flexible shaft (1).The flexible surgical instrument according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the flexible surgical instrument further comprises an optical imaging device, which extends from the operating interface through the through-opening (5), for generating image data of an area in front of the distal end (2).A method for manufacturing a flexible shaft for a surgical instrument, in particular for manufacturing a flexible shaft (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: moulding (S1) a plurality of shaft portions (4) arranged in series between a distal end (2) and a proximal end (3) and comprising a through opening (5) configured to receive a working channel and an optical imaging device, wherein the through opening (5) is further configured to receive at least two guide wires (6), wherein the through opening (5) extends through the plurality of shaft portions (4) from the proximal end (3) to the distal end (2); and demolding (S2) the flexible shaft (1) from the moulding tool, wherein the plurality of shaft portions (4) is articulated at least in one plane.Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the forming (S1) comprises an injection molding process, and wherein the injection molded flexible shaft is demolded (S2) in one piece.Method for mounting a guide wire to a flexible shaft for a surgical instrument, in particular to a flexible shaft (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: providing (M1) a flexible shaft (1) comprising a distal end (2), a proximal end (3) and a plurality of shaft sections (4) arranged in series between the distal end (2) and the proximal end (3), wherein the plurality of shaft sections (4) is articulated at least in one plane and comprises a through-opening (5) configured to receive a working channel and an optical imaging device, wherein the through-opening (5) is further configured to receive at least two guide wires (6), wherein the through-opening (5) runs through the plurality of shaft sections (4) from the proximal end (3) to the distal end (2); guiding (M2) a first guide wire (6) and a second guide wire (6) through the through hole (5) of the plurality of shaft portions (4) from the proximal end (3) to the distal end (2); and displacing (M3) the first guide wire (6) in the radial direction of the flexible shaft (1) for radially positioning the first guide wire with respect to the through hole (5).Method according to claim 13, characterised in that the second guide wire (6) is guided (M2) through the passage opening (5) simultaneously with the first guide wire (6).Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the sliding step (M3) comprises sliding the second guide wire (6) in a radial direction of the flexible shaft (1) in order to position the second guide wire (6) radially opposite the first guide wire (6) with respect to the through hole (5).

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