Endoscopic device and endoscope

Abstract

The invention relates to an endoscopic device (52) comprising a shaft (10), wherein the shaft (10) comprises: a distal shaft end (30) and a proximal shaft end (34) opposite the distal shaft end (30); an outer casing (54) extending from the distal shaft end (30) to the proximal shaft end (34); a shaft inner section (55) which is at least partially surrounded peripherally by the outer casing (54) and arranged between the distal and the proximal shaft ends (30, 34); at least one inner casing (60) extending at least partially in the shaft inner section (55) and defining at least one function space (58, 62, 64); and a closed shaft intermediate space (66), arranged in the shaft inner section (55) and outside the functional space (58, 62, 64), in which a heat transfer unit is arranged, which at least largely fills the shaft intermediate space (66) and is designed to dissipate heat from the distal shaft end (30).

Description

[0001] Endoscopic device and endoscope

[0002] The invention relates to an endoscopic device and an endoscope comprising the endoscopic device.

[0003] Endoscopic devices with a shaft are known from the prior art. The shaft is typically an elongated element, similar to a tube, designed for insertion into an internal cavity of a human or animal body through a natural or artificially created body opening. The shaft is usually rigid and is coupled, or can be coupled, to a handle or other device for actuating the shaft. The shaft is typically hollow inside so that functional units can be passed through it.

[0004] A cross-section through an endoscopic shaft according to the prior art is shown in Figure 2. Functional units such as a working channel 12, a fluid channel 14, a fiber optic bundle 16, a power conductor bundle 18, an image conductor bundle, and / or a rod lens system can extend through the shaft 10. Furthermore, German patent application DE 10 2019 003 839 A1 discloses an endoscopic shaft through which two heat pipes (heat pipe 20) extend at least partially to dissipate heat from a head end of the shaft. The heat pipes are embedded in a bore in the shaft tube. Furthermore, the heat pipes are thermally coupled to a handpiece of the endoscope using a thermally conductive adhesive, so that the heat absorbed at the head end of the shaft can be transferred to the handpiece. However, heat pipes also function simply by dissipating heat across the surface along their longitudinal extent.

[0005] Heat pipes are well known in the art. They are usually constructed from a hermetically sealed copper tube containing a capillary layer and a cavity for gas exchange. The enthalpy of vaporization of a working medium, such as water, acetone, or ammonia, contained within the copper tube is utilized for heat transfer. It can also be a mixture of liquids and / or gases. When heat is applied above the boiling point of the working medium, it begins to evaporate, leading to a local increase in pressure. Consequently, the vapor flows into lower-pressure regions. In these lower-pressure regions, the temperature of the working medium drops below its boiling point, causing the working medium to condense and transfer energy to the heat pipe casing. This occurs primarily in the regions where the heat pipe is cooled.The condensed working medium is then returned through the capillary layer and under the action of adhesion forces towards the heated area of ​​the heat pipe.

[0006] The use of conventional heat pipes to dissipate heat in an endoscopic shaft has the disadvantage that they require a lot of space, thus increasing the shaft diameter or reducing the working space for, for example, the introduction of functional units. Furthermore, the heat pipes increase the weight of the shaft, making it more difficult to handle. This additional weight must also be borne by the shaft, particularly its outer casing. The heat pipes, which are usually made of copper tubes, contribute almost nothing to the desired stability of the shaft, which is due to the easy deformability of copper materials. Consequently, to achieve the desired rigid design of the endoscopic shaft with the heat pipes arranged within it, the shaft must be very stable, which contributes to a further increase in weight.

[0007] However, modern endoscopic sheaths require technical solutions for heat dissipation, as the increasing miniaturization of imaging devices, computer chips, and lighting units makes it possible to locate more and more heat-generating functional units at the distal end of the endoscopic sheath. For example, an LED camera can be positioned at the distal end of the sheath. This saves considerable space and improves imaging quality. At the same time, significant heat loss occurs during operation of the camera and other distally located miniaturized functional units, such as LED lights.

[0008] Based on the prior art, the invention is based on the object of providing a structurally efficient heat transport structure.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by an endoscopic device and an endoscope as described herein and defined in the claims. The features according to the invention provide a heat transport structure that is structurally efficient, in particular with regard to the effectiveness of heat transfer, the utilization of available installation space, and a high degree of stability while being lightweight. An endoscopic device and an endoscope with effective heat dissipation can be provided. In addition, good handling of the endoscopic device can be ensured with regard to a compact, rigid, and lightweight design of the endoscopic device. An efficient solution for cooling the shaft can be provided in order to avoid overheating in tissue areas during surgical procedures and the associated tissue injury.In addition, the demand for ever better illumination quality, image sharpness and true-to-original color reproduction can be met by using miniaturized functional units at the distal end of the shaft.

[0010] The endoscopic device comprises a shaft having a distal shaft end and a proximal shaft end opposite the distal shaft end. The shaft is preferably a longitudinally extending shaft, for example in the form of a tube or a rod. The shaft is preferably rigid and may be curved.

[0011] The shaft further comprises an outer shell extending from the distal shaft end to the proximal shaft end, and a shaft inner section that is at least partially circumferentially enclosed by the outer shell and is arranged between the distal and proximal shaft ends. The shaft inner section can be closed at its longitudinal ends. For example, the shaft inner section can be a closed or hermetically sealed section.

[0012] Furthermore, the shaft comprises at least one inner casing which extends at least partially into the shaft inner section and which defines at least one functional space. In one embodiment, the inner casing and / or the functional space can extend at least partially through the shaft inner section from the distal shaft end to the proximal shaft end. The functional space can thus also be referred to as a feed-through channel. Thus, an endoscopic functional unit can be guided from the distal shaft end to the proximal shaft end through the functional space designed as a feed-through channel. The endoscopic functional unit can, for example, be a working channel tube, a fluid channel tube, a fiber optic bundle, a current conductor bundle, or a conventional heat pipe. The functional space can also alternatively be configured as a rinsing channel and / or suction channel for supplying and / or discharging fluids.In this case, too, the functional space can be a through-channel. The at least one functional space can be, for example, rod-shaped or tubular and / or can be curved according to the shape of the shaft. The functional space can accommodate one or more endoscopic functional units.

[0013] In some embodiments, the inner shell and / or functional space can extend partially into the shaft, for example, extending into it at a proximal end. This is suitable, for example, for accommodating an endoscopic functional unit, which is configured, for example, for wireless data transmission. Examples of functional units are a lighting device, a camera, and / or a camera chip. The endoscopic functional unit can be arranged at the distal end of the shaft. The functional space can have any shape, for example, the shape of a blind hole or a square or semicircular recess.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least one functional space can be designed as a feedthrough channel and at least one further functional space can extend into the shaft without completely penetrating it.

[0015] Furthermore, the shaft comprises a sealed shaft intermediate space arranged in the shaft inner section and outside the functional space, in which a heat transfer unit is arranged, which fills at least a large part of the shaft intermediate space and is configured to dissipate heat from the distal shaft end. The expression "at least a large part" is to be understood in particular as at least 55%, preferably at least 65%, more preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85%, and most preferably at least 95%, and advantageously completely, in particular with reference to a volume and / or mass of an object. In one embodiment, the shaft intermediate space can be hermetically sealed.

[0016] The enclosed shaft cavity with the heat transfer unit arranged therein can form a heat pipe. A heat pipe is characterized by the fact that it enables efficient energy transport, i.e., heat transport. It is understood that the heat pipe formed is based on the same physical principles as conventional heat pipes. The difference, however, may be that the heat pipe formed is integrated into the endoscopic shaft, thus contributing to space savings, cost savings, and weight savings of the endoscopic device.

[0017] The heat transfer unit can be arranged in the inner section of the shaft, but outside the at least one functional space. In this way, the heat transfer unit can be integrated into the shaft in a space-saving manner. Furthermore, it is possible to design the heat transfer unit without a copper tube, thus avoiding an increase in the weight of the shaft.

[0018] In some embodiments, the heat transfer unit is in direct and / or immediate contact, particularly over a large area, with the outer shell and / or the inner shell. Alternatively, the heat transfer unit can be formed at least partially integrally with the outer shell and / or the inner shell. "Integral" in the context of this disclosure can mean one-piece and / or one-part and / or directly connected to one another.

[0019] The heat transfer unit or the shaft intermediate space is preferably hermetically sealed distally and proximally by means of a closure. Consequently, a closed, preferably hermetically sealed, shaft intermediate space can be formed between the outer shell, the inner shell, and the proximal and distal closures of the heat transfer unit.

[0020] By means of the heat transfer unit or the formed heat pipe, opposite distal and proximal shaft ends can be thermally coupled to one another, whereby, for example, heat can be dissipated from the distal shaft end to the proximal shaft end. Furthermore, heat can be dissipated along the longitudinal extent of the shaft via the outer casing of the shaft by means of the heat transfer unit or the formed heat pipe.

[0021] In some embodiments, the heat transfer unit comprises a gas exchange volume and a fluid transport layer. The fluid transport layer can comprise at least one porous element and / or be designed as such, such as a capillary layer. The entire shaft space can be used as a gas exchange volume, and at least a portion, in particular at least a majority, of the surfaces that bound the shaft space can be designed as a fluid transport layer. In other words, the gas exchange volume and the fluid transport layer can be arranged in the shaft space. In this way, the shaft space already available in the shaft is effectively used for heat transport, and the provision of the heat transfer unit does not require any additional space in the shaft.

[0022] In some embodiments, the fluid transport layer is arranged on an inner surface of the outer shell and / or on an outer surface of the inner shell. Consequently, the fluid transport layer can be located in the shaft intermediate space and can protrude into it. Preferably, the fluid transport layer and the outer shell or the inner shell are formed integrally. At least a portion of the inner surface of the outer shell and / or at least a portion of the outer surface of the inner shell can be covered by the fluid transport layer. In this way, the shell surfaces that are already available in the shaft intermediate space are effectively utilized to form the heat transfer unit. The outer shell and / or the inner shell thus assume / assume a dual function in particular: stability is imparted to the shaft and, in addition, capillary fluid transport for the heat transfer unit is formed.

[0023] Furthermore, such a design of the heat transfer unit can contribute to weight savings compared to the additional weight when using conventional heat pipes, whose copper outer jacket does not provide any additional stability to the shaft, but actually places additional weight on it and consequently reduces stability. In terms of material selection, this means that the copper tubes conventionally used in heat pipes contribute little to the stability of the shaft because they are easily deformed. If no additional copper tubes are required for the heat pipe because the heat pipe is integrated into the shaft or its outer jacket, the weight of the copper tubes is eliminated. The shaft becomes more stable. If the inner jacket is made of steel, particularly stainless steel, and is also used to form the heat pipe, the effectiveness of heat transfer is increased. In addition, additional steel tubes within the shaft contribute to additional stability.

[0024] It may also be advantageous if the fluid transport layer is arranged directly and / or immediately on an inner surface of the inner shell. Furthermore, an intermediate layer, for example an adhesive layer, can be formed at least partially between the outer shell and / or the inner shell and the fluid transport layer. The intermediate layer can, on the one hand, improve heat transfer to the respective shell and, on the other hand, contribute to a better bond between the fluid transport layer and the respective shell.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the fluid transport layer can be applied directly to the outer or inner shell, at least in sections, e.g., by grooving, cold forming, embossing, machining, grinding, or other surface-enlarging processes. The fluid transport layer can also be formed or optimized by chemical modification and / or topographical structuring of the surface.

[0026] The fluid transport layer may have a wick structure and / or grooves. The fluid transport layer may be constructed, at least in sections, as a spongy structure, for example, produced by a sintering process. The fluid transport layer may comprise a woven structure or a fiber structure.

[0027] Furthermore, the heat transfer unit can comprise at least one heat transport medium. The heat transport medium can be based on gas exchange, liquid transport, and the enthalpy of vaporization of the heat transport medium. The evaporable heat transport medium can be freely movable in the gas exchange volume and the fluid transport layer of the heat transfer unit. The amount of evaporable heat transport medium is determined by the total volume of the heat transfer unit and the dimensions of the fluid transport layer. The heat transport medium can be present in the fluid layer and in the gas exchange volume. The heat transport medium comprises, for example, water, acetone, or ammonia. It can also be a mixture of liquids and / or gases.

[0028] For a space-efficient arrangement, at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, of a cross-sectional area of ​​the shaft intermediate space between the outer shell and the at least one inner shell can be filled with the fluid transport layer and the heat transport medium. In some embodiments, the endoscopic device can further comprise at least one of a proximal and a distal thermal connector for heat dissipation and heat absorption, respectively. The heat dissipation, for example in the form of thermal energy, can occur from the heat transfer unit to a heat sink thermally coupled to the thermal connector. The heat transfer unit can, for example, absorb heat from a functional unit thermally coupled to the connector that generates waste heat, e.g.a CMOS chip, a lighting unit, an image capture device, a radio transmitter, a signal amplifier, or a light transmitter / receiver for fiber-optic data transmission. The thermal connector improves local heat distribution and heat transfer between the heat transfer unit and a further element connected to it. Heat transfer can be achieved through the use of a thermal connector. The thermal connector can protrude beyond the inner section of the shaft and / or extend into the shaft gap. The shaft gap can be closed, preferably hermetically sealed, by means of the thermal connector. The thermal connector can be the distal and / or proximal termination of the heat transfer unit or of the shaft gap.

[0029] A further improvement in heat transfer can be achieved in that the at least one thermal connection piece comprises a surface enlargement means for improving heat dissipation or heat absorption, wherein the surface enlargement means is formed within the enclosed region of the heat transfer unit and projects into it and / or is formed outside the enclosed region of the heat transfer unit and points away from the enclosed space of the heat transfer unit.

[0030] The term "surface enlargement means" can encompass all conceivable surface enlargement structures, such as blind holes, rods, tubes, wires, plates / sheets, at least one rolled PGS thermally conductive foil, a metallized unit, a metallized PGS thermally conductive foil, e.g., electroplated with copper, provided with a graphene layer, or provided with a pyrolytic graphite foil. Furthermore, a capillary layer on the surface represents a surface enlargement means. The surface enlargement means can comprise a fluid transport layer and / or can be arranged in close proximity to one.

[0031] For example, a rod and / or a plate can be provided with a capillary layer, wherein the capillary layer enlarges the surface area of ​​the rod and / or the plate.

[0032] A further improvement in heat transfer can be achieved by making the surface area enlargement agent from a thermally conductive material. Suitable thermally conductive materials include copper, copper alloys, silver, gold, aluminum, graphite, or graphene.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, heat transfer can be improved by having the outer jacket and / or the inner jacket comprise a thermally conductive element, in particular a thermally conductive layer, whose thermal conductivity is higher than that of the material of the outer jacket or the inner jacket. For example, an inner wall of the outer jacket and / or an outer wall of the inner jacket can be copper-plated.

[0034] The outer sheath and / or the inner sheath can be made of stainless steel, e.g., stainless steel, medical steel, or autoclavable steel. Stainless steel has the advantage of being corrosion-resistant and mechanically resilient, meaning it is hard and stable.

[0035] In some embodiments, the endoscopic device further comprises a waste heat generating functional unit arranged and / or arrangeable at the distal shaft end, which is thermally coupled or thermally coupleable to the heat transfer unit, such that heat from the waste heat generating functional unit can be supplied to the heat transfer unit via the distal thermal connector.

[0036] In one embodiment, the distal thermal connector may encompass the waste heat-generating functional unit. Alternatively, the distal thermal connector may be in indirect thermal contact with the waste heat-generating functional unit via a solid body and / or an external heat transfer fluid.

[0037] For example, the waste heat generating functional unit comprises an electrical

[0038] Functional unit. The electrical functional unit preferably comprises at least one CMOS chip, at least one illumination unit, at least one active unit, and / or at least one camera unit. The active unit can comprise a milling cutter, laser, RF applicator, ultrasound applicator, thermal applicator, medication unit, scalpel, forceps, scissors, etc. To realize a stereo image, for example at the distal shaft end, the electrical functional unit can comprise multiple CMOS chips. The illumination unit can comprise multiple LEDs that differ in their wavelength to illuminate different aspects and adjust the light heat. The active unit can be a laser unit for laser cutting tissue. The electrical functional unit can be configured to enable multispectral imaging and, for this purpose, can comprise, for example, a multispectral camera.For example, multiple LEDs can be used to provide a multispectral mode, a fluorescent mode, a white light mode, and / or a hyperspectral mode.

[0039] The waste heat-generating functional unit can be controlled and / or controllable by means of wireless communication technology and / or controlled and / or controllable by means of a wired connection. The at least one functional space can be configured to accommodate at least one functional unit that projects at least partially into the shaft inner section or passes through the shaft inner section. In one embodiment, the functional space can further accommodate the wired connection between a controller of the functional unit and the functional unit. The functional unit can project distally and / or proximally beyond the closed shaft intermediate space. Examples of a waste heat-generating functional unit include a fiber optic bundle, a power conductor bundle, a surgical tool and / or a camera. The functional unit can be the waste heat-generating functional unit or any other desired functional unit.

[0040] In some embodiments, the inner shaft section can accommodate a conventional heat pipe surrounded by a copper tube. The outer surface of the copper tube of the heat pipe can then comprise a heat pipe copper outer jacket, to which the shaft intermediate space is connected. The heat pipe copper outer jacket can be equipped with an additional fluid transport layer, for example a capillary layer, for fluid transport. In such an embodiment, the cross-section of the endoscopic shaft is effectively utilized. By using an additional conventional heat pipe arranged in the inner shaft section, two different heat transport fluids can be used that differ, for example, in their behavior, i.e., their vapor pressure curves, temperature ranges, viscosities, enthalpies of vaporization, or influences of gravity on the capillary fluid line can be different.This can be advantageous for maximizing heat dissipation, as different heat transfer fluids are more adaptable to different conditions. Furthermore, the collapse of heat transfer in the event of thermal overload could occur continuously or in stages, allowing the collapse of heat transfer to be detected in a timely manner and thus reducing the dissipated heat loss in a timely manner to prevent damage caused by overheating.

[0041] Preferably, all functional units to be guided through the shaft inner section and / or accommodated therein are arranged in the at least one functional space and sealed, preferably hermetically sealed, from the shaft intermediate space by means of the inner casing. The functional units can comprise the waste heat-generating functional unit or any other functional unit.

[0042] The endoscopic device may further comprise a handle that is or can be coupled to the proximal shaft end or a region adjacent to the proximal shaft end. The handle is, for example, a handpiece that can be functionally coupled to the endoscopic device. The handle may comprise actuating elements for actuating the functional units accommodated in the shaft inner section.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the endoscopic device or at least its shaft is autoclavable.

[0044] According to a further aspect, the invention comprises an endoscope comprising an endoscopic device according to one of the preceding claims. Therefore, the embodiments and advantages described above for the endoscopic device apply equally to the endoscope.

[0045] An endoscope according to the invention can be used to dissipate heat from instruments such as a scalpel, forceps, scissors, etc., used in high-frequency surgery. This prevents tissue treated with the endoscope from burning or sticking to the endoscope, particularly at the proximal end of the shaft.

[0046] The present invention is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and use them in a meaningful combination within the scope of the claims.

[0047] If there is more than one instance of a particular object, only one of these is provided with a reference symbol in the figures and description. The description of this instance can be applied accordingly to the other instances of the object. If objects are named using numerical terms, such as "first," "second," "third," etc., these serve to name and / or assign objects.

[0048] Thus, for example, a first object and a third object can be included, but not a second object. However, a number and / or sequence of objects could also be derived from numbers.

[0049] They show:

[0050] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an endoscope comprising an endoscopic device, an imaging device and an illumination device;

[0051] Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an endoscopic shaft according to the prior art;

[0052] Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an endoscopic device according to the invention;

[0053] Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an endoscopic device according to the invention;

[0054] Fig. 5a-5b is a schematic representation of a longitudinal section through an embodiment of an endoscopic device according to the invention; Fig. 6a-6b is a schematic representation of a longitudinal section through an embodiment of an endoscopic device according to the invention; and

[0055] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of another endoscopic device.

[0056] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an endoscope 22 with an endoscopic imaging device 24. The imaging device 24 is provided, for example, for examining a cavity. Furthermore, the imaging device 24 comprises an illumination device 26 and an illumination unit 28. The illumination unit 28' is configured to supply illumination light to an optical interface 17. Alternatively or additionally, an illumination device 26 and / or the illumination unit 28 can be arranged at a distal shaft end 30, as will be explained in more detail later. This arrangement is preferably used when the illumination device 26 and / or the illumination unit 28 can be designed to be very small, for example, when miniaturized LED light sources are used.

[0057] In the illustrated case, the endoscope 22 further comprises a display unit on which images can be displayed based on image data acquired by the imaging device 24. These can be video images, still images, overlays of different images, partial images, image sequences, etc.

[0058] The endoscope 22 further comprises a camera unit 32' and a shaft 10. In Fig. 1, the camera unit 32 is coupled or can be coupled to a proximal shaft end 34, wherein the shaft 10 is optically coupled to the camera unit 32. Alternatively or additionally, a camera unit 32 can be arranged at the distal shaft end 30. This arrangement is preferably used if the camera unit 32 is miniaturized such that it can be inserted into the shaft 10. The camera unit 32 is connected to a controller 36 wirelessly or by wire.

[0059] The camera unit 32' includes imaging sensors 38', in the present case, for example, a white light sensor 40' and a near-IR sensor 42'. Generally speaking, the imaging sensors 38' can comprise one or more at least spatially resolving light sensors / image sensors, for example, at least one CMOS sensor and / or at least one CCD sensor.

[0060] The endoscope 22 comprises a filter unit 44' with optical filters 46', 48', 50'. Three optical filters are shown as an example, but it is understood that a different number can be used. The filter unit 44' can be switched between a multispectral mode and a fluorescence mode. Furthermore, the filter unit 44' can also be switched to a white light mode and / or a hyperspectral mode. Alternatively or additionally, a filter unit 44 can be arranged at the distal shaft end 30. This arrangement is preferably used if the filter unit 44 is miniaturized such that it can be inserted into the shaft 10. The filter unit 44 is connected to a controller 36 wirelessly or by wire.

[0061] The shaft 10 comprises several elements, as initially explained with reference to the prior art and illustrated in the cross-section of Figure 2. One or more of a working channel, a fluid channel 14, a fiber optic bundle 16, a power conductor bundle 18, an image conductor bundle, and / or a rod lens system, and a heat pipe 20 are arranged in the shaft 10. Functional elements, such as a surgical instrument and / or a lighting device 26 and / or a camera unit 32, can be guided from the proximal shaft end 34 to the distal shaft end 30 via the working channel 12 or can be permanently installed in the distal end 30. The fluid channel 14 is configured to allow fluid to flow through it and can therefore function as a rinsing channel and / or suction channel. The fiber optic bundle 16 is configured to guide light emitted by the lighting device 26' through the shaft 10.The current conductor bundle 18 is configured to conduct electrical current through the shaft 10. The conventional heat pipe 20 is configured to dissipate heat from the distal shaft end 30 to the proximal shaft end 34.

[0062] An embodiment of an endoscopic device 52 according to the invention is shown in Fig. 3. The endoscopic device 52 comprises a shaft 10, which is shown in Fig. 3 in cross-section perpendicular to its longitudinal extent. The shaft 10 comprises an outer casing 54. The outer casing 54 at least partially surrounds a shaft inner section 55. A fluid transport layer 56 is arranged on an inner surface of the outer casing 54. Furthermore, the shaft 10 comprises a functional space 58, which can, for example, fulfill the function of the working channel 12 described above and can be configured as a feed-through channel for the passage of surgical instruments. The functional space 58 is circumferentially surrounded by an inner casing 60. The fluid transport layer 56 is also arranged on an outer surface of the inner casing 60.In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid transport layer 56 lies directly against the outer shell 54 and / or the inner shell 60.

[0063] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the shaft 10 comprises a second functional space 62 for receiving the optical fiber bundle 16 and / or current conductor bundle 18 and a third functional space 64 for forming a fluid channel 14. The functional spaces 58, 62, 64 are designed as channels in the present case. It is understood that the shaft 10 can comprise any number of functional spaces 58, 62, 64 and is not limited to the exemplary representation of exactly three functional spaces 58, 62, 64.

[0064] The at least one functional space 58, 62, 64 arranged in the shaft 10 is circumferentially surrounded by the inner shell 60. In this way, a shaft intermediate space 66 is formed within the outer shell 54 and outside the inner shell 60. The fluid transport layer 56 extends into the shaft intermediate space 66. The entirety or at least a portion of the shell surfaces 54, 60 surrounding the shaft intermediate space 66 is covered by the fluid transport layer 56.

[0065] The shaft intermediate space 66 is closed, preferably hermetically sealed, and is arranged in the shaft inner section 55 and outside the at least one functional space 58, 62, 64. A heat transfer unit is arranged in the shaft intermediate space 66 and largely fills the shaft intermediate space 66, i.e., more than 90%, preferably more than 95%, of the shaft intermediate space 66 is used as a heat transfer unit. The closed shaft intermediate space 66 with the heat transfer unit arranged therein preferably forms a heat pipe for dissipating heat along the shaft 10. This heat pipe differs from a conventional heat pipe 20 in that it is integrated into the shaft 10 and components of the shaft 10, such as the outer casing 60 thereof, enclose at least a large part of the heat pipe.The heat transfer unit preferably comprises a gas exchange volume 67, the fluid transport layer 56, and at least one heat transport medium, which is based in particular on gas exchange, liquid transport, and the evaporation enthalpy of the heat transport medium. The design of the shaft intermediate space 66 as a closed, preferably hermetically sealed space makes it possible to reduce the pressure therein compared to the ambient pressure, i.e., to create a vacuum. Preferably, all elements arranged in the shaft intermediate space 66 or the heat transfer unit are designed such that they are insensitive to the heat transport medium and / or low pressures, e.g., vacuum. Units that are not insensitive to the heat transport medium and / or low pressures are arranged in a protected manner within the inner casing 60 of the at least one functional space 58, 62, 64.

[0066] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of an endoscopic device 52 according to the invention. The endoscopic device 52 comprises the shaft 10, which is shown in Fig. 4 in a cross-section perpendicular to its longitudinal extent. The endoscopic device 52 shown in Fig. 4 essentially corresponds to the endoscopic device 52 previously explained with reference to Fig. 3. Therefore, only the differences between the two embodiments according to Figs. 3 and 4 will be discussed below.

[0067] The shaft 10 shown in Fig. 4 comprises a conventional heat pipe 20, which is enclosed by a copper jacket 68. The conventional heat pipe 20 is arranged within the outer jacket 54, and the shaft gap 66 extends between the copper jacket 68 and the outer jacket 54. The fluid transport layer 56 is arranged on an outer surface of the copper jacket 68. The conventional heat pipe 20 is thus integrated into the endoscopic device 52. The outer surface of the conventional heat pipe 20 is used to define the shaft gap 66, in which the heat transfer unit is arranged. Heat is thus dissipated along the shaft 10 in two different ways, thereby contributing to effective cooling.

[0068] It is understood that the endoscopic device 52 can comprise one or more functional spaces 58, 62, 64 as well as one or more conventional heat pipes 20. Fig. 5a shows the endoscopic device 52 in a longitudinal section in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 10 from a distal shaft end 30 to a proximal shaft end 34 opposite the distal shaft end 30. The shaft inner section 55 is arranged between the distal shaft end 30 and the proximal shaft end 34 and is at least partially surrounded by the outer jacket 54. The closed shaft intermediate space 66, in which the heat transfer unit is arranged, is provided in the shaft inner section 55 and outside the functional space 58, 62, 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft intermediate space 66 is closed off at its longitudinal ends by a respective closure 74. The termination 74 can contact an electrical functional unit 75 or be arranged directly adjacent to it.Alternatively, the electrical functional unit 75 itself can form the closure 74 of the shaft gap 66. In a preferred embodiment, the closure 74 and the electrical functional unit 75, or the shaft gap 66 and the electrical functional unit 75, are in thermal contact.

[0069] The inner sheath 60 extends from the distal shaft end 30 to the proximal shaft end 34 or even beyond it. The inner sheath 60 passes through the closure 74 or the shaft inner section 55, so that the shaft intermediate space 55 is closed, even if the inner sheath 60 passes through it. The inner sheath 60 can extend proximally and / or distally over the outer sheath 54.

[0070] Fig. 5b shows a section of Fig. 5a, in which a thermal connector 76 for heat dissipation or heat absorption is arranged at the distal shaft end 30. However, the thermal connector 76 can also be arranged additionally or alternatively at the proximal shaft end 34. The thermal connector 76 can form the closure 74 and close the shaft intermediate space 66. The inner jacket 60 can pass through the thermal connector 76. The thermal connector 76 can close off the shaft intermediate space 66, preferably hermetically. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal connector 76 comprises a surface enlargement means 77 in the form of a plate or a tube. Two surface enlargements 77 are shown as an example, but more or fewer surface enlargements 77 can be used.The thermal connector 76 extends into the closed shaft gap 66 and also extends out of the closed shaft gap 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal connector 76 extends into the closure 74, thus ensuring effective heat transfer between the shaft gap 66 or the heat transfer unit and the adjoining closure 74. It is understood that the thermal connector 76 can also thermally contact any element, for example, a waste heat-generating functional unit 75.

[0071] The thermal connector 76 can be made of at least one of copper, copper alloys, silver, and aluminum. The surface enlargement means 77 can be made of the same materials. A structuring on the surface of the thermal connector 76, for example, represents the surface enlargement means.

[0072] The thermal connector 76 can also be manufactured with a stepped external bore and a recessed surface for accommodating thermally conductive foils, sheets, or tubes, which are more thermally conductive than steel pipes. This increases the thermally effective surface area. The stepped shape of the thermal connector 76 allows steel pipes to be hermetically soldered, and a thermally conductive foil or sheet can be joined, for example, simultaneously or subsequently.

[0073] Figures 6a and 6b show a further embodiment of a shaft 10 according to the invention in a longitudinal section along its longitudinal extent. The shaft 10 shown in Figures 6a and 6b essentially corresponds to the shaft 10 previously explained with reference to Figures 5a and 5b. Therefore, only the differences between the two embodiments shown in Figures 5a, 5b and 6a, 6b will be discussed below.

[0074] The longitudinal section through the shaft 10 shown in Fig. 6a shows two different variants of the functional space 58, 62. The functional space 62 shown in Fig. 6a corresponds to the functional space 62 shown in Fig. 5a, and the functional space 58 is shown in a further embodiment in which the functional space 58 only extends through one of the ends, preferably the proximal end, of the shaft intermediate space 66. This embodiment makes it possible, for example, to arrange the electrical functional unit 75 in the shaft 10 adjacent to the distal shaft end 30. The electrical functional unit 75 can, for example, communicate wirelessly with the controller 36. An exemplary electrical functional unit 75 for this purpose is a miniaturized lighting unit 18 or a miniaturized camera unit 32.

[0075] Fig. 6b shows a thermal connector 76 with a surface enlargement means 77, which in the illustrated case also includes a capillary layer 79, for example, the fluid transport layer 56, on one surface to improve heat transfer to the thermal connector 76. The capillary layer 79 serves to enlarge the surface area. Furthermore, in the illustrated case, the surface enlargement means 77 is designed, for example, with several ribs, which also serve to enlarge the surface area.

[0076] In further embodiments, heat transfer via the outer jacket 54 can be improved by the outer jacket 54 comprising a thermally conductive element 78, in particular a thermally conductive layer, whose thermal conductivity is higher than that of the material of the outer jacket 54. A thermally conductive element 78 is illustrated by way of example in Figures 5a and 6a. Furthermore, the inner jacket 60 can comprise a thermally conductive element whose thermal conductivity is higher than that of the material of the inner jacket 60.

[0077] In all embodiments, the fluid transport layer 56 can comprise a capillary layer that directly or indirectly adjoins the inner surface of the outer shell 54 or the outer surface of the inner shell 60. The capillary layer can consist of sintered particles or of braided, woven, knitted, stranded, or matted filaments. The capillary layer can be applied directly to the respective shell surface 54, 60, for example, by means of a sintering process, or can be incorporated into it, for example, by being etched into it.

[0078] Alternatively, an intermediate layer 80 may be provided to connect the fluid transport layer 56 to the outer shell 54 or the inner shell 60, respectively. This intermediate layer 80 is located between the fluid transport layer 56 and the respective shell 54, 60. An exemplary intermediate layer 80 is shown in Fig. 5a.

[0079] Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment of an endoscopic device 152 with a shaft 110. The shaft 110 also forms a heat transfer unit. The endoscopic device 152 can basically be constructed as described above. The following primarily discusses differences in the design. The shaft 152 comprises three functional spaces 158, 162, 164, which extend within an inner casing 160 of the shaft 110. The functional spaces 158, 162, 164 serve as feedthrough channels for various purposes.

[0080] A camera 184 with suitable optics is mounted distal to the distal shaft end 130. This camera includes heat-generating electronics, such as an image converter and an amplifier. The camera 184 is thermally integrated into a heat-conducting distal piece 186 of the shaft 110. The heat-conducting distal piece 186 is thermally connected to the distal shaft end 130.

[0081] Furthermore, a light source 188, such as one or more LEDs, is mounted distal to the distal shaft end 130. The light source 188 also generates waste heat, which can be dissipated via the distal piece 186 and the shaft 110.

[0082] A first functional chamber 158 serves to pass through cables 180, 182 that extend from a proximal shaft end 134 to a distal shaft end 130 of the shaft 110. These cables 180, 182 are connected to the camera 184 and the light source 188, so that they can be controlled and supplied with power through the first functional chamber 158.

[0083] A second functional chamber 162 serves to carry an active system 190, which is designed, for example, as coagulation forceps. The second functional chamber 162 is, in particular, a working channel. The active system 190 also generates waste heat during operation, which can be dissipated via the shaft 110.

[0084] In such an arrangement, the use of the described shaft 110 is particularly expedient, since a lot of waste heat is generated on a distal side, which can be dissipated efficiently.

[0085] A third functional chamber 164 is embodied here as a fluid channel. This can transition into a fluid tube on a proximal side and / or be connected to a fluid line. For example, the third functional chamber 164 can serve to convey rinsing fluid, gases, or other fluids.

[0086] A proximal section is not shown in Fig. 7. It is understood that a handle and / or suitable supply units and / or control units can be arranged there.

Claims

Patent claims 1. An endoscopic device (52) comprising a shaft (10), the shaft (10) comprising: - a distal shaft end (30) and a proximal shaft end (34) opposite the distal shaft end (30), - an outer sheath (54) extending from the distal shaft end (30) to the proximal shaft end (34), - a shaft inner section (55) which is at least partially enclosed circumferentially by the outer casing (54) and is arranged between the distal and the proximal shaft end (30, 34), - at least one inner shell (60) which extends at least partially into the shaft inner section (55) and which defines at least one functional space (58, 62, 64); and - a closed shaft intermediate space (66) arranged in the shaft inner section (55) and outside the functional space (58, 62, 64), in which a heat transfer unit is arranged, which fills at least a large part of the shaft intermediate space (66) and is designed to dissipate heat from the distal shaft end (30).

2. Endoscopic device (52) according to claim 1, wherein the closed shaft space (66) with the heat transfer unit arranged therein forms a heat pipe.

3. Endoscopic device (52) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat transfer unit comprises a gas exchange volume (67) and a fluid transport layer (56), in particular a porous element, and the heat transfer unit comprises at least one heat transport medium which is based in particular on gas exchange, liquid transport and evaporation enthalpy of the heat transport medium.

4. Endoscopic device (52) according to claim 3, wherein the fluid transport layer (56) is arranged on an inner surface of the outer shell (54) and preferably the fluid transport layer (56) and the outer shell (54) are integrally formed, and / or wherein the fluid transport layer (56) is arranged on an outer surface of the inner shell (60) and preferably the fluid transport layer (56) and the inner shell (60) are integrally formed.

5. Endoscopic device (52) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, of a cross-sectional area of ​​the shaft intermediate space (66) between the outer shell (54) and the at least one inner shell (60) is filled with the fluid transport layer (56) and the heat transport medium.

6. Endoscopic device (52) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one of a proximal and a distal thermal connector (76) for heat dissipation and heat absorption, respectively.

7. Endoscopic device (52) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one thermal connector (76) comprises a surface enlargement means for improving heat dissipation or heat absorption, wherein the surface enlargement means is formed within the closed region of the heat transfer unit and projects into it and / or is formed outside the closed region of the heat transfer unit and points away from the closed region of the heat transfer unit.

8. Endoscopic device (52) according to claim 7, wherein the surface enlarging means is made of a thermally conductive material, in particular of at least one of copper, copper alloys, silver and aluminum.

9. Endoscopic device (52) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer sheath (54) and / or the inner sheath (60) comprises a thermally conductive element (78), in particular a thermally conductive layer, the thermal conductivity of which is higher than that of the material of the outer sheath (54) or the inner sheath (60).

10. Endoscopic device (52) according to one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising a waste heat generating functional unit (75) arranged and / or arrangeable at the distal shaft end (30) which is connected to the Heat transfer unit is thermally coupled or can be thermally coupled, so that heat from the waste heat generating functional unit (75) can be supplied to the heat transfer unit via the distal thermal connection piece (76).

11. Endoscopic device (52) according to claim 10, wherein the waste heat generating functional unit (75) comprises an electrical functional unit (75), which preferably comprises at least one sensor and / or transmitter and / or receiver and / or at least one lighting unit (18) and / or at least one active unit and / or at least one camera unit (32).

12. Endoscopic device (52) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one functional space (58, 62, 64) is adapted to receive at least one functional unit which projects at least partially into the shaft inner section (55) or passes through the shaft inner section (55), wherein the functional unit preferably projects distally and / or proximally beyond the closed shaft intermediate space (66).

13. Endoscopic device (52) according to claim 12, wherein all functional units to be guided through the shaft inner section (55) and / or accommodated therein are arranged in the at least one functional space (58, 62, 64) and are closed off from the shaft intermediate space (66) by means of the inner casing (60).

14. Endoscopic device (52) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a handle which is coupled or can be coupled to the proximal shaft end (34) or a region adjacent to the proximal shaft end (34).

15. Endoscope (22) and / or endoscopic instrument, comprising: an endoscopic device (52) according to one of the preceding Claims.

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