Multifunctional wrist-mounted visualization probe for periodontal examinations

Abstract

Multifunctional wrist-mounted visualization probe for periodontal examination, comprehensive: a handle (1) and a display unit (3); wherein the handle (1) comprises a working end which is designed to be inserted into the oral cavity of a patient for examination; wherein the working end of the handle (1) is equipped with a probe arrangement (2) which is designed to extend into periodontal pockets; wherein the probe arrangement (2) comprises: a probe shaft (5) attached to the working end of the handle (1); a probe tip (6) attached to the front end of the probe shaft (5); a video capture end (7) attached to the rear end of the probe tip (6); and a water outlet (8) which is positioned at the front end of the probe shaft (5); and wherein the display unit (3) is wirelessly connected to the video capture end (7) to receive and display video information captured by the video capture end (7) in real time.

Description

Summary

[0001] The present invention relates to a multifunctional wristband visualization probe for periodontal or gingival examinations, which falls within the field of medical devices. The probe addresses technical challenges of existing periodontal examination methods that rely exclusively on visual observation and tactile feedback from medical personnel to detect calculus in periodontal pockets and ramifications, leading to significant human error. Utilizing a combination of optical fibers, a wristband, and a display unit, the multifunctional wristband visualization probe for periodontal examinations enables visual examination and treatment of periodontal pockets with greater precision compared to conventional tactile probes.The invention provides solid support in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases and offers patients precise, visual, comfortable and minimally invasive treatment options. Background of the inventionField of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of medical devices, in particular to a multifunctional wristband visualization probe for periodontal examinations. Description of the state of the art

[0003] Supragingival scaling and subgingival scaling are essential procedures for treating periodontal disease. Supragingival scaling uses an ultrasonic scaler tip to remove calculus above the gum line, while subgingival scaling uses an ultrasonic scaler tip to remove calculus from the periodontal pockets, eliminating sources of inflammation and promoting periodontal tissue health. Periodontal probes are essential tools for periodontal examination, measuring pocket depth and detecting calculus in periodontal pockets. However, existing periodontal probes operate blindly, making it difficult to detect fine calculus or tartar near the floor or branching areas of periodontal pockets.Furthermore, it is difficult to distinguish calculus from abnormal anatomical tooth structures. After scaling, medical staff rely solely on the tactile feedback of periodontal probes to determine whether subgingival calculus has been completely removed, due to the lack of visual confirmation. This compromises the effectiveness of periodontal treatment, prolongs the patient's treatment time and frequency, and worsens the patient's treatment experience. Therefore, there is a need for a visualization probe for periodontal examinations that can visually inspect the inner walls of periodontal pockets, alveolar bone walls, and root bifurcations, and assess the dimensions, quantity, and distribution of calculus, thus avoiding the disadvantages of existing clinical periodontal examination methods. Summary of the invention

[0004] To overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a multifunctional wristband visualization probe for periodontal examinations. This probe was developed to overcome the technical problems associated with existing periodontal examination probes, which rely exclusively on visual observation and the tactile feedback of medical personnel to detect calculus in periodontal pockets and bifurcations, leading to significant human error.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objects, the present invention provides a multifunctional wristband visualization probe for periodontal examinations, comprising a handle and a display unit. The handle includes a working end configured to be inserted into a patient's oral cavity for examination. A probe assembly configured to project into periodontal pockets is provided at the working end of the handle. The probe assembly includes a probe shaft, a probe tip, a video acquisition end, and a water outlet. The probe shaft is attached to the working end of the handle, with the water outlet located at the front end of the probe shaft. The probe tip is attached to the front end of the probe shaft, and the video acquisition end is attached to the rear end of the probe tip.

[0006] The display unit is wirelessly connected to the video capture end to receive and display the video information captured by the video capture end in real time.

[0007] The rear end of the probe shaft is preferably provided with a coupling that can be connected to the threaded sleeve at the working end of the handle to facilitate assembly. Furthermore, the probe assembly can have four different configurations suitable for probing different areas, including the upper, lower, inner, and outer periodontal areas of the patient.

[0008] In another preferred embodiment, the probe tip is configured with a syringe-like structure. The rear end of the probe tip is cup-shaped for attaching the video capture end, and the front end of the probe tip is made of highly transparent, ultra-thin acrylic glass. This design allows the front end of the probe tip to gently displace the tissue of the periodontal pocket, thus providing sufficient visibility for the video capture end when inserted into the periodontal pocket.

[0009] The handle also contains a fiber optic collector connected to the video recording unit via fiber optic cables. The handle is also equipped with a signal transmitter and a battery connected to the fiber optic collector. A Type-C charging port is located on the side of the handle. The display unit includes a 2 cm wide elastic wristband and a signal receiver that is wirelessly connected to the signal transmitter. A protective silicone rubber cover encloses the handle, providing ergonomic, anti-slip, and sweat-resistant properties.The present invention offers significant advantages over existing periodontal probes by enabling visual examination and treatment of periodontal pockets with greater precision, reducing reliance on tactile feedback, supporting accurate diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease, and providing patients with precise, visual, comfortable, and minimally invasive treatment options.

[0010] In addition, medical staff can hold the handle in a posture like a pen, so that the other hand can directly operate dental instruments for treatments based on visualizations, thereby improving flexibility and operability.

[0011] All technical features described in this summary can be freely combined as required. Short description of the drawings

[0012] To better understand the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, a brief description of the drawings used in the embodiments or descriptions is provided below. However, it should be understood that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present application, and that those skilled in the art may obtain other drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the handle in the present invention. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the first configuration of the probe assembly in the present invention. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the second configuration of the probe assembly in the present invention. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of the third configuration of the probe assembly in the present invention. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the fourth configuration of the probe assembly in the present invention. Reference symbols in the drawings 1 handle 2 Probe arrangement 3 Display unit 4 Bracelet 5 Probe shaft 6 Probe tip 7 End of video recording 8 Water outlet 9 fiber optic cable 10 Clutch 11 Fiberglass collector 12 signal generators 13 Battery 14 Charging port 15 Water injection hose 16 Water injection end 17 Protective cover Detailed description

[0013] The following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of embodiments of the present invention, clearly and completely describes the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. It is obvious that the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all possible embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments achieved by those skilled in the art without inventive effort fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0014] The embodiment provides a multifunctional wristband visualization probe for periodontal examinations. The structural diagrams are shown in the Fig. 1 to 6. The probe comprises a handle 1 and a display unit 3. The handle 1 has a working end that can be inserted into a patient's oral cavity for examination. Attached to the working end of the handle 1 is a probe assembly 2 intended for insertion into periodontal pockets. The probe unit 2 comprises a probe shaft 5, a probe tip 6, a video capture end 7, and a water outlet 8. The video capture end 7 is used to capture images of the inner walls of the periodontal pockets. The probe shaft 5 is attached to the working end of the handle 1, with the water outlet 8 provided at the front end of the probe shaft 5. The probe tip 6 is attached to the front end of the probe shaft 5, and the video capture end 7 is attached to the rear end of the probe tip 6.The display unit 3 is wirelessly connected to the video capture end 7 to receive and display the video information captured by the video capture end 7 in real time. A wristband 4 is attached to the display unit 3.

[0015] With this structural configuration, the user can hold the handle 1 and insert the probe tip 6 into the patient's periodontal pocket. The video acquisition end 7, in conjunction with the fiber optic collector 11 and the fiber optic cables 9, works with the display unit 3 to obtain images of calculus in the periodontal pocket. This enables the determination of the presence and distribution of calculus in the patient's periodontal pocket and at distribution points. Unlike conventional periodontal examination probes, which rely on tactile feedback to locate calculus, placing high demands on the tactile sensitivity of the medical staff, the multifunctional wristband visualization probe for periodontal examination enables a visual examination of periodontal areas with greater precision.This provides strong support in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases and facilitates the development of precise treatment plans for patients.

[0016] In this embodiment, the wristband 4 is a 2 cm wide elastic band that secures the display unit 3 to the wrist. This design provides high mobility and allows medical personnel to freely adjust the viewing angle. This eliminates the need to turn their head during observation and treatment to view a lesion and perform treatment.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the rear end of the probe shaft 5 is equipped with a coupling 10 that mates with the threaded sleeve at the working end of the handle 1, thus facilitating assembly. As shown in the Fig.As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the probe assembly 2 has four different configurations, each designed for probing different positions within the upper, lower, inner and outer periodontal areas of the patient.

[0018] In this embodiment, the probe tip 6 is designed with a syringe-like structure. The rear end of the probe tip 6 is cup-shaped for attaching the video capture end 7. The front end of the probe tip 6 is made of highly transparent, ultra-thin acrylic glass. The front end of the probe tip 6 gently displaces the periodontal pocket to ensure sufficient visibility for the video capture end 7 when it is inserted into the periodontal pocket.

[0019] In this embodiment, the handle 1 houses a fiber optic collector 11 inside. A fiber optic cable 9 connects the fiber optic collector 11 to the video capture end 7. The handle 1 is further equipped with a signal generator 12 and a battery 13. The signal generator 12 and the battery 13 are electrically connected to the fiber optic collector 11. On the side wall of the handle 1 is a charging port 14 that is electrically connected to the battery 13. The display unit 3 contains a signal receiver that establishes a wireless connection to the signal generator 12. The battery 13 supplies power to both the fiber optic collector 11 and the signal generator 12, while the charging port 14 is used to charge the battery 13.The video information captured by the video capture end 7 is transmitted via the fiber optic cable 9 to the fiber optic collector 11, and then sent by the signal transmitter 12 to the signal receiver in the display unit 3, where it is displayed. This arrangement enables the determination of calculus conditions in the patient's periodontal pocket with high clarity, reliability, and safety. Furthermore, the fiber optic collector 11 and the signal transmitter 12 are integrated into a circuit board, and the battery 13 is connected to the circuit board. The entire assembly is securely mounted in the handle 1 using a slotted mechanism. The battery 13 has a capacity of 500 mAh, allowing normal image acquisition for up to 4 hours. The charging port 14 is a Type-C interface.

[0020] In addition, the probe tip 6 undergoes high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization. The entire probe unit 2 is made of medical-grade stainless steel, ensuring durability and reducing the cost of medical instruments.

[0021] In this embodiment, the water outlet 8 is aligned with the front end of the probe tip 6 in the same direction. The handle 1 is equipped with a water injection tube 15 inside. The probe shaft 5 is hollow, and the water injection tube 15 is connected to the water outlet 8. The rear end of the handle 1 has a water injection end 16 that communicates with the water injection tube 15. If excessive bleeding occurs in the patient's periodontal pocket, the water injection end 16 can be connected to a high-speed end tube of a dental treatment unit to supply water. The water is passed through the water injection tube 15 and the probe shaft 5 and sprayed via the water outlet 8 to clean the periodontal pocket and the probe tip 6, thereby cleaning the glass lens and maintaining a clear field of vision.

[0022] In this embodiment, a protective cover 17 is mounted over the handle 1. The protective cover 17 is made of silicone rubber, which allows sterilization at high temperatures and high pressure. It is soft and pleasant to the touch, ergonomically shaped, and offers anti-slip and anti-perspiration properties.

[0023] During use, the doctor holds the handle 1 and inserts the probe tip 6 into the patient's periodontal pocket. By operating the handle 1, the angle of the probe tip 6 in the periodontal pocket can be adjusted. The video acquisition end 7 acquires video data of the periodontal pocket through the probe tip 6, and the fiber optic cable 9 transmits this data to the fiber optic collector 11. The signal transmitter 12 wirelessly transmits the data to the signal receiver in the display unit 3, where it is displayed for viewing. If blood in the periodontal pocket obstructs the view of the video acquisition end 7, the water injection end 16 can be connected to a high-speed water supply hose from a dental treatment unit. Water is then supplied through the water injection hose 15 and the probe shaft 5 via the water outlet 8 to clean the periodontal pocket and the probe tip 6, ensuring a clear view.

[0024] In addition, medical staff can select different working ends depending on the patient's periodontal sites. By following these steps, the condition of the patient's periodontal pockets can be assessed. Compared with traditional periodontal probes, which require the physician to examine the patient's periodontal pockets using their sense of touch, this visualization method enables more precise examinations and facilitates the development of accurate treatment plans for patients. In addition, medical staff can hold handle 1 in a pen-like posture and wear the display unit 3 on the wristband 4 during examination. This allows the other hand to operate a scaler or curette to perform direct visualization treatments on the lesion areas, providing high flexibility, operability, and the advantages of visualization treatment.

[0025] All technical features described in this embodiment can be freely combined as required.

[0026] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above-described embodiments, those skilled in the art may make changes to the technical solutions described in the above-described embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some technical features. All changes, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made in accordance with the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

[1] Multifunctional wristband visualization probe for periodontal examination, comprising: a handle (1) and a display unit (3); wherein the handle (1) comprises a working end adapted to be inserted into the oral cavity of a patient for examination; wherein the working end of the handle (1) is equipped with a probe assembly (2) designed to extend into periodontal pockets; wherein the probe assembly (2) comprises: a probe shaft (5) attached to the working end of the handle (1); a probe tip (6) attached to the front end of the probe shaft (5); a video detection end (7) attached to the rear end of the probe tip (6); and a water outlet (8) positioned at the front end of the probe shaft (5); and wherein the display unit (3) is wirelessly connected to the video capture end (7) to receive and display video information captured by the video capture end (7) in real time. [2] Multifunctional wristband visualization probe for periodontal examination according to claim 1, wherein the rear end of the probe shaft (5) is provided with a coupling (10) which mates with a threaded sleeve at the working end of the handle (1). [3] A multifunctional wristband visualization probe for periodontal examination according to claim 2, wherein the probe tip (6) is configured in a syringe-like structure, the rear end of the probe tip (6) for attaching the video recording end (7) is cup-shaped, and the front end of the probe tip (6) is made of highly transparent, ultra-thin acrylic glass. [4] A multifunctional wristband visualization probe for periodontal examination according to claim 2, wherein the handle (1) internally houses a fiber optic collector (11) and a fiber optic line (9) connects the fiber optic collector (11) to the video acquisition end (7). [5] A multifunctional wristband visualization probe for periodontal examination according to claim 4, wherein the probe tip (6) is subjected to high temperature and high pressure sterilization and the probe assembly (2) is made entirely of medical stainless steel. [6] A multifunctional wristband visualization probe for periodontal examination according to claim 5, wherein the water outlet (8) is oriented in the same direction as the front end of the probe tip (6), the handle (1) includes an internal water injection tube (15), the probe shaft (5) is hollow, the water injection tube (15) is in fluid communication with the water outlet (8), and a water injection end (16) communicating with the water injection tube (15) is provided at the rear end of the handle (1). [7] A multifunctional wristband visualization probe for periodontal examination according to claim 4, wherein the handle (1) is equipped with a signal generator (12) and a battery (13), the signal generator (12) and the battery (13) are electrically connected to the fiber optic collector (11), and a charging terminal (14) electrically connected to the battery (13) is provided on a side wall of the handle (1). [8] A multifunctional wristband visualization probe for periodontal examination according to claim 7, wherein a wristband (4) is attached to the display unit (3), and the wristband (4) is an elastic band having a width of 2 cm. [9] A multifunctional wristband visualization probe for periodontal examination according to claim 7, wherein the display unit (3) comprises a signal receiver wirelessly connected to the signal transmitter (12). [10] Multifunctional wristband visualization probe for periodontal examination according to claim 5, wherein a protective cover (17) is attached over the handle (1), and the protective cover (17) is made of silicone rubber.

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