Mounting aid for positioning a probe in an application cap

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mounting aid (1) for attachment to an application cap (2) at an end of an endoscope (3), the mounting aid (1) being provided and designed to bring a probe (4) into a predetermined position inside the application cap (2) in order to fix the probe (4) in place in a defined position.

Description

[0001] Mounting aid for positioning a probe in an application cap

[0002] Description

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a mounting aid for attachment to an application cap Z-tip at a distal end of an endoscope, wherein the mounting aid is provided and designed to bring a probe into a predetermined position within the application cap in order to place / fix the probe in a position-defined manner.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] Plasma surgical procedures, as well as plasma applicators and similar devices / equipment for their application, are generally known. For example, a plasma surgical procedure known as figuration or spray coagulation has been used in surgical operations for more than 50 years, particularly for thermal hemostasis.

[0007] In this process, a plasma is generated exclusively in air, meaning that predominantly oxygen plasma and nitrogen plasma are produced. Both plasmas are known to be chemically highly reactive and produce carbonization and pyrolysis effects on the tissue surface, leading to tissue vaporization and smoke formation. These unintended side effects of figuration or spray coagulation interfere with or hinder the application of this plasma surgical procedure, especially in endoscopic procedures.

[0008] Description of the disclosure The present disclosure is based on the object of guiding and positioning a probe within an application cap in order to enable safe and targeted treatment of target tissue during argon plasma coagulation.

[0009] This object is achieved by an assembly aid which is provided as a positioning aid, having the features of claim 1, a method for using the assembly aid having the features of claim 9 and a system having the features of claim 10.

[0010] Accordingly, the mounting aid is provided for attachment to an application cap at one end of an endoscope, wherein the mounting aid is provided and designed to bring a probe into a predetermined position within the application cap in order to place / fix / arrange the probe in a position-defined manner.

[0011] More specifically, a mounting aid is provided for attachment to an application cap at a distal end of an endoscope, wherein the mounting aid forms a cap attachment structure for positionally defined attachment or retention of the application cap and a probe attachment structure for positionally defined attachment of a distal tip of a probe. The probe attachment structure is positioned relative to the cap attachment structure such that the probe (in particular a distal end of the probe) can be brought into a predetermined position within a treatment opening edge of the application cap.

[0012] In other words, an endoscopic attachment cap / application cap is provided, particularly for flexible endoscopy. This enables the guidance and fixation of the probe during a corresponding argon plasma coagulation by ensuring a defined position of the probe in the application cap. This means that the assembly aid is provided and designed in such a way that, when the probe is inserted or positioned in the application cap, preferably pushed in / inserted through an opening / tube in a radial outer wall of the application cap, the probe stops or holds it in a predetermined position. An application cap (short: cap) in the sense of the present embodiment is a cap-like structure at the distal end of an endoscope, which is designed to apply a specific treatment, e.g., a plasma surgical procedure.The application cap can form the distal end of the endoscope or can be provided separately from the distal end of the endoscope and optionally mountable thereon. The cap forms a cavity designed to receive the probe. The application cap can further form a probe through-opening in its cap-like outer wall, preferably defined by a tube extending into the cavity, which is designed to insert the probe from a radial outer side into the cavity. The probe through-opening is, in particular, a through-hole connecting a cap exterior to the cavity.

[0013] A cap or probe contact structure is a three-dimensional, geometric shape, e.g. a projection, an edge or a depression / recess, which is designed for form-fitting contact with the cap or probe.

[0014] This has the advantage that the probe can be positioned / fixed in the correct position for / during each treatment. Furthermore, the above aspect has the advantage that the mounting aid can be applied, particularly fastened, to the application cap with a form-fitting fit, thus preventing accidental slippage.

[0015] Further aspects of the present disclosure according to the subclaims are described below.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the cap contact structure can form a distal cap contact surface and / or a lateral cap contact surface for the application cap. This means that the cap contact surface forms a stop in the distal direction and / or in the lateral direction (in particular with respect to an application cap longitudinal axis Z-direction). Due to the respective planar contact, the application cap cannot be moved in the distal direction or in the lateral direction relative to the assembly aid. In other words, the distal cap contact surface serves as a direct contact surface for a treatment edge of the application cap, which surrounds a distal treatment opening (at least in part). In other words, the lateral cap contact surface serves as a direct contact surface / support surface for a treatment edge of the application cap, which surrounds a lateral / circumferential treatment opening (at least in part).

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the probe support structure can form a distal probe support surface for the probe. This means that the probe support structure forms a stop in the distal direction (in particular relative to a probe longitudinal axis (Z-direction) and / or the application cap longitudinal axis / direction). Due to the flat support, the probe cannot be moved in the distal direction relative to the mounting aid.

[0018] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the distal cap contact surface can be arranged at a distal distance from the distal probe contact surface. This means that during assembly, at least a portion of the application cap is arranged distal to the distal probe contact surface and thus distal to the probe. In other words, the distal probe contact surface is offset from the lateral cap contact surface in a direction perpendicular to the lateral / circumferential treatment opening of the application cap.

[0019] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the lateral cap contact surface can be arranged laterally spaced from the distal probe contact surface. This means that during assembly, at least a portion of the application cap is arranged laterally of the distal probe contact surface and thus laterally of the probe. In other words, the distal probe contact surface is offset from the distal cap contact surface in a direction perpendicular to the distal treatment opening of the application cap.

[0020] It is preferred if the assembly aid is designed with at least one step, preferably in the form of at least one groove, into which at least one treatment opening edge of the application cap can be inserted. In other words, the cap support structure is preferably provided at least partially in the form of a groove designed to receive the treatment opening edge. The treatment opening edge is, in particular, an edge of the cap that defines an opening of the cap's cavity.

[0021] The treatment opening edge is thus in particular the edge of a treatment window of the application cap, which is intended to have contact with the target tissue during treatment. When the mounting aid is used according to a method described later, the treatment window or the treatment opening edge preferably comes into contact with the mounting aid. In this case, it is preferably provided that the treatment opening is oriented both distally in the axial direction and laterally / downwardly in the radial direction, such that it is possible to rest on the mounting aid both distally and radially. In other words, the cavity of the cap is preferably open towards one side of the cap, in particular towards a radial outer side and / or a distal end side. In particular, the cap / cavity is open on a side which is opposite the probe through-opening.This has the advantage that the assembly aid can be correctly pushed and / or placed onto the application cap in only one position.

[0022] It is advantageous if the groove is adapted to the shape of the treatment opening edge of the application cap. In other words, the groove provided in the mounting aid is preferably designed to completely or partially accommodate the treatment opening edge such that the treatment window of the application cap is at least partially, preferably substantially completely, enclosed / surrounded by the mounting aid.

[0023] The groove is preferably U-shaped. This means that the groove forms two leg sections (U-legs) and a base section (U-base) which connects the end regions of the two leg sections to one another. In particular, the leg sections and the base section are continuous. More preferably, the groove is open in the proximal direction towards an outer edge or opens into an open region. In other words, the groove is provided in such a way as to be open in the direction of the proximal endoscope end. In other words, the U-legs of the groove are connected to a proximal outer edge or to an open region on the proximal outer edge of the mounting aid. In this case, the proximal treatment opening edge of the application cap preferably ends accordingly with the open region of the mounting aid or comes into contact with a proximal edge region of the application cap.The proximal edge region may be a, e.g. substantially rectangular, recessed / recessed region in a main surface of the mounting aid which is open towards the proximal edge thereof.

[0024] It is advantageous if the groove has an open region (e.g., the recessed / recessed region) in the proximal direction, preferably across substantially the entire proximal outer edge. Alternatively, the open region can preferably extend over a central region of the proximal outer edge such that edges or webs remain on both lateral sides of the open region. In other words, the open region is designed to be large enough to accommodate the width of the proximal treatment opening edge of the application cap.

[0025] The open area is preferably a recess at the distal end of the assembly aid. More specifically, the open area can have a base that slopes proximally toward the underside of the assembly aid, as well as two lateral side walls and one proximal side wall. The proximal side wall of the open area can preferably serve as a stop for a lower distal application cap edge / treatment opening edge. The (lower) lateral application cap edge / treatment opening edge preferably terminates with or rests against the lateral side walls (the webs / edges) of the open area.

[0026] The mounting aid preferably has a substantially plate-shaped main body which forms a main surface on one side. The main surface is intended to face the application cap. It is preferred if a U-shaped bottom of the groove is raised / protruding relative to a main surface of the mounting aid, e.g., arching over the main surface in an arc or gate-like manner, and more preferably the U-shaped legs of the groove are recessed relative to the main surface of the mounting aid. In other words, the U-shaped bottom of the groove is preferably raised relative to the main surface of the mounting aid in such a way that the distal treatment opening edge of the application cap is flush with the U-shaped bottom of the groove or comes to rest against it.

[0027] It is advantageous if a first projection, in particular a distal cap projection, is formed distally from the probe support structure. Particularly preferably, the first projection is provided substantially centrally on the mounting aid and has the U-shaped bottom of the groove. In other words, the first projection is a raised portion on the upper side (main surface) of the mounting aid, which is curved in such a way as to engage with the curved proximal treatment opening edge of the application cap.

[0028] In other words, the assembly aid preferably has a plate-shaped base body with a main surface on which at least one step is formed, the shape of which step is designed for position-defined contact with a cap edge. Such a step can optionally taper or thicken the base body towards its edge, e.g. form / surround a plateau or a depression in the main surface. In particular, the step is provided as part of a groove into which the cap edge can be inserted. The shape of the step or groove essentially follows an egg shape in a plan view of the main surface. In particular, the shape of the step or groove follows a U shape. Preferably, the step or groove is continuous, e.g., continuously U-shaped or egg-shaped. Alternatively, the step or groove can have several individual sections that follow such a shape.

[0029] Such a U-shape has two U-legs that run in a distal-proximal direction and a U-base that connects distal ends of the U-legs. The U-base is preferably designed to rest on / receive a distal end edge of the application cap. That is, the U-base is formed on a first projection that rises above the main surface in a base- or gate-shaped manner and is notched on its side facing away from the main surface to form the U-base. The U-legs preferably extend parallel to one another at least in sections (particularly in a distal section). More preferably, the U-legs converge towards one another in a distal direction at least in sections (particularly in a proximal section). Distal ends of the U-legs are preferably curved towards one another. Distal ends of the U-legs preferably open into a proximal recess (the open area) at the proximal edge of the base body.The recess is in particular notch-shaped, such that a bottom of the recess and a distal side wall of the recess extend obliquely to the main surface of the base body.

[0030] In other words, the step or groove is designed such that its shape substantially corresponds to the edge of an obliquely truncated hollow cylinder, or such that such an edge can be positively retained therein or thereon. Furthermore, the proximal recess / open area is preferably designed such that its shape corresponds to a lower, proximal edge of a cylinder inclined to the main surface, or such that such an edge can be positively received therein.

[0031] Particularly preferably, the probe contact structure is formed within the step or groove (i.e. in an area surrounded by the step or groove). This ensures that the probe is positioned particularly precisely within the cavity of the application cap. It is further advantageous if the probe contact structure is formed on a second projection, in particular a probe positioning projection, which is arranged in a central region, in particular substantially centrally, between the proximal outer edge of the mounting aid and the first projection. The second projection is substantially nipple-like or button-like, in particular round, and is arranged on the mounting aid in such a way as to accommodate / receive the probe guided through the application cap when mounted on the application cap.

[0032] It is preferred if the application cap, in particular on / at the second projection, has a recess which forms the probe support structure and is adapted and configured to receive the probe, in particular a distal end of the probe, therein in order to define a final assembly position of the probe. In other words, the probe is passed through a probe through-opening / tube in the application cap and pushed through until the probe hits the probe support structure, in particular into the recess, and further pushing is stopped. The tube or the probe through-opening in the application cap is arranged and provided in such a way that the inserted probe moves directly towards the second projection of the assembly aid. The recess has a radius and depth such as to receive and stop the end of the probe in exactly one position. That is,Preferably, a diameter of the probe through-opening / tube is substantially equal to a diameter of the trough.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the mounting aid can form a probe positioning projection designed to protrude through the treatment opening edge into the application cap. In particular, the distal probe contact surface can be formed on the probe positioning projection.

[0034] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the recess can be formed in the probe position projection.

[0035] It is advantageous if the assembly aid has a gripping section at its distal end section, in particular in the distal direction away from the first projection, which is intended to pull the assembly aid off the application cap after positioning the probe.

[0036] It is advantageous if the gripping portion is substantially plate-shaped, in particular round, and particularly preferably formed integrally with the assembly aid. The gripping portion is preferably provided and configured to be easily grasped by a user in order to pull the assembly aid off in the proximal direction. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a method for using the assembly aid, preferably according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps:

[0037] - Providing or positioning the assembly aid on the application cap, preferably on a treatment opening of the application cap, such that the cap contact structure of the assembly aid is in contact with the application cap in a defined position;

[0038] - Inserting the probe into the application cap until it touches the probe contact area of ​​the assembly aid, in particular in the recess, preferably the probe positioning projection (second projection);

[0039] - Fixing the probe with an adhesive strip on / to the application cap;

[0040] - Remove / pull off the assembly aid from the application cap, preferably using the gripping section of the assembly aid.

[0041] In other words, the application cap is mounted on the endoscope tip and serves as a guide for the probe. The cap is designed for commercially available flexible endoscopes with an outer diameter of preferably 9.2 to 10.5 mm. After the application cap has been mounted on the endoscope tip, an endoscope cover is fixed and rolled over the endoscope. The endoscope cover serves to protect the tissue during insertion into the body and to better guide the probe along the endoscope. The mounting aid is pushed or placed onto the application cap and serves to correctly position the probe in / inside the application cap. Once the mounting aid is positioned on the edge of the treatment opening, the probe is pushed through a tube with the endoscope cover and further to the cap. The probe is inserted further into an opening in the application cap and pushed forward until the probe touches the mounting aid.The probe is then fixed in this position on the cap using the enclosed adhesive strip and the mounting aid is then removed / pulled off, preferably using the gripping section of the mounting aid.

[0042] Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a system with an application cap and a mounting aid according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the mounting aid can be pushed / placed onto the application cap and is provided and designed to bring a probe into a predetermined position within the application cap in order to fix the probe in a defined position. In other words, an application system for placing a probe in an application cap can be provided, comprising a mounting aid as described above and an application cap or an endoscope whose tip forms an application cap, wherein the application cap forms a cap-like outer wall that defines a cavity with a treatment opening and further forms a probe through-opening that opens in the cavity at a location facing the treatment opening.The application cap can be the application cap described above or have its features.

[0043] Short description of the characters

[0044] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope with an application cap mounted thereon and a mounting aid attached to the application cap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view illustrating one end of the endoscope with the application cap mounted thereon and the mounting aid attached to the application cap according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope with the application cap mounted thereon and the mounting aid not attached to the application cap according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view illustrating one end of the endoscope with the application cap mounted thereon and the mounting aid not attached to the application cap according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 5 is an isometric view of the mounting aid mounted to the application cap at the end of the endoscope according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Fig. 6 is a side view of the mounting aid mounted on the application cap at the end of the endoscope according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Fig. 7 is a plan view of the mounting aid mounted on the application cap at the end of the endoscope according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Fig. 8 is a front view of the mounting aid mounted on the application cap at the end of the endoscope according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Fig. 9 is a side view of the mounting aid separate from the application cap at the end of the endoscope according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Fig. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the mounting aid mounted on the application cap at the end of the endoscope without a probe according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Fig. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the mounting aid mounted on the application cap at the end of the endoscope with probe according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Fig. 12 is an isometric view of the mounting aid according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Fig. 13 is a side view of the mounting aid according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 14 is a top view of the mounting aid according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Fig. 15 is a front view of the mounting aid according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] Fig. 16 is a rear view of the mounting aid according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0058] Fig. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the mounting aid according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Description of the embodiments

[0060] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the accompanying figures.

[0061] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope 3 with an application cap 2 mounted thereon and a mounting aid 1 attached to the application cap 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In detail, Fig. 1 shows an endoscope 3 with an operating unit 18 at a first end of the endoscope 3 and a mounting aid 1 attached to an application cap 2 mounted at the second end of the endoscope 3.

[0062] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view illustrating one end of the endoscope 3 with the application cap 2 mounted thereon and the mounting aid 1 attached to the application cap 2 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the circled area marked "A" in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 shows the second end of the endoscope 3, to which the application cap 2 is mounted. A probe 4 is guided along one (upper) side of the endoscope 3, which probe is pushed / inserted into the application cap 2 in order to be positioned / fixed within the application cap 2 in a defined position. It is preferred that the assembly aid 1 and the application cap 2 share an axis of symmetry when assembled.

[0064] The probe 4 is fastened with a fastening means, preferably by means of an adhesive strip 16, in the distal direction behind the application cap 2 to the proximal end of the endoscope 3.

[0065] On the (lower) side of the application cap 2, which is opposite the side on which the probe 4 is provided, Fig. 2 shows the attached / slid on / fixed mounting aid 1. The mounting aid 1 has an outer edge 7 in the distal direction towards the end of the endoscope 3 and a gripping portion 15 in the proximal direction away from the end of the endoscope 3. On the upper side of the mounting aid 1, which points towards the application cap 2, a first projection 12, in particular a distal cap projection, is provided. The projection 12 is curved in such a way that a contour of a treatment opening edge 6, in particular the distal treatment opening edge 6, of the application cap 2 comes into contact with the projection 12. The projection 12 is arranged essentially centrally between the distal end and the proximal end of the mounting aid 1 and is convex in the direction towards the proximal end of the mounting aid 1.

[0066] The mounting aid 1 has a first main surface 10a and a second main surface 10b. The first main surface 10a is provided on a distal portion of the mounting aid 1. In other words, the first main surface 10a refers to the portion provided in the distal direction away from the first projection 12. The second main surface 10b is provided on a proximal portion of the mounting aid 1, which forms the gripping portion 15.

[0067] The first main surface 10a is raised relative to the second main surface 10b. A lowered portion 19 is preferably provided on the distal portion of the assembly aid 1, with the first projection 12 being mounted / arranged on the second main surface 10b in the proximal direction substantially just behind the lowered portion 19.

[0068] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope 3 with the application cap 2 mounted thereon and the mounting aid 1 not attached to the application cap 2 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is similar to Fig. 1, except that in Fig. 3, the mounting aid 1 is not attached / slid onto / placed on, but is shown separately. Therefore, a detailed description will be omitted again here.

[0069] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view illustrating one end of the endoscope 3 with the application cap 2 mounted thereon and the mounting aid 1 not attached to the application cap 2 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the circled area marked "A" in Fig. 3. The description of the sections in Fig. 4, which are already known from Fig. 2, is omitted here with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 4 shows the second end of the endoscope 3 with the mounted application cap 2. The mounting aid 1 is shown in the unmounted state and is described in detail below.

[0071] The mounting aid 1 shows the first main surface 10a and the second main surface 10b. On the second main surface 10b at the distal end of the proximal section, the first projection 12 is provided, which has already been described above. On the first main surface 10a, a second projection 13, in particular a probe positioning projection, is provided, which is arranged substantially centrally between the outer edge 7 and the first projection 12, preferably closer to the first projection 12. The second projection 13 has a recess 14, which is provided and designed to accommodate / receive the end of the probe 4. The recess 14 forms the upper end of the second projection 13. The edge of the recess 14 is preferably parallel to the first main surface 10a, more preferably slightly sloping in the proximal direction. The mounting aid 1 has a step formed by a groove 5.The groove 5 is essentially U-shaped, with a U-shaped bottom 9 of the groove 5 extending over the first projection 12. The U-shaped bottom 9 of the groove 5 is arranged elevated relative to the first main surface 10a and the second main surface 10b. The U-shaped legs 11 of the groove 5 extend distally toward an outer edge 7 and end in an open region 8, which extends at least over half of the outer edge 7 and is provided centrally in the outer edge 7.

[0072] The open area 8 is provided with a downward slope in the proximal direction. The open area 8 is a recess at the distal end of the assembly aid 1. The open area 8 has a base that slopes / slopes proximally towards the underside of the assembly aid 1, as well as two lateral side walls and one proximal side wall. The proximal side wall of the open area 8 serves as a stop for the lower distal application cap edge / treatment opening edge 6. The (lower) lateral application cap edge / treatment opening edge 6 ends with the lateral side walls of the open area 8. In other words, at the proximal end of the assembly aid 1 is the open area 8, which is designed to positively receive the lower distal end of the application cap 2. The open area 8 preferably forms a stop in the distal direction of the application cap.The open area 8 is bounded on three sides by the elevation provided by the first main surface 10a.

[0073] The U-shaped legs 11 are recessed relative to the first main surface 10a and / or the second main surface 10b. The second projection 13 is formed centrally between the U-shaped legs 11 of the groove 5.

[0074] The gripping section 15 forms the proximal section of the mounting aid 1 and is preferably designed as a round peninsula after a straight section 20 in the proximal direction away from the first projection 12. The straight section 20 has the same width as the distal section of the mounting aid 1 and has the same height as the second main surface 10b. In other words, the mounting aid 1 has a substantially plate-shaped base body or a base body with a substantially flat surface. The gripping section 15 of the mounting aid 1 is formed in a proximal region of the base body. The cap contact structure and the probe contact structure are arranged in a distal region of the base body.

[0075] The cap contact structure can be formed by the projection 12 extending away from the surface of the base body, preferably protruding substantially perpendicularly therefrom. The projection 12 has a flattened or substantially planar side surface, which forms the distal cap contact surface (i.e., a stop for a distal tip of the application cap 2). The distal cap contact surface therefore extends in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis Z-direction of the application cap 2 or that is spanned by the treatment opening edge 6 of a substantially distal (treatment) opening of the application cap 2.

[0076] The cap support structure can be formed by the surface of the base body. The surface forms a substantially flat support surface in sections, which forms the lateral cap support surface (i.e., a stop for a peripheral portion of the application cap 2). The lateral cap support surface therefore extends in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to a transverse axis Z direction of the application cap 2 or that is spanned by the treatment opening edge 6 of a substantially lateral (treatment) opening of the application cap 2.

[0077] Additionally or alternatively, the cap support structure can be formed by (two lateral) edge projections of the mounting aid 1, which extend away from the surface of the base body and preferably protrude substantially perpendicularly therefrom. The edge projections form or delimit the groove 5. The edge projections each have a flattened or substantially planar side surface (inner surface). The inner surfaces are aligned opposite one another and form a stop for a (lateral) closed cap section of the application cap 2.

[0078] The assembly aid 1 can preferably be designed to form a direct contact surface / supporting surface for the application cap 2 on the projection 12 or on the essentially flat lateral surface, in particular for the treatment opening edge 6 of the essentially distal opening of the application cap 2. The assembly aid 1 can preferably be designed to form a direct contact surface / supporting surface for the application cap 2 on the base body or the essentially flat surface, in particular for the treatment opening edge 6 of the essentially lateral opening (i.e. opening open towards the assembly aid 1) of the application cap 2. The assembly aid 1 can preferably be designed to form a direct contact surface / supporting surface for the application cap 2 on the edge projections orto form a direct contact surface for the application cap 2 on the essentially flat side surfaces / inner surfaces, in particular for a closed peripheral section of the application cap 2.

[0079] The probe support structure can be formed by the projection 13 extending from the surface of the base body, preferably protruding substantially perpendicularly therefrom. The projection 13 has a flattened or substantially planar end face or, optionally, with the recess 14 formed therein, which forms the distal probe support surface (i.e., a stop for a distal tip of the probe 4).

[0080] The distal cap contact surface can be arranged at a distal distance from the distal probe contact surface. This means that the projection 12 can be arranged closer to the gripping portion 15 than the projection 13.

[0081] The lateral cap contact surface can be arranged laterally spaced from the distal probe contact surface. This means that the projection 13 protrudes from the base body of the mounting aid 1, so that the end face is spaced from the surface of the base body. Fig. 5 is an isometric view of the mounting aid 1 mounted on the application cap 2 at the end of the endoscope 3 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 shows the inserted probe 4, which is provided with a fastening means, preferably an adhesive strip 16, on the endoscope end 3. Furthermore, Fig. 5 is similar to the above-described Fig. 2. A further detailed description is therefore omitted.

[0082] Fig. 6 is a side view of the mounting aid 1 mounted on the application cap 2 at the proximal end of the endoscope 3 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 shows the height difference between the first main surface 10a and the second main surface 10b. Furthermore, Fig. 6 shows how the contours of the groove 5 of the mounting aid 1 are adapted to the contours of the entire treatment opening edge 6 of the application cap 2.

[0083] Fig. 7 is a top view of the mounting aid 1 mounted on the application cap 2 at the proximal end of the endoscope 3, and Fig. 8 is a front view of the mounting aid 1 mounted on the application cap 2 at the proximal end of the endoscope 3 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Both Figs. 7 and 8 show a different view of the mounting aid 1; the individual components have already been described in detail. Therefore, for the sake of clarity, a repeated description is omitted.

[0084] Fig. 9 is a side view of the mounting aid 1 separate (not mounted) from the application cap 2 at the proximal end of the endoscope 3 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 9, reference is made to the above description regarding the end of the endoscope 3 and the application cap 2.

[0085] Fig. 9 further shows the mounting aid 1 in a side view. Fig. 9 shows that the first projection 12 is arranged substantially centrally on the mounting aid 1, on the second main surface 10b, in the distal-proximal direction. The second projection 13 is provided on the distal portion of the mounting aid 1, preferably closer to the first projection 12 than to the outer edge 7 on the first main surface 10a.

[0086] Fig. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the mounting aid 1 mounted on the application cap 2 at the end of the endoscope 3 without a probe according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 shows the engagement between the distal treatment opening edge 6 and the U-shaped bottom 9 of the groove 5. Furthermore, Fig. 10 shows the engagement between the open region 8, which is beveled in the proximal direction, and the underside on the opposite side, to which the probe 4 is attached, of the application cap 2 mounted on the endoscope 3. The distal end of the underside of the application cap 2 comes into contact with the proximal side wall of the open region 8. In this case, it is provided that the side wall, which forms the proximal end of the open region 8 and leads to the first main surface 10a, is designed to be substantially vertical, preferably inclined / beveled in the proximal direction, and serves as a stop.

[0087] Fig. 10 further shows on the top side of the application cap 2, on which the probe 4 (not shown) is provided, a tube 17 / an opening (probe through opening) which leads / points into the interior of the application cap 2.

[0088] Fig. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the mounting aid 1 mounted on the application cap 2 at the end of the endoscope 3 with the probe 4 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is similar to Fig. 10 except for the probe 4, which is inserted along the top of the endoscope 3 and the application cap 2 through the tube 17 into the interior of the application cap 2. The probe 4 is inserted / pushed into the application cap 2 until the end of the probe 4 comes into contact with the mounting aid 1, preferably the recess 14 of the second projection 13, and is automatically stopped.

[0089] Fig. 12 is an isometric view of the assembly aid 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 shows that the U-legs 11 preferably do not extend parallel to one another. The U-legs 11 run parallel in the distal direction up to the level of the second projection and then converge to meet the lateral side walls of the open area 8 up to the outer edge 7. The other features have already been described with reference to Fig. 4, so a further description is omitted for reasons of clarity.

[0090] Fig. 13 is a side view of the mounting aid 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure and is similar to the separately shown mounting aid 1 from Fig. 9. Therefore, reference is made to Fig. 9 and further description is omitted.

[0091] Fig. 14 is a plan view of the mounting aid 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure and is similar to the separately shown mounting aid 1 from Fig. 4. Therefore, reference is made to Fig. 4 and further description is omitted.

[0092] Fig. 15 is a front view of the mounting aid 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 15 shows the first protrusion 12, which is semicircular in shape on the second main surface 10b in the front view.

[0093] Fig. 16 is a rear view of the mounting aid 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 16 shows that the first projection 12 is higher than the second projection 13. Regarding the remaining features, reference is made to the above description.

[0094] Fig. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the mounting aid 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 17 shows the mounting aid 1 according to Fig. 10 in the unassembled state. Therefore, further description is omitted. Reference numerals

[0095] Assembly aid

[0096] Application cap

[0097] endoscope

[0098] probe

[0099] Nut

[0100] Treatment opening edge

[0101] outer edge

[0102] Open area

[0103] U-floor

[0104] Main area

[0105] U-leg

[0106] First lead, cap lead

[0107] Second projection, probe position projection

[0108] trough

[0109] Gripping section

[0110] Adhesive strips

[0111] tube

[0112] Control unit

[0113] Lowering section

[0114] Straight section

Claims

Claims 1. Assembly aid (1) for attachment to an application cap (2) at a distal end of an endoscope (3), wherein the assembly aid (1) forms a cap contact structure for the position-defined contact or holding of the application cap (2) and a probe contact structure for the position-defined contact of a distal tip of a probe (4), wherein the probe contact structure is positioned relative to the cap contact structure such that the probe (4) can be brought into a predetermined position within a treatment opening edge (6) of the application cap (2).

2. Assembly aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cap contact structure forms a distal cap contact surface and / or a lateral cap contact surface for the application cap (2) and the probe contact structure forms a distal probe contact surface for the probe (4).

3. Assembly aid (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the distal cap contact surface is arranged distally spaced from the distal probe contact surface and / or the lateral cap contact surface is arranged laterally spaced from the distal probe contact surface.

4. Assembly aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the assembly aid (1) is designed with at least one step or groove (5) which forms the cap contact structure and into which at least the treatment opening edge (6) of the application cap (2) can be inserted.

5. Assembly aid (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the step or groove (5) is U-shaped and open in the proximal direction towards a proximal outer edge (7) of the assembly aid (1).

6. Mounting aid (1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the mounting aid (1 ) forms a main surface (10) in which U-leg (11 ) of the step or groove (5) form a recess, and a U-bottom (9) of the step or groove (5), which is arranged between distal ends of the U-legs (11) of the step or groove (5), is raised relative to the main surface (10) of the assembly aid (1).

7. Assembly aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the probe support structure has a recess (14) which is adapted to receive the probe (4), in particular a distal end of the probe (4), therein in order to define an end position of the probe (4).

8. Mounting aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the mounting aid (1) forms a probe positioning projection (13) which is designed to protrude through the treatment opening edge (6) into the application cap (2).

9. Mounting aid (1) according to claim 7 and 8, characterized in that the recess (14) is formed in the probe position projection (13).

10. Mounting aid (1) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the mounting aid (1) forms a distal cap projection (12) which is formed distally from the probe contact structure and in which the U-bottom (9) of the step or groove (5) is recessed such that it extends substantially in a gate-like or arched manner over the main surface (10).

11. Mounting aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a distal end portion of the mounting aid (1) forms a substantially plate-shaped gripping portion (15) which is intended to pull the mounting aid (1) off the application cap (2) after positioning the probe (4).

12. Method for using an assembly aid (1), preferably according to one of the preceding claims, with the following steps: - Providing or positioning the assembly aid (1) on an application cap (2), preferably on a treatment opening of the application cap (2), such that a cap contact structure of the assembly aid (1) is in contact with the application cap (2) in a defined position; - Inserting a probe (4) into the application cap (2) until it abuts a probe contact structure of the assembly aid (1), in particular in a recess (14), preferably on a second projection (13), of the probe contact structure; - Fixing the probe (4) with an adhesive strip (16) on the application cap (2); - Removing / pulling off the assembly aid (1) from the application cap (2), preferably via a gripping section (15) of the assembly aid (1).

13. Application system for placing a probe (4) in an application cap (2) with - an application cap (2) or an endoscope, the tip of which forms an application cap (2) which forms a cap-like outer wall defining a cavity with a treatment opening and further forming a probe through-opening opening which opens in the cavity at a location facing the treatment opening, and - an assembly aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11.

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