Ultrasonic treatment implement

Abstract

To suppress distortion of a vibration transmission member and ensure water tightness.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic treatment implement comprises: a vibration transmission member 12 which transmits ultrasonic vibration from a base end to a tip; a tube TI into which the vibration transmission member 12 is inserted; and hard members 16 which are composed of a resin material harder than the tube TI, are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the vibration transmission member 12 at nodal positions P1, P2 of the ultrasonic vibration, and come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tube TI.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, ultrasonic treatment devices are known that apply ultrasonic energy as treatment energy to a site in biological tissue that is to be treated (hereinafter, referred to as a treatment target) to treat the treatment target (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The ultrasonic treatment device described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a vibration transmission member (ultrasonic blade), a jaw (jaw member), a rubber lining, and a pipe (inner sheath) as described below. The vibration transmission member transmits ultrasonic vibrations from the base end to the tip end. The jaws open and close relative to the vibration transmitting member. The rubber lining has an annular shape and is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the vibration transmitting member, more specifically, the rubber lining is provided at a node position of the ultrasonic vibration. The vibration transmission member is inserted into the pipe, and the outer circumferential surface of the rubber lining abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the pipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-2807 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the rubber lining is made of a relatively flexible material. Therefore, when the jaws are closed, the rubber lining is deformed and the vibration transmission member is bent. When the vibration transmission member is bent in this manner, it is difficult to reliably grasp the treatment target that is between the jaws and the vibration transmission member.

[0006] Therefore, it is conceivable to use a hard material having higher rigidity than the rubber lining instead of the rubber lining. However, if such a hard material is used, the above-mentioned deflection of the vibration transmission member can be suppressed, but there is a problem that the structure becomes prone to liquid infiltration through the inside of the pipe.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic treatment device that can ensure watertightness while suppressing deflection of a vibration transmission member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the ultrasonic treatment instrument of the present invention comprises a vibration transmission member that transmits ultrasonic vibrations from a base end to a tip end, a tube into which the vibration transmission member is inserted, and a hard member that is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the vibration transmission member and at a node position of the ultrasonic vibration, abuts the inner peripheral surface of the tube, and is made of a resin material that is harder than the tube. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the ultrasonic treatment device of the present invention, it is possible to ensure watertightness while suppressing bending of the vibration transmission member. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a treatment system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the tip portion of the ultrasonic treatment instrument. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the support member. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the first support member. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the first support member. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a watertight structure provided by the first support member. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a watertight structure provided by the first support member. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a watertight structure provided by the first support member. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a first modification of the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a first modification of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the second modification of the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a third modification of the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a third modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a third modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a fourth modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a fourth modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a fourth modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as an embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. Furthermore, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0012] [Overall configuration of treatment system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a treatment system 1 according to an embodiment. The treatment system 1 applies treatment energy to a region of a biological tissue to be treated (hereinafter, referred to as a treatment target) to treat the treatment target. The treatment energy in this embodiment is ultrasonic energy and high-frequency energy. Treatments that can be performed by the treatment system 1 according to this embodiment include coagulation (sealing) of the treatment target, incision of the treatment target, and the like. Coagulation and incision may be performed simultaneously. As shown in FIG. 1, the treatment system 1 includes an ultrasonic treatment tool 2 and a control device 3.

[0013] [Configuration of ultrasonic treatment device] In the following, one side along the central axis Ax1 (FIG. 1) of the outer pipe 10 will be referred to as the tip side Ar1, and the other side will be referred to as the base side Ar2. In addition, the "width direction" described below means a direction perpendicular to the central axis Ax1 and the opening / closing direction of the jaw 11 relative to the treatment portion 121, and perpendicular to the paper plane of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the tip portion of the ultrasonic treatment instrument 2. Specifically, Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tip portion of the ultrasonic treatment instrument 2 cut along a plane including the central axis Ax1 of the outer pipe 10, with the jaw 11 and the vibration transmission member 12 included in the plane.

[0015] The ultrasonic treatment device 2 is a treatment device that applies ultrasonic energy and high-frequency energy to a treatment target to treat the treatment target. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic treatment device 2 includes a handpiece 4 and an ultrasonic transducer 5.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the handpiece 4 includes a fixed handle 6 (Figure 1), an operating handle 7 (Figure 1), a switch 8 (Figure 1), a rotating knob 9 (Figure 1), an outer pipe 10, a jaw 11, and a vibration transmission member 12.

[0017] The fixed handle 6 supports the entire ultrasonic treatment instrument 2 and is a part that is held by an operator (user) such as a surgeon.

[0018] The operating handle 7 is attached movably to the fixed handle 6, and receives opening and closing operations by an operator such as a surgeon.

[0019] The switch 8 is provided in an exposed state on the outside of the fixed handle 6, and receives a treatment operation by an operator such as a surgeon.

[0020] The rotating knob 9 has a generally cylindrical shape coaxial with the central axis Ax1, and is provided on the tip side Ar1 of the fixed handle 6. The rotating knob 9 is rotated by an operator such as a surgeon. The rotating knob 9 rotates about the central axis Ax1 relative to the fixed handle 6 through the rotating operation. The rotation of the rotating knob 9 also rotates the outer pipe 10, the jaw 11, and the vibration transmission member 12 about the central axis Ax1.

[0021] The outer pipe 10 has a tubular shape. In this embodiment, the outer pipe 10 is a cylindrical pipe made of a conductive material such as a metal.

[0022] In this outer pipe 10, a pivot axis Pi1 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is fixed to the end of the tip side Ar1. The pivot axis Pi1 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is formed of a cylindrical pin extending in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIGS. 1 and 2, and engages with the jaw 11 and supports the jaw 11 so that the jaw 11 can rotate.

[0023] The outer circumferential surface of the outer pipe 10 is covered with an electrically insulating outer tube TO (FIG. 2). A tubular inner pipe PI (FIG. 2) that moves forward and backward along the longitudinal direction of the outer pipe 10 in response to an opening and closing operation of the operating handle 7 by an operator such as a surgeon is inserted inside the outer pipe 10. This inner pipe PI corresponds to the pipe according to the present invention. A drive shaft Pi2 (FIG. 2) that is formed of a cylindrical pin extending in a direction perpendicular to the paper plane of FIGS. 1 and 2 and engages with the jaw 11 is fixed to the end of the tip side Ar1 of the inner pipe PI. In this embodiment, the drive shaft Pi2 is arranged on the upper side in FIG. 2 (the side where the arm body 131 is arranged with respect to the treatment section 121) with respect to the rotation shaft Pi1.

[0024] In this embodiment, a part of the jaw 11 is made of a conductive material. As shown in FIG.

[0025] In this embodiment, the arm 13 is made of a conductive material and is a member in which an arm body 131 and a pair of bearing portions 132 are integrally formed, as shown in FIG.

[0026] The arm body 131 is configured of a long plate body, and is disposed in a position where one plate surface faces the vibration transmission member 12 .

[0027] The pair of bearing portions 132 are provided at the ends of the base end side Ar2 of the arm body 131, and are each composed of a plate body facing each other in the width direction of the arm body 131. Note that only one of the pair of bearing portions 132 is shown in Fig. 2. Since the pair of bearing portions 132 have the same configuration, the configuration of only one of the bearing portions 132 will be described below.

[0028] The bearing portion 132 is connected to the outer pipe 10 by a rotation axis Pi1, and is connected to the inner pipe PI by a drive axis Pi2.

[0029] The arm 13 rotates about the rotation axis Pi1 relative to the outer pipe 10 in conjunction with the forward / backward movement of the inner pipe PI in response to an opening / closing operation on the operation handle 7 by an operator such as a surgeon. As a result, the jaw 11 opens and closes with respect to the treatment section 121, which is the end of the distal end side of the vibration transmission member 12, and can grasp a treatment target between the jaw 11 and the treatment section 121. In this embodiment, the jaw 11 rotates about the rotation axis Pi1 in a direction approaching the treatment section 121 in conjunction with the movement of the inner pipe PI toward the distal end side Ar1. That is, the jaw 11 closes with respect to the treatment section 121. Also, the jaw 11 rotates about the rotation axis Pi1 in a direction away from the treatment section 121 in conjunction with the movement of the inner pipe PI toward the proximal end side Ar2. That is, the jaw 11 opens with respect to the treatment section 121. As described above, in this embodiment, the ultrasonic treatment tool 2 is configured as a so-called push-close type.

[0030] The pad 14 is made of an electrically insulating and biocompatible resin material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the arm 13. As shown in FIG. 2, the pad 14 is fixed to the surface of the arm body 131 on the treatment section 121 side, and contacts the treatment section 121 when the jaw 11 is closed relative to the treatment section 121. The pad 14 has electrical insulation, and therefore has a function of preventing a short circuit between the arm 13 and the vibration transmission member 12. The pad 14 also has a function of preventing the ultrasonically vibrating treatment section 121 from colliding with the arm 13 and being damaged when the incision of the treatment target by ultrasonic vibration is completed.

[0031] Examples of methods for fixing the pad 14 to the arm body 131 include a fixing method in which a claw portion is protruded from the surface of the arm body 131 facing the treatment section 121 and the pad 14 is engaged with the claw portion to mechanically fix the pad 14, or insert molding.

[0032] The vibration transmission member 12 is made of a conductive material and has an elongated shape extending along the central axis Ax1. As shown in FIG. 2, the vibration transmission member 12 is inserted into the inner pipe PI with the treatment portion 121 protruding to the outside. At this time, the end of the base end side Ar2 of the vibration transmission member 12 is mechanically connected to the ultrasonic vibrator 52 constituting the ultrasonic transducer 5 as shown in FIG. 1. The vibration transmission member 12 transmits ultrasonic vibration generated by the ultrasonic transducer 5 from the end of the base end side Ar2 to the treatment portion 121. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic vibration is a longitudinal vibration vibrating in a direction along the central axis Ax1. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the vibration transmission member 12 except for the treatment portion 121 is covered by an electrically insulating inner tube TI (FIG. 2). As the inner tube TI, a heat-shrinkable tube made of a fluororesin such as perfluoroethylene propene copolymer (FEP) can be adopted. This inner tube TI corresponds to the tube according to the present invention.

[0033] A support member 15 (see FIG. 3) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the vibration transmission member 12 described above. The detailed configuration of the support member 15 will be described later in the section "Configuration of the Support Member."

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic transducer 5 includes a TD (transducer) case 51 and an ultrasonic vibrator 52.

[0035] The TD case 51 supports the ultrasonic transducer 52 and is detachably connected to the fixed handle 6 .

[0036] The ultrasonic transducer 52 generates ultrasonic vibrations under the control of the control device 3. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer 52 is configured by a BLT (bolt-tightened Langevin type transducer).

[0037] [Configuration of the control device] The control device 3 comprehensively controls the operation of the ultrasonic treatment device 2 via an electric cable C (FIG. 1). Specifically, the control device 3 detects a treatment operation on the switch 8 by an operator such as a surgeon through the electric cable C. Then, when the control device 3 detects the treatment operation, it applies treatment energy to the treatment target grasped between the jaw 11 and the treatment section 121 through the electric cable C. That is, the control device 3 treats the treatment target.

[0038] For example, when ultrasonic energy is applied to a treatment target, the control device 3 supplies driving power to the ultrasonic transducer 52 via the electric cable C. This causes the ultrasonic transducer 52 to generate longitudinal vibration (ultrasonic vibration) that vibrates in a direction along the central axis Ax1. The treatment section 121 also vibrates at a desired amplitude due to the longitudinal vibration. Then, ultrasonic vibration is applied from the treatment section 121 to the treatment target held between the jaw 11 and the treatment section 121. In other words, ultrasonic energy is applied from the treatment section 121 to the treatment target.

[0039] Furthermore, for example, when applying high-frequency energy to a treatment target, the control device 3 supplies high-frequency power between the arm 13 and the vibration transmission member 12 via the electric cable C, the outer pipe 10, etc. Then, when high-frequency power is supplied between the arm 13 and the vibration transmission member 12, a high-frequency current flows through the treatment target held between the jaw 11 and the treatment section 121. In other words, high-frequency energy is applied to the treatment target. That is, the arm 13 and the treatment section 121 function as electrodes according to the present invention.

[0040] [Configuration of Support Member] Next, the configuration of the above-mentioned support member 15 will be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the support member 15. Specifically, Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the jaw 11, the vibration transmission member 12, the inner pipe PI, the inner tube TI, and the support member 15 cut along the same plane as in Fig. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the support member 15 includes first to third support members 16 to .

[0041] In this embodiment, the third support member 18 is made of an elastic rubber member and has a circular ring shape into which the vibration transmission member 12 is inserted. More specifically, the third support member 18 is disposed at a node position P3 (FIG. 3) on the most proximal side Ar2 among the node positions in the ultrasonic vibration (longitudinal vibration). The third support member 18 abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the inner pipe PI. In this embodiment, the inner tube TI is divided into two bodies by the third support member 18 as shown in FIG. 3. Hereinafter, of the two bodies, the inner tube TI located on the distal side Ar1 from the third support member 18 is referred to as a first inner tube TI1, and the inner tube TI located on the proximal side Ar2 from the third support member 18 is referred to as a second inner tube TI2 (FIG. 3).

[0042] The first and second support members 16 and 17 are each made of a resin material harder than the inner tube TI and have a circular ring shape into which the vibration transmission member 12 is inserted. Examples of the resin material include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), and polyoxymethylene (POM). More specifically, the first support member 16 is disposed at a node position P1 (FIG. 3) on the most distal end side Ar1 among the node positions in the ultrasonic vibration (longitudinal vibration). This first support member 16 corresponds to the hard member according to the present invention. Moreover, the second support member 17 is disposed at a node position P2 (FIG. 3) second from the distal end side Ar1 among the node positions in the ultrasonic vibration (longitudinal vibration). This second support member 17 corresponds to the hard member according to the present invention.

[0043] Here, at each of the nodal positions P1 to P3 on the outer circumferential surface of the vibration transfer member 12, there are provided annular grooves 122 to 124 in which the first to third support members 16 to 18 are attached, as shown in FIG.

[0044] The first and second support members 16, 17 have the same configuration, so the following will only describe the configuration of the first support member 16.

[0045] [Configuration of the first support member] Next, the configuration of the above-mentioned first support member 16 will be described. Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining the configuration of the first support member 16. Specifically, Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the first support member 16. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the order of assembling the first support member 16 to the vibration transmission member 12. The first support member 16 is made up of first and second C-rings 161 and 162, as shown in FIGS.

[0046] The first and second C rings 161, 162 have the same shape. Therefore, hereinafter, only the configuration of the first C ring 161 will be described, and for the second C ring 162, the same components as those of the first C ring 161 will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, the first C-ring 161 includes a C-ring body 1611 and a protrusion 1612.

[0048] C-ring body 1611 is a C-shaped member formed by forming notch 1613 in a part of the circumferential direction of a circular ring member having an inner diameter dimension substantially the same as the outer diameter dimension of groove 122. Note that, in order to prevent a gap from being formed between C-ring body 1611 and vibration transmission member 12, it is desirable to set the inner diameter dimension of C-ring body 1611 to be smaller than the outer diameter dimension of groove 122.

[0049] The protrusion 1612 is a part that protrudes along the central axis of the C-ring body 1611 from a position that is rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees about the central axis of the C-ring body 1611 with respect to the location where the cutout 1613 is provided.

[0050] The first support member 16 is then assembled into the groove 122 as described below. Specifically, first, the worker pushes apart both circumferential end portions (both edges of the notch portion 1613) of the C ring body 1611 of the first C ring 161 in a direction away from each other, and places the vibration transmission member 12 inside the C-shape of the C ring body 1611 (FIG. 5(b)). Similarly, the worker pushes apart both circumferential end portions (both edges of the notch portion 1613) of the C ring body 1611 of the second C ring 162 in a direction away from each other, and places the vibration transmission member 12 inside the C-shape of the C ring body 1611 in a state in which the protrusion portion 1612 of the second C ring 162 fits into the notch portion 1613 of the first C ring 161 (FIG. 5(c)). That is, the first and second C rings 161 and 162 are attached to the vibration transmission member 12 by so-called snap fit.

[0051] [Watertight structure using the first support member] Next, the watertight structure provided by the first support member 16 will be described. 6 to 8 are diagrams for explaining the watertight structure by the first support member 16. Specifically, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the first inner tube TI1, the first support member 16, and the vibration transmission member 12 cut by a plane including the central axis Ax1. FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing a path PA of liquid from the tip side Ar1 to the base side Ar2 via the first support member 16. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the path PA is represented by an arrow indicating the proceeding direction of the liquid.

[0052] As described above, the outer peripheral surface of the first support member 16 assembled to the vibration transmission member 12 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the first inner tube TI1 as shown in FIG. 6. As a result, the liquid that has infiltrated from the tip of the inner pipe PI into the gap between the first inner tube TI1 and the vibration transmission member 12 is prevented from progressing toward the base end side Ar2 by the first support member 16. Specifically, when the liquid passes through the first support member 16, it follows the boundary portion SL (FIGS. 7 and 8) between the first and second C-rings 161 and 162. The boundary portion SL extends from one end to the other end of the first support member 16 in the direction along the central axis Ax1, and corresponds to the slit according to the present invention. That is, the boundary portion SL becomes the path PA (FIGS. 7 and 8) of the liquid. In this embodiment, a part of the boundary portion SL intersects (is perpendicular to) the direction along the central axis Ax1.

[0053] According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved. In the ultrasonic treatment instrument 2 according to the present embodiment, the first support member 16 is made of a resin material harder than the inner tube TI. Therefore, when the jaw 11 is closed, the deformation amount of the first support member 16 can be reduced and the deflection of the vibration transmission member 12 can be suppressed, compared with a conventional configuration using a rubber lining. That is, the treatment target can be reliably grasped between the jaw 11 and the vibration transmission member 12. As described above, the ultrasonic treatment instrument 2 has a watertight structure realized by the inner tube TI and the first support member 16. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid that has entered the gap between the first inner tube TI1 and the vibration transmitting member 12 from the tip of the inner pipe PI from progressing toward the base end side Ar2. Therefore, according to the ultrasonic treatment device 2 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the bending of the vibration transmitting member 12 while ensuring watertightness.

[0054] In the ultrasonic treatment device 2 according to the present embodiment, the first support member 16 is constituted by the first and second C-rings 161 and 162 described above. Therefore, the first and second C-rings 161, 162 can be attached to the vibration transmission member 12 by so-called snap fit, and the assembling of the ultrasonic treatment tool 2 can be improved. In addition, the assembly time can be reduced, and the work of removing burrs that is required when a rubber lining is used as in the conventional case can be omitted, and the cost of the ultrasonic treatment tool 2 can be reduced. Furthermore, by forming the first support member 16 from a resin material, the gap at the boundary portion SL between the first and second C-rings 161, 162 can be narrowed, and the path PA can be made long and complex in shape, and watertightness can be sufficiently ensured. In particular, since a part of the boundary portion SL intersects (is perpendicular to) the direction along the central axis Ax1, the intrusion of liquid can be effectively suppressed. In addition, by manufacturing the first support member 16 made of a resin material by injection molding, a 3D printer, or the like, the first support member 16 can be manufactured at low cost.

[0055] In the ultrasonic treatment device 2 according to the present embodiment, the second support member 17 has the same configuration as the first support member 16. Therefore, the effect of ensuring watertightness while suppressing the bending of the vibration transmitting member 12 can be more suitably achieved.

[0056] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described above, the present invention should not be limited to the above-described embodiments. In the above-described embodiment, ultrasonic energy and high-frequency energy are adopted as the treatment energy applied to the treatment target by the ultrasonic treatment device 2, but the present invention is not limited to this, and only ultrasonic energy may be adopted.

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, the ultrasonic treatment tool 2 is configured as a so-called push-close type, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be configured as a so-called pull-close type. Specifically, the jaw 11 rotates about the rotation axis Pi1 in a direction approaching the treatment section 121 in conjunction with the movement of the inner pipe PI toward the base end side Ar2. That is, the jaw 11 closes with respect to the treatment section 121. Also, the jaw 11 rotates about the rotation axis Pi1 in a direction away from the treatment section 121 in conjunction with the movement of the inner pipe PI toward the tip end side Ar1. That is, the jaw 11 opens with respect to the treatment section 121.

[0058] In the above-described embodiment, the jaw 11 opens and closes with respect to the treatment portion 121 in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the inner pipe PI along the central axis Ax1, but this is not limited thereto. A configuration in which the jaw 11 opens and closes with respect to the treatment portion 121 in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the outer pipe 10 along the central axis Ax1 may be adopted.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, the third support member 18 may also be made of a resin material, similar to the first and second support members 16 and 17.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, the following modified examples 1 to 4 may be adopted.

[0061] (Variation 1) Fig. 9 to Fig. 11 are diagrams for explaining the first modified example of the embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 9 corresponds to Fig. 5 and shows the order of assembling the first support member 16 according to the first modified example to the vibration transmission member 12. Fig. 10 corresponds to Fig. 6. Fig. 11 corresponds to Figs. 7 and 8. In the above-described embodiment, instead of the first support member 16, a first support member 16A according to the present modified example 1 shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 may be employed.

[0062] The first support member 16A is made of the same resin material as the first support member 16 described in the above embodiment. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the first support member 16A has an inner diameter dimension that is substantially the same as the outer diameter dimension of the groove 122, and has a ring shape into which the vibration transmission member 12 is inserted. Note that, in order to prevent a gap from being formed between the first support member 16A and the vibration transmission member 12, it is preferable that the inner diameter dimension of the first support member 16A is smaller than the outer diameter dimension of the groove 122. The first support member 16A is provided with a slit SL (FIG. 9(b)) extending from one end to the other end in the direction along the central axis Ax1.

[0063] The first support member 16A is then assembled into the groove 122 as follows. Specifically, the worker places the vibration transmission member 12 inside the first support member 16A while pushing apart both circumferential edge portions of the first support member 16A, the edge portions being bounded by the slit SL (Figure 9 (c)).

[0064] As described above, the outer peripheral surface of the first support member 16A assembled to the vibration transmission member 12 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first inner tube TI1 as shown in FIG. 10. As a result, the liquid that has infiltrated from the tip of the inner pipe PI into the gap between the first inner tube TI1 and the vibration transmission member 12 is prevented from progressing toward the base end side Ar2 by the first support member 16A. Specifically, the liquid follows the slit SL (FIG. 11) when passing through the first support member 16A. That is, the slit SL becomes the path PA (FIG. 11) of the liquid. In this embodiment, the slit SL extends linearly and intersects with the direction along the central axis Ax1.

[0065] Even in the case where the first support member 16A is configured from a single member as in the above-described first modification, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

[0066] (Variation 2) 12 is a diagram for explaining the second modified example of the embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. In the above-mentioned modified example 1, the slit SL extends linearly from one end to the other end in the direction along the central axis Ax1 of the first support member 16A, but this is not limited thereto. The slit SL may have a shape extending in a zigzag manner from one end to the other end in the direction along the central axis Ax1 of the first support member 16B, as in the first support member 16B according to the modified example 2 shown in Fig. 12. That is, the slit SL according to the modified example 2 becomes the liquid path PA (Fig. 12), but extends in a state intersecting with the direction along the central axis Ax1.

[0067] Even in the case where the first support member 16B is configured from a single member as in the present modified example 2 described above, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

[0068] (Variation 3) Fig. 13 to Fig. 15 are diagrams for explaining the third modification of the embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 13 corresponds to Fig. 9 and shows the order of assembling the first support member 16C according to the third modification to the vibration transmission member 12. Fig. 14 corresponds to Fig. 10. Fig. 15 corresponds to Fig. 11. In the above-mentioned modified example 1, the slit SL extends linearly from one end to the other end in the direction along the central axis Ax1 of the first support member 16A, but is not limited thereto. The slit SL may have a shape extending spirally from one end to the other end in the direction along the central axis Ax1 of the first support member 16C, as in the first support member 16C according to the present modified example 3 shown in Figs. 13 to 15. That is, the slit SL according to the present modified example 3 becomes the liquid flow path PA (Fig. 15), but extends in a state intersecting with the direction along the central axis Ax1.

[0069] Even in the case where the first support member 16C is configured from a single member as in the third modified example described above, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

[0070] (Variation 4) Fig. 16 to Fig. 18 are diagrams for explaining the fourth modified example of the embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the order of assembling the first support member 16D according to the fourth modified example to the vibration transmission member 12. Fig. 16 is a diagram seen along the central axis Ax1. Fig. 17 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 6. Fig. 18 is a diagram corresponding to Figs. 7 and 8. In the above-described embodiment, instead of the first support member 16, a first support member 16D according to the present modified example 4 shown in FIGS.

[0071] The first support member 16D is made of the same resin material as the first support member 16 described in the above embodiment. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the first support member 16D has an inner diameter dimension that is substantially the same as the outer diameter dimension of the groove 122, and has a ring shape into which the vibration transmission member 12 is inserted. In order to prevent a gap from being formed between the first support member 16D and the vibration transmission member 12, it is preferable that the inner diameter dimension of the first support member 16D is smaller than the outer diameter dimension of the groove 122. The first support member 16D is divided into two bodies along the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the first support member 16D. One of the two bodies is a C-shaped C-ring 163. The other of the two bodies is a lid 164 that closes the cutout portion 1631 of the C-ring 163.

[0072] The first support member 16D is then assembled into the groove 122 as follows. Specifically, first, the worker places the vibration transmission member 12 inside the C-shape of the C-ring 163 while pushing both circumferential end portions (both edges of the cutout portion 1631) of the C-ring 163 apart from each other. Then, the worker places the lid body 164 on the cutout portion 1631. Thereafter, the C-ring 163 and the lid body 164 are placed on the vibration transmission member 12 in a state of close contact with each other due to thermal contraction of the first inner tube TI1, which is a heat-shrinkable tube, as shown in (b) of FIG.

[0073] As described above, the outer peripheral surface of the first support member 16D assembled to the vibration transmission member 12 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first inner tube TI1, as shown in FIG. 16(b) and FIG. 17. As a result, the liquid that has infiltrated from the tip of the inner pipe PI into the gap between the first inner tube TI1 and the vibration transmission member 12 is prevented from progressing toward the base end side Ar2 by the first support member 16D. Specifically, when the liquid passes through the first support member 16D, it follows the boundary portion SL (FIG. 18) between the C-ring 163 and the lid 164. The boundary portion SL extends from one end to the other end in the direction along the central axis Ax1 of the first support member 16D, and corresponds to the slit according to the present invention. That is, the boundary portion SL becomes the path PA (FIG. 18) of the liquid. In this embodiment, the boundary portion SL does not intersect with the direction along the central axis Ax1, but as described above, the gap is narrowed by the first inner tube TI1.

[0074] Even when the configuration of the first support member 16D according to the present modified example 4 described above is adopted, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment are achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 Treatment System 2. Ultrasonic treatment tools 3. Control device 4 Handpieces 5 Ultrasonic Transducers 6 Fixed Handle 7 Operating Handle 8. Switch 9 Rotating Knob 10 Outer pipe 11 Joe 12 Vibration transmission member 13 Arm 14 Pads 15 Support member 16, 16A to 16D First support member 17 Second support member 18 Third support member 51 TD Case 52 Ultrasonic transducer 121 Treatment Department 122~124 groove 131 Arm body 132 Bearing section 161 First C-Ring 162 Second C-Ring 163 C-Ring 164 Lid 1611 C-ring body 1612 Protrusion 1613,1631 Notch Ar1 Tip side Ar2 Base end Ax1 center axis C Electrical cable P1~P3 node position PA Pathway PI Inner Pipe Pi1 rotation axis Pi2 Drive Axis SL Boundary (slit) TI inner tube TI1 1st Inner Tube TI2 2nd Inner Tube TO Outer tube

Claims

1. A vibration transmission member that transmits ultrasonic vibrations from the base end to the tip end; a tube through which the vibration transmission member is inserted; An ultrasonic treatment instrument comprising: a hard member provided on the outer peripheral surface of the vibration transmission member and at a node position of the ultrasonic vibration, abutting the inner peripheral surface of the tube, and made of a resin material that is harder than the tube.

2. The hard member is 2. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 1, comprising a pair of C-rings each formed in a C-shape, the vibration transmission members being inserted into the inside of the C-shape.

3. The pair of C-rings are 3. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 2, which has the same shape.

4. The C-ring is a C-ring body having a C-shape due to the formation of a notch; a protrusion protruding from the C-ring body along a longitudinal direction of the vibration transmission member, The pair of C-rings are 3. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 2, wherein the ultrasonic treatment device is attached to the vibration transmitting member in a state in which the protrusion of one of the C-rings is disposed in the notch of the other C-ring.

5. The hard member is 2. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a most distal node position and a second node position from a distal end is provided among node positions of ultrasonic vibration on the outer peripheral surface of the vibration transmitting member.

6. The hard member is 2. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 1, which is made of any one of resin materials selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene, polyether ether ketone, polyphenylsulfone, and polyoxymethylene.

7. The hard member is 2. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising a slit formed in an annular shape and extending from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the vibration transmission member.

8. At least a portion of the slit The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 7, wherein the vibration transmitting member is arranged to intersect with a longitudinal direction of the vibration transmitting member.

9. The slit is The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 7, wherein the hard member extends in a spiral shape from the one end to the other end.

10. The hard member is a C-ring having a C-shape due to the formation of a notch; The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 1 , further comprising a cover for closing the notch.

11. The most distal node position among the node positions of the ultrasonic vibration on the outer circumferential surface of the vibration transmission member is 2. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising a groove in which the hard member is attached.

12. a jaw that opens and closes relative to the vibration transmission member; A pipe covering an outer circumferential surface of the tube is further provided. The said Joe: The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the pipe moves back and forth along a longitudinal direction of the vibration transmission member to open and close relative to the vibration transmission member.

13. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 12, further comprising an outer pipe covering an outer circumferential surface of the pipe.

14. The vibration transmission member and the jaw include:

13. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 12, wherein electrodes for passing a high-frequency current are provided between the vibration transmitting member and the jaw.

15. At the base end side of the pipe, The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 12, further comprising an operating handle for opening and closing the jaw relative to the vibration transmitting member in response to an operation by a user.

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