Electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body

Abstract

In an electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body, a main body having a shaft, an electrode unit formed to be drawn out from one end of the shaft for blocking or regulating at least a part of the nerves in the tube in the body, an electrode guide coupled to the end of the electrode unit for guiding the electrode unit to contact the tube in the body, an electrode guide driving unit configured to move the electrode guide forward and backward, and an electrode driving unit configured to move the electrode unit forward and backward in conjunction with the electrode guide driving unit, wherein the electrode driving unit includes a tension maintaining unit connected to one end of the electrode unit, and a moving part connected to the tension maintaining unit for moving the tension maintaining unit forward and backward, the tension maintaining unit includes a lever part for providing tension to the electrode unit, and the lever part senses the tension by a sensor and is automatically driven in the front-rear direction based on the sensed tension.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body.

Background Art

[0002] Neurotomy refers to a procedure that damages specific nerves to control an autonomic nervous system that is abnormally and overly activated. For example, renal denervation can treat hypertension and heart disease by damaging the renal sympathetic nerves leading to the kidneys, and pulmonary denervation can treat lung diseases by damaging the parasympathetic nerves leading to the lungs.

[0003] Nerves are usually wrapped around the outer walls of tubes such as blood vessels and bronchi. It may be necessary to wrap around the outer wall of such a tube to measure nerve signals, transmit electrical stimulation to the nerve, or transmit various energies to damage or destroy the nerve.

[0004] For example, when performing a procedure on the renal artery, the diameter of the main renal artery to be treated is 5 - 7 mm, and the accessory renal artery with a diameter of 1 - 2 mm may also be the target. In addition, the size of the tube where the nerves are distributed varies from person to person and also changes depending on the location.

[0005] In performing such a procedure, it is important to precisely position the component including the electrode formed at the end of the catheter so that it wraps around the outer wall of the tube. Specifically, in order to effectively block or regulate the nerve, the outer wall of the tube where the nerve is distributed must be wound circumferentially, and the operation of arranging the component with the electrode formed on the tube in a wound state must be performed reliably and quickly. In particular, it is important to safely adhere the component with the electrode formed to the outer wall of the internal tube so as not to damage the internal tube that is easily damaged by external stimuli.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 2013 - 0108401 (published on October 2, 2013) [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0007] One object of the present invention is to solve the above - mentioned problems of the prior art, and to provide an electrode device having a configuration that guides the electrode to be wound around a tube inside the body.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrode device that can be safely adhered to the outer wall of a tube inside the body while automatically adjusting the components formed with electrodes so that the tube inside the body, which is easily damaged by external stimuli, is not damaged.

[0009] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present embodiment are not limited to the above - mentioned technical problems, and other technical problems may exist. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0010] As a technical means for solving the above-described technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body, comprising: a main body having a shaft; an electrode unit formed to be drawn from one end of the shaft for blocking or regulating at least a part of the nerves in the tube in the body; an electrode guide coupled to the end of the electrode unit for guiding the electrode unit to contact the tube in the body; an electrode guide driving unit configured to move the electrode guide forward and backward; and an electrode driving unit configured to move the electrode unit forward and backward in conjunction with the electrode guide driving unit. The electrode driving unit includes a tension maintaining unit connected to one end of the electrode unit, and a moving part connected to the tension maintaining unit for moving the tension maintaining unit forward and backward. The tension maintaining unit includes a lever part for providing tension to the electrode unit. The lever part senses the tension by a sensor and is automatically driven in the front-rear direction based on the sensed tension. An electrode device may be provided.

[0011] The means for solving the above-described problems is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In addition to the above-described exemplary embodiments, there may be additional embodiments described in the drawings and the detailed description of the invention.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to any one of the means for solving the problems of the present invention described above, after the electrode guide is positioned so as to be in close contact with the tube, the electrode driving unit can automatically and gradually bring the electrode unit into close contact with the outer wall of the tube. The electrode driving unit can safely and accurately bring the electrode unit into close contact with the outer wall of the tube while automatically adjusting the components formed with the electrodes so as not to damage the tube in the body that is easily damaged by external stimuli, and at the same time maintain the close contact state with a certain force.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3a

Figure 3b

Figure 3c

Figure 3d

Figure 3e

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6a

Figure 6b

Figure 6c

Figure 6d

Figure 6e

Figure 6f

Figure 6g

Figure 6h

Figure 6i

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it. However, the present invention can be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. And in the drawings, in order to clearly explain the present invention, parts not related to the explanation are omitted, and similar reference numerals are given to similar parts throughout the specification.

[0015] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly connected", but also the case where it is "electrically connected" with other elements interposed therebetween. Also, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this means that, unless otherwise stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other components, but may further include other components, and it should not be understood as precluding the presence or possibility of addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0016] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a side view of an electrode device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which the electrode guide shown in FIG. 1 is positioned so as to guide the electrode unit and be wound around a blood vessel, and FIGS. 3A to 3E are views showing an operation process of the electrode guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the joint portion shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an electrode guide drive unit disposed inside the main body shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 6A to 6I are views showing an operation process of the electrode drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an exemplary view for explaining an operation process of a lever portion in an electrode drive unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, the electrode device 100 includes a main body 110, an electrode unit 120, an electrode guide 130, an electrode guide drive unit 140 formed inside the main body 110, and an electrode drive unit 150.

[0019] The main body 110 may include a shaft 111 extending in one direction, a grip portion 112 connected to the shaft 111 and formed so that an operator can grip it, a guide operation portion 113 formed on the grip portion 112 to operate the operation of the electrode guide 130, and an electrode operation portion 114 formed on the grip portion 112 to operate the energy transmission of the electrode unit 120.

[0020] Elements for driving and controlling the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 may be disposed inside the main body 110. For example, inside the main body 110, an electrode guide drive unit 140 for driving and controlling the electrode guide 130 and an electrode drive unit 150 for driving and controlling the electrode unit 120 may be disposed.

[0021] The electrode unit 120 is formed to be drawn out from one end of the shaft 111, and is configured to block or adjust at least a part of a nerve distributed in a tissue including a tube in the body by an operation of an operator or the like. The electrode unit 120 is housed inside the shaft 111, and may be drawn out to the outside by an electrode guide 130 described later when the electrode device 100 operates.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, the electrode unit 120 may include a base portion 121, an electrode portion 122, and a sensor portion 123. The electrode device 100 may have an electrode wound around the outer surface of a tube or tubular tissue V in the body and transmit energy through the electrode portion 122. For this purpose, the base portion 121 may be a flexible printed circuit board (Flexible PCB).

[0023] The electrode portion 122 may be composed of two electrodes extending parallel to each other on the base portion 121. The base portion 121 and the electrode portion 122 may be configured to extend circumferentially around a tube in the body and wrap around it.

[0024] The electrode portion 122 may be made of a material that is harmless to the human body and can conduct electricity, such as stainless steel, gold, etc., in order to block or denervate or control or modulate nerves.

[0025] Also, the electrode portion 122 may transmit various types of energy from an energy source generator. For example, radio-frequency (RF) energy, electrical energy, laser energy, ultrasonic energy, high-intensity focused ultrasound energy, cryogenic energy, and other thermal energies may be utilized.

[0026] Also, the electrode portion 122 may be embodied in a flexible printed circuit board (Flexible PCB) for transmitting RF energy, a transducer for transmitting ultrasonic energy, a metal electrode for transmitting high high-voltage energy, etc., and may transmit energy for damaging nerves.

[0027] Also, a sensor unit 123 may be formed on the base portion 121. In one example, the sensor unit 123 may be a thermocouple that contacts a tube in the body to measure temperature. The sensor unit 123 may monitor the temperature of the surgical site when a neurotomy is performed by the electrode device 100. In another example, the sensor unit 123 may measure the signal of the nerve in the tube.

[0028] The sensor unit 123 may be, for example, a thermocouple composed of a pair of copper and constantan.

[0029] The electrode guide 130 functions to bring the electrode unit 120 into contact with a tube in the body. The electrode guide 130 is coupled to the electrode unit 120 and guides it to be deformed into a winding state to bring the electrode unit 120 into contact with a tube in the body.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the electrode guide 130 includes a plurality of node portions 131. The plurality of node portions 131 may form a curved winding path so as to be wound around the tube V in the body with the electrode unit 120 interposed therebetween. The states shown in FIGS. 2, 3c, and 3d may be states in which the plurality of node portions 131 are completely pulled out and arranged along the curved winding path.

[0031] Also, referring to FIGS. 3a to 3e, the electrode guide 130 may further include a chip joint 132 and a wire 133. The chip joint 132 supports the electrode unit 120 and may be coupled to the ends of the plurality of sequentially connected node portions 131.

[0032] The chip joint 132 may be drawn out from one end of the shaft 111 prior to the plurality of joint portions 131. As shown in FIG. 3d, the chip joint 132 may be positioned close to the tube V in the body, and may have a tapered shape in which the width or thickness decreases toward the end so as to prevent interference with the electrode unit 120 or to maximize the surface wound around the tube in the body. The end of the electrode unit 120 may be fastened and fixed to the chip joint 132.

[0033] The wire 133 may be formed to sequentially penetrate through the plurality of joint portions 131. Referring to FIG. 4, in order for the wire 133 to penetrate, a wire hole 131c may be formed in the joint portion 131 in the longitudinal direction.

[0034] The end of the wire 133 that sequentially penetrates through the wire holes 131c may be coupled and fixed to the chip joint 132, and the wire 133 is slidable with respect to each joint portion 131 in the longitudinal direction within the wire hole 131c.

[0035] Thereby, the wire 133 can guide the plurality of joint portions 131 and the chip joint 132 to be arranged on the winding path, and can provide a pulling force in the direction of winding the plurality of joint portions 131 and the chip joint 132 around the tube V.

[0036] The wire 133 may be operated so as to protrude from one end of the shaft 111 together with the plurality of joint portions 131. At this time, since it can be designed such that the amount by which the wire 133 protrudes is smaller than the amount by which the joint portion 131 protrudes, thereby, the wire 133 can provide a pulling force to cause the plurality of joint portions 131 to have a curved path.

[0037] The joint portion 131 may include a hinge portion 131a and a winding support portion 131b. The hinge portion 131a is a configuration for rotatably connecting adjacent joints, and may be formed on one or both sides in the longitudinal direction in which the joint portions 131 are arranged and connected.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the hinge portion 131a may form a rotation axis in a direction intersecting the length direction and may be connected to the hinge portions 131a of the adjacent joint portions 131. Each hinge portion 131a may be fastened by inserting a hinge pin (not shown) in the direction in which the rotation axis is formed.

[0039] The winding support portion 131b is a configuration for supporting a plurality of joint portions 131 on the winding path, and may be formed on one or both sides in the length direction so as to be supported by the adjacent joint portions 131.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the winding support portion 131b may be formed at a position adjacent to the hinge portion 131a in the direction inside the electrode guide 130 (where the joint portion 131 is wound).

[0041] The winding support portion 131b may be composed of a surface having a preset angle and area, for example, and the wound form of the electrode guide 130 may be fixed by being supported in surface contact with the adjacent winding support portions 131b.

[0042] The winding support portion 131b and the wire hole 131c may be formed at positions away from the inside toward the tube V in the body from the rotation center of the hinge portion 131a.

[0043] When the wire 133 is relatively pulled backward compared to the electrode guide 130 (when the length of the wire 133 pulled out from the shaft 111 is smaller than that of the joint portion 131), a tension may be applied to the wire 133 in the direction of winding the electrode guide 130. On the other hand, the winding support portion 131b provides a force for supporting the joint portions 131 in a direction to suppress the winding of the electrode guide 130. By the wire 133 and the winding support portion 131b balancing the forces in opposite directions, the electrode guide 130 can be fixed on the winding path.

[0044] In addition, the electrode guide 130 may include a first node group 131x and a second node group 131y. That is, the plurality of node portions 131 may be divided into a first node group 131x and a second node group 131y having different lengths from each other.

[0045] Due to the difference in length, the first node group 131x can form a first radius of curvature, and the second node group 131y can form a second radius of curvature larger than the first radius of curvature. As can be seen from FIG. 3d, the node portion (the first node group 131x) having a relatively short length can form a small radius of curvature, and the node portion (the second node group 131y) having a long length can form a large radius of curvature.

[0046] If a path with a smaller radius of curvature is formed by the node portion 131 disposed closer to the chip joint 132, as shown in FIG. 3d, a path for the chip joint 132 to enter the space between the tube in the body and the shaft 111 can be created. And the electrode guide 130 including the node portion 131 may have a spiral shape as a whole.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 3a to 3e, the electrode guide 130 is housed inside the shaft 111 together with the electrode unit 120, and may protrude while forming a curved winding path forward F from one end for the treatment.

[0048] For example, the plurality of node portions 131 may be sequentially pulled out and moved along the curved winding path due to the displacement difference from the wire 133, and may be in a state of being wound around the tube V as a whole.

[0049] Furthermore, the electrode guide 130 may be positioned away from the outer peripheral surface of the tube, and the electrode unit 120 disposed on the wound inner side of the electrode guide 130 may be in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tube V.

[0050] The plurality of node portions 131 may be wound in a direction of being wound around the tube V while being drawn out from the shaft 111 by the electrode guide driving unit 140. Therefore, the space in which the electrode guide 130 operates can be minimized, and the operation of safely and accurately blocking or adjusting the nerve can be carried out even in a narrow space.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 5, the electrode guide driving unit 140 may be configured to move the electrode guide 130 forward and backward, and may include a frame 141, a motor unit 142, a rod block 143, a wire block 144, and a variable coupling unit 145.

[0052] The frame 141 may be provided to be fixed inside the main body, and may be provided with a guide slot or a guide shaft extending in the front-rear direction.

[0053] The motor unit 142 may be connected to the frame 141 and may rotate a rotation shaft 142a rotatably supported by the frame 141. The motor unit 142 may rotate the rotation shaft 142a by receiving transmission of electric energy, for example.

[0054] One end of the rod block 143 may be connected to the node portion 131. The rod block 143 may be moved forward and backward by the motor unit 142. Specifically, the rod block 143 may extend in the front-rear direction and may be moved forward and backward by engaging with a rotation shaft 142a having a thread formed thereon.

[0055] The rod block 143 is disposed inside the shaft 111, is formed to extend in one direction (front-rear direction), and may include a rod 143a that supports the node portion 131 and a concavo-convex configuration that is slidably coupled to a guide slot or a guide shaft of the frame 141.

[0056] In addition to the configurations of the rotating shaft 142a and the motor unit 142 described above, the electrode guide driving unit 140 according to the present invention may be configured to move the rod block 143 in the front-rear direction by various linear actuation methods. For example, the electrode guide driving unit 140 may include a cylinder-type linear actuator including a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric method, or a piezo / ultrasonic type linear actuator.

[0057] The wire block 144 is formed to support the wire 133 and may be advanced and retracted in conjunction with the rod block 143. The wire block 144 has a concavo-convex configuration that is slidably inserted into a guide slot or a guide shaft, etc., and a slide hole 144a that slidably houses the rotating shaft 142a, and may be advanced and retracted alongside the rod block 143.

[0058] The variable connection portion 145 may connect the rod block 143 and the wire block 144 to each other and vary the distance between the rod block 143 and the wire block 144. For this purpose, the variable connection portion 145 may include a rod link 145a, a wire link 145b, a hinge pin 145c, and a pin slot 145d.

[0059] The rod link 145a and the wire link 145b may be rotatably connected to the rod block 143 and the wire block 144, respectively. Also, the rod link 145a and the wire link 145b may be rotatably connected to each other by the hinge pin 145c.

[0060] The pin slot 145d is formed to slidably house the hinge pin 145c. Specifically, the pin slot 145d is formed to extend at a preset inclination angle in the front-rear direction. The pin slot 145d may be formed in the frame 141.

[0061] On the one hand, the electrode unit 120 may be wound in a direction pulled out from the shaft 111 by the electrode driving unit 150 and wound around the tube V by the electrode guide 130. Specifically, the electrode unit 120 advances along a curved winding path together with the electrode guide 130, and when it is in a state of being completely pulled out from the shaft 111 and arranged, it may be gradually brought into close contact with the tube V in the body under the control of the electrode driving unit 150. Therefore, the electrode unit 120 can stably adhere to the tube V in the body without damaging the tube V in the body and perform an operation of blocking or adjusting the nerve.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 6a, the electrode driving unit 150 may be configured to advance and retract the electrode unit 120 in conjunction with the electrode guide driving unit 140. The electrode driving unit 150 may include a tension maintaining unit 151, a moving part 152, a forward rail 153, a backward rail 154, a connecting rail 155 connecting the forward rail 153 and the backward rail 154, and a stopper part 156. For example, the lengths of the forward rail 153 and the backward rail 154 may be the same.

[0063] The tension maintaining unit 151 may be connected to one end of the electrode unit 120 and provide tension to the electrode unit 120. The tension maintaining unit 151 may include a spring part 151a, a protruding part 151b protruding upward on one side, a lever part 151c, and an electrode connecting part 151d on the other side.

[0064] The protruding part 151b may be retracted by the lever part 151c, and as will be described later, the spring part 151a may provide tension to the electrode unit 120 due to the retraction of the lever part 151c.

[0065] The lever part 151c may generate tension by stretching the spring part 151a. Specifically, the lever part 151c may sense the tension generated in the spring part 151a by a sensor. The lever part 151c may be automatically driven in the front-rear direction based on the sensed tension.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 6a, the lever portion 151c may include a link 151c1, an actuator 151c2, and a force sensor 151c3.

[0067] After the forward movement of the electrode driving unit 150 and the electrode guide driving unit 140 is completed, the lever portion 151c may extend the length of the spring portion 151a by retracting the protruding portion 151b by the link 151c1.

[0068] Here, the link 151c1 may retract the protruding portion 151b to generate the tension of the spring portion 151a. Here, one end side of the link 151c1 may be connected to the actuator 151c2, and the other end side may fix the force sensor 151c3.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 6a, the link 151c1 may extend in the longitudinal direction. For example, the link 151c1 may extend in a "┐" shape so as to contact the side surface of the protruding portion 151b and control the movement of the protruding portion 151b. The shape of the link 151c1 may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiment described here.

[0070] For example, the lever portion 151c may drive the link 151c1 in the front-rear direction. At this time, the link 151c1 may operate in a linear slide manner. The lever portion 151c may move the protruding portion 151b forward or backward while moving the link 151c1 in the front-rear direction.

[0071] The force sensor 151c3 may be formed on the inner surface of the link 151c1 that contacts the protruding portion 151b. For example, the force sensor 151c3 may be disposed on the surface where the link 151c1 and the protruding portion 151b abut. Here, the force sensor 151c3 may be a load cell.

[0072] The force sensor 151c3 formed on the inner surface of the link 151c1 may sense the tension generated in the spring portion 151a. Specifically, the link 151c1 including the force sensor 151c3 on the inner surface may move the protruding portion 151b while moving in the front-rear direction, thereby generating tension in the spring portion 151a. At this time, the force sensor 151c3 in contact with the protruding portion 151b may sense the tension generated in the spring portion 151a.

[0073] On the other hand, the force sensor 151c3 may also sense the restoring force of the spring portion 151a after the tension is generated. That is, the force sensor 151c3 may sense the tension or restoring force of the spring portion 151a through the protruding portion 151b while being in contact with the side surface of the protruding portion 151b.

[0074] The actuator 151c2 may be connected to one end side of the link 151c. The actuator 151c2 may drive the link 151c1 in the front-rear direction based on the tension of the spring portion 151a sensed by the force sensor 151c3. For example, the actuator 151c2 may be a linear actuator, and the actuator 151c2 may operate in a linear slide manner.

[0075] Specifically, when the restoring force of the spring portion 151a sensed by the force sensor 151c3 is smaller than the tension generated, the actuator 151c2 may drive the link 151c1 in the backward direction. On the contrary, when the restoring force of the spring portion 151a sensed by the force sensor 151c3 is larger than the tension generated, the actuator 151c2 may drive the link 151c1 in the forward direction.

[0076] That is, the lever portion 151c may sense the tension or restoring force of the spring portion 151a by the force sensor 151c3, and may move the link 151c1 forward or backward based on the sensed tension or restoring force of the spring portion 151a. Thereby, the electrode unit 120 can be automatically and precisely and safely adhered to the outer wall of the tube V, and can be real-time controlled to be maintained with a certain force.

[0077] According to the present invention, after the connection between the tension maintaining unit 151 and the moving unit 152 is released, the tension of the spring unit 151 is gradually transmitted to the electrode unit 120 by the automatic driving of the lever unit 151c, whereby the electrode unit 120 can be safely adhered to the tube V.

[0078] The electrode connection part 151d may be connected to one end side of the electrode unit 120 to transmit the tension of the spring unit 151 to the electrode unit 120. For example, the electrode unit 120 may contact the tube V while the protruding part 151b is retracted by the link 151c1.

[0079] The moving unit 152 may advance the tension maintaining unit 151 until the electrode guide 130 is wound around the tube V in the body while being connected to the tension maintaining unit 151, and then release the connection with the tension maintaining unit 151.

[0080] The moving unit 152 may include a connection part 152a for connecting to the tension maintaining unit 151, a pin 152b, a support part 152c, and a hinge part 152d.

[0081] The pin 152b may be formed at one end side of the connection part 152a and may move forward along the forward rail 153 or move backward along the backward rail 154. Therefore, the moving unit 152 can move forward along the forward rail 153 together with the tension maintaining unit 151 via the pin 152b, and can move backward along the backward rail 154 after the connection with the tension maintaining unit 151 is released.

[0082] The support part 152c may be connected to the electrode guide driving unit 140. For example, the support part 152c may be connected to the wire block 144.

[0083] The hinge portion 152d enables the connecting portion 152a to rotate. When the pin 152b moves from the forward rail 153 to the connecting rail 155, the connecting portion 152a may be released from the tension maintaining unit 151 as the hinge portion 152d rotates. Therefore, after the connecting portion 152a is released from the tension maintaining unit 151, the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 can each move.

[0084] The stopper portion 156 can prevent the pin 152b from moving back to the connecting rail 155 when the pin 152b moves backward. The stopper portion 156 may block the connecting rail 155 when the pin 152b is positioned on the backward rail 154 via the connecting rail 155.

[0085] Hereinafter, the driving of the electrode unit 120 by the electrode driving unit 150 will be considered with reference to FIGS. 6a to 6i. FIGS. 6a to 6i may correspond to the states shown in FIGS. 3a to 3e.

[0086] The electrode driving unit 150 and the electrode guide driving unit 140 in FIG. 6a may be just before starting the forward movement or just after the backward movement ends. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3a, the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 may be just before being wound around the tube V in the body or just after moving to the state before being wound around the tube V in the body after being wound around the tube V in the body. That is, it may be just before or just after the nerve cutting operation is performed by the electrode device 100.

[0087] At this time, the force F applied to the protruding portion 151b in the forward direction A may be expressed by the following formula 1.

[0088]

Equation

[0089] In Equation 1, k is the spring constant, and X is the spring tensile length, which may be represented by X0, X1, and X2. That is, the force F0 applied to the protrusion 151b is in the "0" state.

[0090] Therefore, the distance between one end side of the electrode connection part 151d and the protrusion 151b may be "D0" in a state where the length of the spring part 151a does not change. And the distance between the force sensor 151c3 and one end side 151c21 of the actuator 152c2 may also be in a state where there is no change, for example, "L1". Also, the force F measured by the force sensor 151c3 may be "0".

[0091] Referring to FIG. 6b, the electrode drive unit 150 may move forward along the path provided by the forward rail 153 together with the electrode guide drive unit 140 that moves forward. Due to the forward movement of the electrode drive unit 150 and the electrode guide drive unit 140, as shown in FIGS. 3b and 3c, the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 can be deformed into a winding state so as to be pulled out from the shaft 111 toward the front F and wound around the tube V in the body.

[0092] Specifically, when the electrode guide drive unit 140 moves forward by the drive of the motor unit 142, the tension maintaining unit 151 also moves forward through the moving part 152.

[0093] That is, as the electrode guide drive unit 140 moves forward, the pin 152b of the moving part 152 connected to the electrode guide drive unit 140 may move forward along the forward rail 153. At this time, the electrode guide 130 is pulled out from the shaft 111 toward the front F, and as the tension maintaining unit 151 connected to the moving part 152 moves forward, the electrode unit 120 with one end connected to the electrode connection part 151d may also be pulled out from the shaft 111.

[0094] At this time, the force F0 applied to the protruding portion 151b in the forward direction A is in the state of "0", and the distance between one end side of the electrode connection portion 151d and the protruding portion 151b may be in the state of "D0" where there is no change in the length of the spring portion 151a, and the distance between the force sensor 151c3 and one end side 151c21 of the actuator 152c2 may also be in the state of "L1" where there is no change. The force F measured by the force sensor 151c3 may also be "0".

[0095] Referring to FIG. 6c, when the electrode guide driving unit 140 completes the forward movement, as the pin 152d of the moving part 152 moves along the connecting rail 155, the hinge part 152d rotates, and the connecting part 152a and the tension maintaining unit 151 may be released.

[0096] As the pin 152b of the moving part 152 moves with the electrode guide driving unit 140 to the tip of the path provided by the forward rail 153, as shown in FIG. 3c, the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 may be wound together so as to be close to the tube V in the body. At this time, the electrode guide 130 may be in a state where a plurality of joint portions 131 are completely pulled out and arranged along the curved winding path.

[0097] At this time, the force F0 applied to the protruding portion 151b in the forward direction A is in the state of "0", and the distance between one end side of the electrode connection portion 151d and the protruding portion 151b may be in the state of "D0" where there is no change in the length of the spring portion 151a, and the distance between the force sensor 151c3 and one end side 151c21 of the actuator 152c2 may also be in the state of "L1" where there is no change. The force F measured by the force sensor 151c3 may also be "0".

[0098] On the other hand, as the connection between the moving part 152 and the tension maintaining unit 151 is released, the distance between the rod block 143 of the electrode guide driving unit 140 and the other end side of the electrode connection portion 151d may extend to "D1".

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 6d and 6e, after the connection between the tension maintaining unit 151 and the moving part 152 is released, the protruding part 151b may be retracted by the link 151c1 of the lever part 151c. Referring to FIG. 6d, the tension maintaining unit 151 may continue to retract as the connection with the moving part 152 is released. Therefore, the distance between the rod block 143 of the electrode guide driving unit 140 and the other end side of the electrode connection part 151d may further extend to "D2". Here, the extended distance, "D2", may be inversely proportional to the diameter of the tube V in contact with the electrode unit 120. At this time, the force F0 applied to the protruding part 151b in the forward direction A may be in a "0" state, and the distance between one end side of the electrode connection part 151d and the protruding part 151b may be in a state where there is no change in the length of the spring part 151a, "D0", and the distance between the force sensor 151c3 and one end side 151c21 of the actuator 152c2 may also be in a state where there is no change, "L1". The force F measured by the force sensor 151c3 may also be "0".

[0100] Due to the extended distance "D2", as shown in FIG. 3d, the electrode unit 120 can contact the tube V in the body without changing the length of the spring part 151a.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 6e, while the link 151c1 retracts the protruding part 151b by driving the lever part 151c, the length of the spring part 151a may be extended by a predetermined distance X t only.

[0102] Specifically, the lever part 151c may drive the link 151c1 in the retracting direction with the actuator 151c2. For example, the distance between the force sensor 151c3 and one end side 151c21 of the actuator 152c2, "L t " may be shortened.

[0103] As the link 151c1 moves in the retracting direction by driving the actuator 152c2, the protruding part 151b may also be moved in the retracting direction, and the length of the spring part 151a connected to the protruding part 151b may be extended by a predetermined distance X t only.

[0104] That is, as shown in FIG. 6e, after the connection between the tension maintaining unit 151 and the moving part 152 is released, as the protruding part 151b is retracted by the link 151c1, referring to FIG. 6e, the length of the spring part 151a may increase by a predetermined distance X t Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3d, tension may be provided to the electrode unit 120 so that the electrode unit 120 is closely attached to the tube V in the body with a predetermined tension.

[0105] At this time, the force F applied to the protruding part 151b in the forward direction A may be expressed by the following formula 2.

[0106]

Equation

[0107] Referring to formula 2, the force F measured by the force sensor 151c3 may be the tension F generated while the length of the spring part 151a increases by a predetermined distance X t only. T It may be.

[0108] And the distance between one end side of the electrode connection part 151d and the protruding part 151b may be "D T (=D0 + X t )" as the spring part 151a increases.

[0109] The electrode unit 120 closely attached to the tube V in the body with a predetermined tension may transmit energy for damaging the nerve and perform neurotomy.

[0110] Thereafter, referring to FIG. 6f, as the link 151c1 of the lever part 151c returns to its original position, the state of the spring part 151a may be restored.

[0111] Specifically, as the link 151c1 returns to its original position by the operation of the lever part 151c, the protruding part 151b also returns to its original position, and the length of the spring part 151a may decrease by a predetermined distance (D2 → D1) again. The actuator 151c2 may move the link 151c1 in the forward direction A.

[0112] Therefore, all the tension generated by the spring part 151a decreases, and as shown in FIG. 3c, the electrode unit 120 that was in close contact with the tube V in the body away from the electrode guide 130 can adhere to the electrode guide 130 again.

[0113] At this time, the force F0 applied to the protruding part 151b in the forward direction A is "0", and the distance between one end side of the electrode connecting part 151d and the protruding part 151b may be "D0" in a state where the length of the spring part 151a does not change, and the distance between the force sensor 151c3 and one end side 151c21 of the actuator 152c2 may also be "L1" in a state where there is no change.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 6g and 6h, after the protruding part 151b returns to its original position together with the link 151c1, the moving part 152 may move backward. The moving part 152 moves backward along the backward rail 154 together with the electrode guide driving unit 150, so that, as shown in FIG. 3e, the electrode guide 130 can be detached from around the tube V in the body.

[0115] Specifically, as the electrode guide driving unit 140 moves backward, while the pin 152b of the moving part 152 connected to the electrode guide driving unit 140 moves backward along the backward rail 154, the other end side of the connecting part 152a may meet the electrode connecting part 151d of the tension maintaining unit 151 and move the tension maintaining unit 151 backward.

[0116] When the pin 152b moves backward, the electrode driving unit 150 may prevent the pin 152b from moving back to the connecting rail 155 by blocking the connecting rail 155 with the stopper portion 156. For example, the stopper portion 156 may include a spring that compresses the stopper portion 156 so that the pin 152b can move to the connecting rail 155 and returns the state of the stopper portion 156 when the pin 152b is located on the backward rail 154.

[0117] As the electrode guide driving unit 140 and the electrode driving unit 150 move backward, as shown in FIG. 3e, the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 may move backward B toward the shaft 111.

[0118] When the backward movement of the electrode guide driving unit 140 and the electrode driving unit 150 is completed, as shown in FIG. 6i, the pin 152b of the moving part 152 may be disposed on the forward rail 153, that is, in a standby state. At this time, the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 may also be in a standby state before being pulled out from the standby shaft 111, as shown in FIG. 3a.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 7, even after the electrode unit 120 is in close contact with the tube V, the lever portion 151c may bring the electrode unit 120 into close contact with the tube V in the body with a predetermined tension in accordance with automatically adjusting the forward or backward driving of the electrode unit 120, and the predetermined tension may be arbitrarily adjusted according to the diameter, elasticity, etc. of the tube V.

[0120] First, FIG. 7(b) shows the case where the protruding portion 151b is moved backward by the lever portion 151c after the connection between the tension maintaining unit 151 and the moving part 152 is released. At this time, the lever portion 151c may sense the tension or restoring force of the spring portion 151a by the force sensor 151c3.

[0121] FIG. 7(a) shows that in FIG. 7(b), the restoring force F1 of the spring portion 151a sensed by the force sensor 151c3 is the tension F generated as the length of the spring portion 151a extends. TWhen it is smaller. At this time, the lever part 151c may drive the link 151c1 in the backward direction B by the actuator 151c2.

[0122] That is, the lever part 151c may move the protruding part 151b in the backward direction by moving the link 151c1 in the backward direction B. As the protruding part 151b moves in the backward direction, tension can be applied to the spring part 151a.

[0123] On the other hand, Fig. 7(c) shows that in Fig. 7(b), the restoring force F1 of the spring part 151a sensed by the force sensor 151c3 is the tension F generated as the length of the spring part 151a extends. T When it is larger. At this time, the lever part 151c may drive the link 151c1 in the forward direction B by the actuator 151c2.

[0124] That is, the lever part 151c may move the protruding part 151b in the forward direction by moving the link 151c1 in the forward direction A. As the protruding part 151b moves in the forward direction, the tension can be reduced from the spring part 151a.

[0125] As shown in Figs. 7(a), 7(b) and 7(c), the present invention may be real-time controlled so that the electrode unit 120 is in close contact with the tube V with a predetermined tension based on the force sensed by the force sensor 151c3 in the lever part 151c, the tension or restoring force of the spring part 151a, and the predetermined tension may be arbitrarily adjusted according to the diameter, elasticity, etc. of the tube V.

[0126] Therefore, the electrode unit 120 can be accurately and safely in close contact with the tube V in the body to perform neurotomy.

[0127] The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes, and those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains should be able to understand that it can be easily transformed into other specific forms without changing the technical idea and essential features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single type may be implemented dispersedly, and similarly, the components described as being dispersed may also be implemented in a combined form.

[0128] The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below rather than the above detailed description, and all changes or modified forms derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In an electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body, a main body having a shaft, an electrode unit formed to be drawn out from one end of the shaft and configured to block or regulate at least a part of the nerves in the tube in the body, an electrode guide coupled to the end of the electrode unit and guiding the electrode unit to contact the tube in the body, an electrode guide driving unit configured to move the electrode guide forward and backward, and an electrode driving unit configured to move the electrode unit forward and backward in conjunction with the electrode guide driving unit, wherein the electrode driving unit includes a tension maintaining unit connected to one end of the electrode unit, and a moving part connected to the tension maintaining unit and configured to move the tension maintaining unit forward and backward, wherein the tension maintaining unit includes a lever part that provides tension to the electrode unit, and the lever part senses the tension by a sensor and is automatically driven in the front - rear direction based on the sensed tension, an electrode device.

2. The tension maintaining unit further includes a spring part that generates the tension, and the lever part generates the tension by stretching the spring part and provides the generated tension to the electrode unit, the electrode device according to claim 1.

3. The moving part moves the tension maintaining unit forward until the electrode guide is wound around the tube in the body while being connected to the tension maintaining unit, and then releases the connection with the tension maintaining unit, the electrode device according to claim 2.

4. The tension maintaining unit further includes a protruding part protruding on one end side, the lever part includes a link that moves the protruding part backward to generate the tension of the spring part, a force sensor formed on an inner surface of the link that contacts the protruding part and senses the tension generated in the spring part, and an actuator that drives the link in the front - rear direction based on the sensed tension of the spring part the electrode device according to claim 3.

5. The actuator drives the link in the backward direction when the restoring force of the spring part sensed by the force sensor is smaller than the tension, and drives the link in the forward direction when the restoring force of the spring part sensed by the force sensor is larger than the tension, the electrode device according to claim 4.

6. The electrode device according to claim 4, wherein the electrode unit is brought into contact with the tube while the protrusion is retracted by the link.

7. The moving part further includes a connecting part for connecting to the tension maintaining unit, and a pin formed on the connecting part for the moving part to advance the tension maintaining unit. The electrode driving unit further includes a forward rail for the pin to move forward, the electrode device according to claim 3.

8. The electrode driving unit further includes a reverse rail for the pin to move backward to disengage the electrode guide from around the tube in the body after the moving part releases the connection with the tension maintaining unit, the electrode device according to claim 7.

9. The moving part further includes a support part connected to the electrode guide driving unit, and a hinge part for rotatably connecting the connecting part. The electrode driving unit further includes a connecting rail connecting the forward rail and the reverse rail, wherein when the pin moves on the connecting rail, the hinge part rotates to release the connecting part from the tension maintaining unit, the electrode device according to claim 8.

10. The electrode driving unit further includes a stopper part for blocking the connecting rail when the pin is located on the reverse rail through the connecting rail to prevent the pin from moving back to the connecting rail again when the pin moves backward, the electrode device according to claim 9.

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