Handheld electrosurgical instruments, insulating inserts, and electrode supports for handheld electrosurgical instruments

Abstract

The present invention provides insulating inserts, electrode carriers, and handheld electrosurgical instruments that can be used in particularly efficient manners and can be manufactured in particularly cost-effective manners. [Solution] This is achieved in which the insulating insert is in the form of a tube and can be removably coupled by its proximal end region to the distal end of the tubular shaft (13) of the handheld instrument, the central passage serves to receive the inner shaft of the handheld instrument, and two holes for receiving each electrode carrier tube of the electrode carrier are located on either side of the central passage and parallel to the wall of the insulating insert.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an insulating insert for a hand-held instrument for electro-surgery according to claim 1, and an electrode support for a hand-held instrument for electro-surgery according to claim 5. Further, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrode support according to claim 18, and a hand-held instrument for electro-surgery according to claim 20.

Background Art

[0002] Hand-held devices for electro-surgery of the aforementioned type, particularly resectoscopes, are mainly used in urology for electro-surgical operations. In this context, these devices are typically used for the resection and evaporation of tissue, for example, tissue in the lower urinary tract. For this purpose, a hand-held device, particularly a resectoscope, can be provided with a longitudinally displaceable electrode support that can be advanced from the distal end of the instrument shaft of the hand-held device to the tip working end after the device has been inserted into the body of the treatment target. The electro-surgical electrode is arranged at the distal end of the electrode support. This electrode can be, for example, in the form of a loop and, depending on the form of the instrument, is pulled or pushed through the tissue to manipulate the tissue. In the above applications, a high-frequency current is applied to the electrode. It is important to prevent the electrode from being in electrical contact with the shaft tube of the handpiece. If such electrical contact occurs, it may cause a defect in the device due to a short circuit or an unexpected trauma to the body of the treatment target. To prevent such a short circuit, the hand-held device includes an electrically insulating insulating insert, also called an insulating chip, in the distal end region. The insulating insert is the electrode support

[0003] ​​​​​​​The inner shaft or shaft tube through which the body is guided, or the outer shaft of the device It can be attached to any part. Such handheld devices are designed to be used multiple times. Therefore, insulating inserts need to be cleaned regularly as they require periodic sterilization or pressure sterilization. It is designed to be removable.

[0004] For the hand instruments described here, which are used for minimally invasive treatment of patients, the risk of trauma to the patient during treatment is reduced. The goal is to minimize the size or cross-section of the device as much as possible. Similarly, the objective is to perform the procedure in a particularly efficient manner. For efficient surgery, Therefore, electrode selection is extremely important. Only by using the appropriate electrode for the application can the optimal treatment target be achieved. The target can be achieved. In particular, the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the electrode or work tool relative to the cross-section of the device is critically important. This can be crucial. However, the effective cross-sectional area or size of the electrode is important for electrosurgical hand instruments. It is limited by the shape and diameter of the shaft. Therefore, the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the electrode is limited by the shaft. It is not practical for it to be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer circumference. However, in known devices, The available space is not being used optimally. We need to make better use of the available space. The method for achieving this requires a very complex electrode shape, which is, on the one hand, very complex This results in high manufacturing costs, while also requiring significant effort for quality control. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0005] Therefore, the present invention can be used particularly efficiently and manufactured in a particularly cost-effective manner. Based on the challenge of creating insulating inserts, electrode supports, and handheld electrosurgical instruments It is.

[0006] The solution to this problem is described in claim 1. Therefore, the insulating insert according to the present invention The to is tubular, and the proximal end is the distal end of the tubular shaft of the handheld device. It can be detachably coupled to the end, and the central passage serves to receive the inner shaft of the handheld device. This inner shaft is provided to accept a tool or optical component. It may also be a shaft. According to the present invention, the walls of the insulating insert are on both sides of the central passage. In both cases, the electrode support tube of the electrode support is received parallel to the central passage. Two holes are provided for the electrode support through the two holes in the insulating insert. By accepting the support tube, the stability of the electrode support is improved, and consequently, the stability of the electrode is enhanced. The performance is also improved. By supporting the distal end region of the electrode support within the hole, the length of the hand instrument is improved. The stability of at least one electrode support across the directional axis is improved. Electrode support within the bore This induction allows the electrodes to be inserted in a particularly precise and therefore efficient manner. .

[0007] In particular, the two holes have an elliptical cross-section, and the height of the elliptical cross-section is greater than the width of the elliptical cross-section. Larger size is provided. Furthermore, the two holes are shifted upward relative to the central longitudinal axis or the central hole. It is preferable that the hole be positioned such that it is elliptical in shape and above or below the center of the hole. The displacement also causes the position of the electrode support tube passing through the insulating insert and hand instrument to shift. This movement and the elliptical shape of the hole allow for a higher height than the previous electrode while maintaining the same width. An electrode having a certain shape can be inserted. Due to the shape of this hole, the cross-section of the insulating insert This allows for the use of electrodes with a larger effective cross-section.

[0008] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the wall of the insulating insert is reinforced around the two holes and the wall thickness is reduced otherwise. The insulating insert, which is thin-walled otherwise, has two inwardly bulging portions in the region of the holes, and the open cross-section inside the insulating insert is minimized by these bulging portions. In particular, by moving these bulging portions upward from the central edge region, a space can be created in the central interior of the insulating insert. According to the invention, an insulating insert made of an electrically insulating material such as a plastic stable to temperature and plasma can be provided with coupling means removably connected to the shaft. During the assembly of the handheld instrument, an electrode support having two electrode support tubes is removably attached to the distal end of the shaft after being passed through the holes. The proximal end of the electrode support tube can be connected to the body of the hand instrument. When disassembling the hand instrument, the above steps are performed in reverse order. The electrode support for solving the above problems has the features of claim 5. Therefore, the electrode support for the electrodes of an electro-surgical hand instrument has at least one, preferably two, electrode support tubes, and an electrode can be arranged at the distal end of at least one electrode support tube. This electrode support can be coupled to the body of the hand instrument via the proximal end of at least one electrode support tube. Through this body, the electrode support can be moved axially and exposed to high-frequency current. According to the invention, it is provided that the cross-section of at least one electrode support tube is elliptical or convex, particularly over the entire length. A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the wall of the insulating insert is reinforced around the two holes and the wall thickness is reduced otherwise. The insulating insert, which is thin-walled otherwise, has two inwardly bulging portions in the region of the holes, and the open cross-section inside the insulating insert is minimized by these bulging portions. In particular, by moving these bulging portions upward from the central edge region, a space can be created in the central interior of the insulating insert. A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the wall of the insulating insert is reinforced around the two holes and the wall thickness is reduced otherwise. The insulating insert, which is thin-walled otherwise, has two inwardly bulging portions in the region of the holes, and the open cross-section inside the insulating insert is minimized by these bulging portions. In particular, by moving these bulging portions upward from the central edge region, a space can be created in the central interior of the insulating insert. A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the wall of the insulating insert is reinforced around the two holes and the wall thickness is reduced otherwise. The insulating insert, which is thin-walled otherwise, has two inwardly bulging portions in the region of the holes, and the open cross-section inside the insulating insert is minimized by these bulging portions. In particular, by moving these bulging portions upward from the central edge region, a space can be created in the central interior of the insulating insert.

[0009] According to the invention, an insulating insert made of an electrically insulating material such as a plastic stable to temperature and plasma can be provided with coupling means removably connected to the shaft. During the assembly of the handheld instrument, an electrode support having two electrode support tubes is removably attached to the distal end of the shaft after being passed through the holes. The proximal end of the electrode support tube can be connected to the body of the hand instrument. When disassembling the hand instrument, the above steps are performed in reverse order. According to the invention, an insulating insert made of an electrically insulating material such as a plastic stable to temperature and plasma can be provided with coupling means removably connected to the shaft. During the assembly of the handheld instrument, an electrode support having two electrode support tubes is removably attached to the distal end of the shaft after being passed through the holes. The proximal end of the electrode support tube can be connected to the body of the hand instrument. When disassembling the hand instrument, the above steps are performed in reverse order. According to the invention, an insulating insert made of an electrically insulating material such as a plastic stable to temperature and plasma can be provided with coupling means removably connected to the shaft. During the assembly of the handheld instrument, an electrode support having two electrode support tubes is removably attached to the distal end of the shaft after being passed through the holes. The proximal end of the electrode support tube can be connected to the body of the hand instrument. When disassembling the hand instrument, the above steps are performed in reverse order. According to the invention, an insulating insert made of an electrically insulating material such as a plastic stable to temperature and plasma can be provided with coupling means removably connected to the shaft. During the assembly of the handheld instrument, an electrode support having two electrode support tubes is removably attached to the distal end of the shaft after being passed through the holes. The proximal end of the electrode support tube can be connected to the body of the hand instrument. When disassembling the hand instrument, the above steps are performed in reverse order. According to the invention, an insulating insert made of an electrically insulating material such as a plastic stable to temperature and plasma can be provided with coupling means removably connected to the shaft. During the assembly of the handheld instrument, an electrode support having two electrode support tubes is removably attached to the distal end of the shaft after being passed through the holes. The proximal end of the electrode support tube can be connected to the body of the hand instrument. When disassembling the hand instrument, the above steps are performed in reverse order. According to the invention, an insulating insert made of an electrically insulating material such as a plastic stable to temperature and plasma can be provided with coupling means removably connected to the shaft. During the assembly of the handheld instrument, an electrode support having two electrode support tubes is removably attached to the distal end of the shaft after being passed through the holes. The proximal end of the electrode support tube can be connected to the body of the hand instrument. When disassembling the hand instrument, the above steps are performed in reverse order.

[0010] The electrode support for solving the above problems has the features of claim 5. Therefore, the electrode support for the electrodes of an electro-surgical hand instrument has at least one, preferably two, electrode support tubes, and an electrode can be arranged at the distal end of at least one electrode support tube. This electrode support can be coupled to the body of the hand instrument via the proximal end of at least one electrode support tube. Through this body, the electrode support can be moved axially and exposed to high-frequency current. According to the invention, it is provided that the cross-section of at least one electrode support tube is elliptical or convex, particularly over the entire length. The electrode support for solving the above problems has the features of claim 5. Therefore, the electrode support for the electrodes of an electro-surgical hand instrument has at least one, preferably two, electrode support tubes, and an electrode can be arranged at the distal end of at least one electrode support tube. This electrode support can be coupled to the body of the hand instrument via the proximal end of at least one electrode support tube. Through this body, the electrode support can be moved axially and exposed to high-frequency current. According to the invention, it is provided that the cross-section of at least one electrode support tube is elliptical or convex, particularly over the entire length. The electrode support for solving the above problems has the features of claim 5. Therefore, the electrode support for the electrodes of an electro-surgical hand instrument has at least one, preferably two, electrode support tubes, and an electrode can be arranged at the distal end of at least one electrode support tube. This electrode support can be coupled to the body of the hand instrument via the proximal end of at least one electrode support tube. Through this body, the electrode support can be moved axially and exposed to high-frequency current. According to the invention, it is provided that the cross-section of at least one electrode support tube is elliptical or convex, particularly over the entire length. The electrode support for solving the above problems has the features of claim 5. Therefore, the electrode support for the electrodes of an electro-surgical hand instrument has at least one, preferably two, electrode support tubes, and an electrode can be arranged at the distal end of at least one electrode support tube. This electrode support can be coupled to the body of the hand instrument via the proximal end of at least one electrode support tube. Through this body, the electrode support can be moved axially and exposed to high-frequency current. According to the invention, it is provided that the cross-section of at least one electrode support tube is elliptical or convex, particularly over the entire length. The electrode support for solving the above problems has the features of claim 5. Therefore, the electrode support for the electrodes of an electro-surgical hand instrument has at least one, preferably two, electrode support tubes, and an electrode can be arranged at the distal end of at least one electrode support tube. This electrode support can be coupled to the body of the hand instrument via the proximal end of at least one electrode support tube. Through this body, the electrode support can be moved axially and exposed to high-frequency current. According to the invention, it is provided that the cross-section of at least one electrode support tube is elliptical or convex, particularly over the entire length. The electrode support for solving the above problems has the features of claim 5. Therefore, the electrode support for the electrodes of an electro-surgical hand instrument has at least one, preferably two, electrode support tubes, and an electrode can be arranged at the distal end of at least one electrode support tube. This electrode support can be coupled to the body of the hand instrument via the proximal end of at least one electrode support tube. Through this body, the electrode support can be moved axially and exposed to high-frequency current. According to the invention, it is provided that the cross-section of at least one electrode support tube is elliptical or convex, particularly over the entire length. The electrode support for solving the above problems has the features of claim 5. Therefore, the electrode support for the electrodes of an electro-surgical hand instrument has at least one, preferably two, electrode support tubes, and an electrode can be arranged at the distal end of at least one electrode support tube. This electrode support can be coupled to the body of the hand instrument via the proximal end of at least one electrode support tube. Through this body, the electrode support can be moved axially and exposed to high-frequency current. According to the invention, it is provided that the cross-section of at least one electrode support tube is elliptical or convex, particularly over the entire length. This elliptical shape of at least one portion of the electrode support tube is in the longitudinal direction of the hand instrument. This improves stability against forces acting on the electrode support tube in a direction laterally to the axis. Furthermore, the elliptical shape is required by at least one electrode support tube within the instrument shaft. This leads to a reduction in the space that is considered to be... This allows for optimization of the placement, and consequently, the position of the distal end of the electrode.

[0011] Preferably, the distal portion of at least one electrode support tube has an elliptical or convex cross-section. The remaining portion of the electrode support tube may further have a circular or arbitrary cross-section. In this regard, at least one such that the height of the elliptical cross-section is greater than the width of the cross-section The electrode support tube is provided to be oriented and have a height perpendicular to the horizontal plane. It can be done.

[0012] Preferably, the height-to-width ratio is 1.1 over the entire length or only over the distal portion. The ratio is 1 to 1.7:1, preferably 1.4:1. At least one electrode support tube It has become clear that these dimensions can be arranged within the instrument shaft, particularly in a space-saving manner. This width-to-height ratio is optimal between the stability and repositioning of the electrodes at the distal end of the electric tractor. This represents a compromise. A preferred height dimension is 1.4 mm, and for the width, 1 mm is one example. However, according to the present invention, the absolute dimensions of the elliptical cross-section are these It is also possible to deviate from the value by at least a small amount. Because the cross-section is elliptical, In both cases, one electrode support tube changes the distance between the two distal ends of the electrode support tube. It can move upward from the center of the device. Due to its elliptical shape, it can maintain the same spacing. The distal end of the tube can be moved upward relative to the central axis of the hand instrument, This increases the loop size of the electrodes without them protruding beyond the cross-section of the hand instrument. Therefore, this reshaping of the electrode support tube provides an optimized working cross-section for the electrode. We will be able to collaborate with the extremes.

[0013] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a distal portion of at least one electrode support tube that is 20 m Having a length of m to 50 mm, preferably 24 mm to 40 mm, and especially longer than 30 mm. This provides that only this distal portion has an elliptical cross-section. The length of this portion is , at least corresponding to the stroke length of the electrode support within the instrument shaft.

[0014] Preferably, the present invention relates to the relationship between the proximal and distal portions of at least one electrode support tube. It can be further provided that the transition portion is formed by a crimped portion. This crimped portion is electrically This corresponds to locally reforming the outer circumference of the pole support tube into a hexagonal cross-section. The diameter of the electrode support tube is reduced in a specific region. The formation of this tube is circular cross-section As a predetermined transition section from a tube portion having a flat surface to a tube portion having an elliptical cross-section It works. Furthermore, the formation helps to secure a conductor or wire inside the tube.

[0015] The hexagonal crimp portion of at least one electrode support tube has two opposing hexagonal cross-sections. The sides are oriented so that they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Due to this orientation, the maximum diameter of the crimped tube portion exceeds the diameter of the ellipse at the distal portion. Therefore, when the device moves back and forth along its longitudinal axis, the electrode support gets caught. It will not happen.

[0016] Furthermore, the distal end of at least one electrode support tube also preferably has a hexagonal crimped portion. It is preferable that this crimped portion seals the inside of the tube in a watertight manner. This protects the internal wiring from the incoming liquid. The formation of this hexagonal cross-section. Also, the positioning is done in the same way as the compression between the part with a circular cross-section and the part with an elliptical cross-section. It may be offered that it be combined with other items.

[0017] Another particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention is one in which at least one electrode support tube is at least Another, preferably two, S-shaped bends, namely the proximal S-shaped bend and the distal S-shaped bend It may also be provided that the at least one S-shaped bend portion provides an electric A portion of the electrode support tube is displaced parallel to the other portion of the electrode support tube. The bent portion allows the distal end of at least one electrode support tube to be fitted with an electrode, The distal end can be displaced relative to the central axis through which the device passes. This is particularly possible because it has the aforementioned elliptical cross-section. Therefore, the S-shaped bend is two-dimensional. It can be assumed that it needs to be executed only in one dimension, rather than parallel induction. The relative distance between the two distal ends of the electrode support tube does not change as a result of the S-shaped bend. Only the two distal ends are moved upward relative to the central axis. The cross-section of the distal end region is altered. Therefore, collision between the electrode support tube and the instrument shaft does not occur. Due to this displacement of the distal end Therefore, an electrode having a larger effective cross-section without protruding beyond the cross-section of the instrument's shaft. It can be used.

[0018] Preferably, at least one S-shaped bend, particularly the distal S-shaped bend, is 0.2 mm to 2 mm. It is provided that it has a height of m, preferably 0.7 mm. At least one S-shaped bend The length of the part may be 2 mm to 20 mm, preferably 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the present invention, at least one electrode support tube having an elliptical or convex cross-section The distal portion of the hub may be provided to have at least one distal S-shaped bend. Each electrode support tube has two S-shaped bends, namely a distal S-shaped bend and a proximal S-shaped bend. If there are bends, it is provided that these two S-shaped bends are located in a common plane. It is possible that the two planes of the S-shaped bend are twisted relative to each other. .

[0020] A method for solving the aforementioned problem comprises the means of claim 18. Therefore, the method described in claim 5. Electrosurgical hand instrument having at least one, preferably two, electrode support tubes A method for manufacturing an electrode support for an electrode involves shaping the cross-section of the distal part of the electrode support tube into an elliptical shape. To accomplish (Step A), and / or from a portion having a circular cross-section to a portion having an elliptical cross-section The transition portion to the part to be crimped (step B), and / or at least one S-shaped bend The present invention includes providing a distal region having an elliptical cross-section with a portion (step C). Therefore, steps A, B, and C are provided to be performed sequentially or simultaneously.

[0021] A handheld electrosurgical device for solving the aforementioned problems has the features of claim 20. In particular, handheld electrosurgical devices may include resectoscopes, etc. Handheld devices It has a body to which a tubular shaft is connected. The insulating insulator according to claims 1 to 4 The insert can be positioned at the distal end of the shaft, as described in claims 5 to 17. The body extends through the shaft and insulating insert and is attached to the main body at the proximal end. The electrode can be positioned at the distal end of the electrode support or electrode support tube.

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a handheld surgical instrument, particularly a resectoscope. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the electrode support. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a side view of the distal portion of the electrode support. [Figure 4] This is a diagram of an insulating insert. [Figure 5] This is a diagram of an insulating insert according to Figure 4, which is equipped with an electrode support. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Figure 1 shows a schematic side cross-section of a resectoscope known as 10. P10 is a resectoscope shaft including the outer shaft 12 or sheath tube shown in the figure. It has 11. A tubular inner shaft 13 extends within the outer shaft 12. Electrode A Ray 14 and the indicated optical system 15 are shown within the inner shaft 13. Furthermore, shown here Other elements that are not present, such as separate perfusion tubes, are located within the resectscope 10. That's good too.

[0025] The electrode array 14 has an electrosurgical tool or electrode 16 at its distal end. Electrode 16 is shown as a loop, but may be formed as a button or the like.

[0026] The electrode holder 14 moves axially in the distal and proximal directions by operating the handle 19. It can be forcibly moved in a certain direction. In doing so, the electrode holder 14 can be moved to the inner shaft 13 and It can be pushed past the distal end of the outer shaft 12. This allows the surgeon to resect The tissue can be manipulated to move further away from the tip of the scope. Furthermore, for this purpose Therefore, the inner shaft 13 and / or electrode support 14 are rotated around their longitudinal axes. It can be attached in a manner that allows for manipulation of tissue. A high-frequency current is applied to electrode 16. It can be done.

[0027] The resectoscope 10 shown in Figure 1 is applied by the spring bridge 23. The handle portion 21 and the resectscope shaft 11 are positioned on the proximal side against the spring force. By moving the 22 relative to each other, the carriage 20 moves toward the distal first handle portion 21. The carriage 20 has a passive transporter that moves distally. When displaced distally relative to 1, the electrode support 14 moves distally in a manner not shown. It is displaced. When the load on the handle parts 21 and 22 is reduced, the spring bridge 2 The spring force generated by 3 pushes the slide 20 back to its initial position, and the electrode support 1 Pull 4 proximally. When slide 20 is moved posteriorly, the electrosurgical procedure is performed by the operator. It is performed using electrode 16 without any manual force, that is, not passively. obtain.

[0028] In the case of targeted therapy using electrodes 16, the optical system 15 allows the surgeon to view the surgical area optimally. It is positioned so that it can be positioned in contact with the optical system 15. For this purpose, the resectoscope 10 is positioned in contact with the optical system 15. It has an eyepiece 24 at the proximal end. Alternatively, instead of the eyepiece 24, a camera may be used. It is also possible that it will be placed on resectscope 10.

[0029] The electrode support 14 essentially consists of two parallel electrode support tubes 25 and 26 (Figure 2). These electrode support tubes 25 and 26 hold the electrode 16 and supply electrical energy to the electrode 16. It serves to supply ghee. For this purpose, the conductor is attached to the electrode support tubes 25, 26 Within at least one of them, extending from the proximal end 27 to the distal end 28. Two electrode support tubes One of 25 and 26 is locked to the proximal end 27 within the carriage 20 and is in contact with the RF generator. It connects to the cable that is touching it. The other electrode support tubes 25 and 26 also go into the carriage 20. This locks in place, forming a neutral electrode. The long electrode support tubes 25 and 26 are further stabilized. To do this, these can be connected to each other via guide elements 17. The electrode element 17 has the electrode support 14 on the inner shaft 13 or on the inner shaft 13 or light It is also useful for clamping below the 15th section of the electrode. Furthermore, the electrode support tubes 25 and 26 are also suitable for use in a vacuum. It is guided by the edge insert 29, thereby providing stability against lateral forces.

[0030] For the resectoscope to function properly, the electrode support 14 together with the electrode 16 is externally... It is important that the electrode can be completely retracted into shaft 12. For this purpose, The effective cross-section or outer cross-section of 16 must not be larger than the inner diameter of the distal region of the outer shaft 12. Therefore, it is known that the electrode support tubes 25 and 26 have an S-shaped bend 30. This S-shaped bend 30 allows two flat sections to be formed along the electrode support tubes 25 and 26. In the continuous section, the distal ends 28 of the electrode support tubes 25 and 26 are aligned with the longitudinal axis 18. The shape of the electrode 16 is displaced parallel to the longitudinal axis 18 so that it is offset. To optimize and increase the space within the shaft 13, the present invention provides electrode support The tubes 25 and 26 are provided to have a second S-shaped bend 31. As a result of the curved portion 31, the two distal portions 32 of the electrode support tubes 25 and 26 form an S-shaped curve. It is spaced even further from the longitudinal axis 18 than what has already been done by 30. Furthermore, The present invention relates to the distal portion 32 of the electrode support tubes 25 and 26 It provides having an elliptical cross-section in contrast to the other parts. This elliptical cross-section is water It is formed such that the height of the cross-section perpendicular to the plane is greater than the width of the cross-section. This portion includes both the distal portion 32 and the S-shaped bend 31. Electrode support tube 25 The remaining portion of 26 further has a circular cross-section. Elliptical cross-section of the portion having a circular cross-section. For a clear transition to the portion having, the electrode support tubes 25 and 26 each have a crimped portion 33 has an embossed portion or a deformed portion. This crimped portion 33 is an electrode support tube The conductors within 25 and 26 are also fixed in place (Figure 3).

[0031] Furthermore, the present invention provides that the distal ends of the electrode support tubes 25 and 26 are crimped or embossed. It is also intended to have a part or a deformed part. This hexagonal crimping part 34 is The two parallel sides of the crimping portion 34 pass through the electrode support tube 14 in a direction lateral to the horizontal plane. It is oriented to extend. As a result, the cross-section of the crimped portion 34 is the electrode support tube 25, It behaves similarly to the 26 elliptical cross-sections. Therefore, the electrode support tubes 25 and 26 are pressure The contact portion 34 can be completely retracted without becoming jammed inside the insulating insert 29. Therefore, the insulating insert 29 in Figures 2 and 3 is shown in a very schematic manner and is merely illustrative. This should be clearly pointed out.

[0032] Figures 4 and 5 show front views of the insulating insert 29 according to the present invention. To prevent the electrode 16 from coming into contact with the metallic conductive outer shaft 12, the inner shaft 13 It is known to place an electrically insulating tip at the distal tip. Usually in the form of a tube. This chip is made from non-conductive materials such as plasma and temperature-stable plastics. The insulating insert 29 is releasably coupled to the shaft 13 by a coupling element. obtain.

[0033] The insulating insert 29 according to the present invention, shown schematically here, is also tubular. It has a thin wall 35. This wall 35 can guide, for example, the optical system 15 and other tools. It has a central passage 36. Furthermore, the insulating insert 29 has two holes 37, 38. These holes 37 and 38 are aligned parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal axis 18. They are placed side by side, but are displaced upward with respect to the longitudinal axis 18, thereby opening holes 37, 38 It is not at the center or in the same horizontal plane as the longitudinal axis 18. Holes 37 and 38 are two electric It serves to receive the electrode support tubes 25 and 26. To allow insertion, holes 37 and 38 are also oval in shape, and the height of holes 37 and 38 is Larger than the width. Elliptical shape of holes 37, 38, elliptical shape of electrode support tubes 25, 26 The distance between the two holes 37 and 38 is actually determined solely by the cross-section and the second S-shaped bend 31. Without needing to change anything, the two holes 37 and 38 can be displaced relative to the longitudinal axis 18. Yes. As a result, electrode 16 can also maintain its known width and does not need to be changed. Rather, this reformation or displacement maintains the width of electrode 16 and reduces the length or height of electrode 16. By adapting the dimensions to those of the ctoscope 10, the effective cross-section of the electrode 16 is increased. This is made possible due to the fact that the distance between the two holes 37 and 38 has not been changed. The previous electrode 16 can also be used together with the electrode support 14.

[0034] Figure 5 shows two electrode support tubes 25 and 26 passing through two holes 37 and 38. An insulating insert 29 is shown. In particular, the crimped portion of the distal end of the electrode support tubes 25 and 26. 34 does not protrude beyond the diameter of the elliptical cross-section of the distal portion 32, and therefore electrode support Tubes 25 and 26 are freely displaceable through holes 37 and 38 in the insulating insert 29. It is clear. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0035] 10 Resectscope 11 Rejectscope Shaft 12 Outer shaft 13 Inner shaft 14 Electrode support 15 Optical system 16 electrodes 17 Guide Elements 18 Longitudinal axis 19 Handle 20 slides 21 Handle section 22 Handle section 23 Spring Bridge 24 eyepieces 25 Electrode support tube 26 Electrode support tube 27 Proximal end 28 Distal end 29 Insulating Inserts 30 S-shaped bend 31 S-shaped bend 32 Distal portion 33 Crimping section 34 Crimping section 35 Wall 36 aisles 37 holes 38 holes

Claims

1. Handheld electrosurgical instruments, particularly insulating inserts (29) for resectoscopes (10) The tubular insulating insert (29) is, by its proximal end region, the handheld type The distal end of the tubular shaft (13) of the instrument can be detachably connected, and the shaft In an insulating insert (29) having a central passage (36) for receiving a to , for receiving each electrode support tube (25, 26) of the electrode support (14) The two holes (37, 38) are parallel to the central passage (36) on both sides of the central passage (36). The insulating insert (29) is characterized by being positioned on the wall (35) of the insulating insert (29). Ensart (29).

2. The two holes (25, 26) have an elliptical cross-section, and the height of the elliptical cross-section is the ellipse. The handheld electrosurgical device according to claim 1, characterized in that its cross-sectional width is greater than that of a circular cross-section. Insulating insert for placement (29).

3. The two holes (25, 26) preferably pass through the insulating insert (29). Claim 1, characterized in that it is displaced upward or downward with respect to the central longitudinal axis (18). Or an insulating insert (29) for a handheld electrosurgical device as described in 2.

4. The wall (35) of the insulating insert (29) is around the two holes (37, 38) Any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the wall thickness is reduced elsewhere, and is reinforced by [a certain material]. An insulating insert (29) for a handheld electrosurgical device as described in item 1.

5. An electrical system comprising at least one, preferably two, electrode support tubes (25, 26). Electrode support for surgical hand instruments, particularly electrodes (16) for resectoscopes (10) (14) The distal end (2 8) The electrode (16) can be placed therein, and the electrode support (14) is at least The proximal end (27) of one electrode support tube (25, 26) is connected to the main body of the hand instrument. In an electrode support (14) that can be coupled to, the at least one electrode support tube Parts (25, 26) have an elliptical or convex cross-section, at least partially, and especially over their entire length. An electrode support (14) characterized by having...

6. The distal portion (32) of at least one electrode support tube (25, 26) is elliptical or The electrode support (14) according to claim 5, characterized by having a convex cross-section.

7. The elliptical portion of the distal part (32) of the at least one electrode support tube (25, 26) A circular cross-section has a height greater than its width, and a height-to-width ratio of 1.1:1 to 1.7:1 is preferred. The electrode support (14) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the ratio is 1.4:

1. ）。

8. The distal portion (32) of the at least one electrode support tube (25, 26) Claim 5, characterized in that the elliptical cross-section has a height of 1.4 mm and a width of 1 mm. An electrode support (14) according to any one of items (1) to (7).

9. The distal portion (32) of at least one electrode support tube (25, 26) is 20 m Having a length of m to 50 mm, preferably 24 mm to 40 mm, and especially longer than 30 mm. An electrode support (14) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized by the above.

10. The proximal portion and the distal portion (32) of the at least one electrode support tube (25, 26) The transition area between the two is formed by an embossed portion or a crimped portion (33). an electrode support (14) according to any one of claims 5 to 9.

11. The crimping portion (33) has a hexagonal cross-section, and the two opposing sides of the hexagonal cross-section are horizontal. The electrode support (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that it is oriented perpendicular to the surface. ４）。

12. The distal end of at least one electrode support tube (25, 26) is preferably hexagonal The electric Polar support (14).

13. The at least one electrode support tube (25, 26) is at least one, preferably The S-shaped curvature consists of two parts, namely the proximal S-shaped curvature (30) and the distal S-shaped curvature (31). It has portions (30, 31), and the at least one S-shaped bend portion (30, 31) is positioned in front The portion of the electrode support tube (25, 26) is, in addition to the electrode support tube (25, 26) The present invention relates to any one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that it is displaced parallel to the portion of The electrode support (14) described above.

14. Two parallel electrode support tubes (25, 26) each have at least one S-shaped bend (30, 31) is provided, and each of the tube portions is displaced only in one plane, The distal S-shaped bend (30) is characterized by being in the same plane as the proximal S-shaped bend (31). The electrode support (14) according to claim 13.

15. The at least one distal S-shaped bend (31) is preferably 0.2 mm to 2.0 mm in length. The electrode support according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that it has a height of 0.7 mm. （１４）。

16. The at least one distal S-shaped bend (31) is preferably 2.0 mm to 20.0 mm in length. The following is a characteristic of having a length of 5.0 mm to 10.0 mm, according to claims 13 to 15. Electrode support (14) as described in any one of the items.

17. The at least one electrode support tube (25, 2) having an elliptical or convex cross-section 6) The distal portion (32) of the said has at least one S-shaped bend (30, 31) The electrode support (14) is characterized by the one described in any one of claims 13 to 16.

18. At least one, preferably two electrode support tubes (25, 26) according to claim 5 To manufacture an electrode support (14) for an electrode (14) of a handheld electrosurgical instrument equipped with ) A method in which the cross-section of the distal portion (32) of the electrode support tube (25, 26) is elliptical. A portion formed in a circular shape (step A), and / or having an elliptical cross-section from a circular portion The transition portion to the part is punched out or crimped (step B), and / or the The distal region having an elliptical cross-section is provided with at least one S-shaped bend (31). A method for manufacturing an electrode support (14), characterized by (step C).

19. The claim is characterized in that steps A, B, and C are performed sequentially or simultaneously. A method for manufacturing the electrode support (14) described in 18.

20. The invention comprises a main body and at least one tubular shaft connected to the main body, The insulating insert (29) described in any one of items 1 to 4 is connected to the distal end of the shaft. The electrode support (14) according to any one of claims 5 to 17 can be combined, and the electrode support (14) according to any one of claims 5 to 17 The electrode support (14) extends through the shaft and the insulating insert (29), and proximal A handheld device that is fixed to the main body by its end and has an electrode (16) positioned at its distal end. Electrosurgical instruments, especially resectoscopes (10).

Images