Medical device handle

Abstract

This medical device handle provides a simple configuration that maintains operability while allowing the user to understand the deflection state of the movable parts of a medical device. [Solution] The medical device handle 100 deflects the movable part of a medical device via a first operating wire W1 and a second operating wire W2, and comprises a housing 300 formed in a longitudinal shape that forms a housing space inside, a rotating member 700 that is rotatably supported relative to the housing 300 around a pivot axis that coincides with the longitudinal direction of the housing 300, and a translation member 500 to which the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 are connected, and which moves along the longitudinal direction of the housing 300 within the housing space as the rotating member 700 rotates, thereby generating tension in the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 and deflecting the movable part. The housing 300 is provided with windows 340 and 380 that allow the translation member 500 to be seen from the outside.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical device handle for performing a deflection operation on a movable part of a medical device provided with an elongated tubular member.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, a medical device provided with a flexible elongated tubular member such as a catheter or an endoscope is inserted into various internal organs in the body (for example, the heart) through a blood vessel, a trachea, a body cavity, a bodily lumen or the like to perform a target medical procedure. In such a medical device, in order to facilitate insertion into the body and access to tissues, the orientation of the distal end portion of the tubular member of the medical device to be inserted into the body can be deflected by the medical device handle disposed outside the body. As medical device handles, a medical device handle of a type that operates an operation lever protruding laterally, a medical device handle of a type that rotates a rotating member, and the like are known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 listed below describes a configuration in which, in a control handle for performing a deflection operation on a deflectable catheter, a puller wire for deflecting an end portion and a telescoping fiber that engages with a pulley in the control handle are connected by a molded member. The molded member includes a mark that is visible through a window provided in the housing of the control handle, and by observing the relative position of the mark through the window, an operator can evaluate the deflection state of the catheter.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0004]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] In medical device handles that use an operating lever, the relative position of the operating lever to the housing changes, allowing for an intuitive understanding of the deflection state of the distal end from the position of the operating lever. On the other hand, in medical device handles that use a rotating member, the relative position of the rotating member to the housing often remains unchanged, making it difficult to understand the deflection state of the distal end from the appearance of the medical device handle.

[0006] Furthermore, according to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, by providing a window in the housing and attaching a molded member with a mark to the operating wire that deflects the distal end, it becomes possible to grasp the deflection state from the position of the mark. However, this requires attaching the molded member to the operating wire, which complicates the configuration and impairs the mobility of the operating wire, resulting in a decrease in operability.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a medical device handle that allows the deflection state of the movable part of a medical device to be grasped while maintaining operability with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the medical device handle according to the present invention is a medical device handle for deflecting a movable part of a medical device via an operating wire, and comprises: a housing formed in a longitudinal shape and having a housing space inside; a rotating member rotatably supported relative to the housing with respect to a pivot axis that coincides with the longitudinal direction of the housing; and a translation member to which the operating wire is connected, which moves along the longitudinal direction of the housing within the housing space as the rotating member rotates, thereby generating tension in the operating wire and deflecting the movable part, wherein the housing is provided with a window that allows the translation member housed in the housing space to be seen from outside the housing.

[0009] With the above configuration, the relative position of the translational member to the housing can be confirmed through the window, allowing the user to understand the amount of tension on the operating wire and the deflection state of the movable part. Furthermore, by making the translational member itself visible, there is no need to attach any additional components, and the operability of the medical device handle can be maintained.

[0010] In the medical device handle according to the present invention, one end of the translational member in the longitudinal direction may be visible through the window portion.

[0011] With the above configuration, the position of the translational member can be reliably determined from the position of one end of the translational member in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] In the medical device handle according to the present invention, the translational member is configured to move within a predetermined movable range, and both ends of the window portion in the longitudinal direction may coincide with one end of the translational member that has moved to the limit of the movement of the predetermined movable range.

[0013] With the above configuration, the relative position of the translational member with respect to the movement limit can be visually and intuitively confirmed.

[0014] In the medical device handle according to the present invention, the translational member is configured to move within a predetermined movable range, and the longitudinal center of the window portion may coincide with one end of the translational member when it is located in the center of the predetermined movable range.

[0015] With the above configuration, the neutral position of the translational member can be visually and intuitively confirmed.

[0016] In the medical device handle according to the present invention, a scale may be provided near the window portion or on a visible surface of the translational member in the above configuration.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the relative position of the translation member with respect to the housing can be confirmed more visually and intuitively.

[0018] In the medical device handle according to the present invention, in the above configuration, the rotating member may be fitted externally onto the translation member, and a translation-side engaging portion provided on the outer surface of the translation member and a rotation-side engaging portion provided on the inner surface of the rotating member may be engaged with each other.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the rotation of the rotating member can be converted into the movement of the translation member by the engagement between the translation-side engaging portion and the rotation-side engaging portion.

[0020] In the medical device handle according to the present invention, in the above configuration, a first operation wire and a second operation wire as the operation wires are connected to the translation member, and the movement of the translation member may move the first operation wire and the second operation wire in axial directions opposite to each other.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the movable portion can be deflected in different directions by the two operation wires connected to the single translation member. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a plan view showing the overall configuration of a medical device including a medical device handle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 1. [Figure 3] It is a view showing the vicinity of the distal end of the tubular member in the embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) is a perspective view schematically showing the vicinity of the distal end of the tubular member, and (b) is a transparent view for explaining the inside of the tubular member. [Figure 4] It is a view for explaining the deflection operation of the movable portion of the tubular member in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a plan view of the medical device handle in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]This is a side view of the medical device handle in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the medical device handle in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an exploded perspective view of the medical device handle in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the upper housing of the medical device handle in the embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view seen from the top surface side, and (b) is a perspective view seen from the bottom surface side. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the lower housing of the medical device handle in the embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view seen from the bottom surface side, and (b) is a perspective view seen from the top surface side. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of the translation member of the medical device handle in the embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view of the longitudinal distal end side of the translation member viewed from above, and (b) is a perspective view of the longitudinal proximal end side of the translation member viewed from below. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing the rotating member of the medical device handle in the embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a side view of the rotating member, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of (a). [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing the longitudinal distal end side of the medical device handle in the embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view from a viewpoint where the wire insertion hole formed on one side surface of the translation member is visible, and (b) is a perspective view from a viewpoint where the wire insertion hole formed on the other side surface of the translation member is visible. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing the rotating direction of the rotating member of the medical device handle in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the housing of the medical device handle in the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a state where the translation member is arranged at the neutral position. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the housing of the medical device handle in the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a state where the translation member has moved to the longitudinal distal end side. [Figure 17]This is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the housing of a medical device handle in an embodiment of the present invention, and shows the state in which the translational member has moved toward the longitudinal base end. [Figure 18] This is a plan view showing the vicinity of the window portion of a medical device handle in an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a plan view showing the state in which the translational member is positioned in the neutral position, (b) is a plan view showing the state in which the translational member has moved toward the longitudinal end, and (c) is a plan view showing the state in which the translational member has moved toward the longitudinal base end. [Figure 19] This is a plan view showing the vicinity of the window portion of a medical device handle in an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the first derivative example, (b) shows the second derivative example, (c) shows the third derivative example, and (d) shows the fourth derivative example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the user (practitioner) of the medical device equipped with the medical device handle according to the present invention is considered the distal side, with the inside of the patient's body being the distal side and the user's hand side being the proximal side. The drawings referenced in this specification do not necessarily have an accurate scale to the actual dimensions and are partially exaggerated or simplified in order to schematically illustrate the configuration according to the present invention.

[0024] First, the overall configuration of the medical device 1, which is a device used for medical purposes and includes the medical device handle 100 in an embodiment of the present invention, will be described. Figure 1 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of the medical device 1, including the medical device handle 100 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The medical device 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a long tubular member 10, and is configured so that a movable part 20 (also called the operated part or deflection part) located at the distal end of the tubular member 10 can be deflected by a medical device handle 100. In this embodiment, the medical device handle 100 is configured so that the user can deflect the movable part 20 of the tubular member 10 that constitutes the medical device 1 by operating a rotating member 700. The type of medical device 1 equipped with the tubular member 10 is not particularly limited, but examples include endoscopes, catheters, cannulas, etc.

[0026] The medical device handle 100 of the medical device 1 shown in Figure 1 is designed to allow connection of various devices. As an example, a connecting member 120 is attached to the proximal end (base end) of the medical device handle 100, allowing connection of various devices via the connecting member 120. The devices connected to the medical device handle 100 are not particularly limited, nor are the methods of connecting the devices to the medical device handle 100 particularly limited.

[0027] The tubular member 10 is made of a long, flexible tube, and has a movable part 20 at the distal end (upper side in Figure 1), which is the end that is inserted into the body, that is, the end that can deflect its orientation in two directions, left and right. The axial length of the tubular member 10 is not particularly limited and can be set to a length that can reach a desired location inside the body. The radial length of the tubular member 10 is also not particularly limited and can be set to a length that can be inserted into a lumen organ or endoscopic forceps channel inside the body.

[0028] The material of the tubular member 10 is preferably a flexible material that can be flexibly deformed when inserted into the body, and is also harmless to the human body. As the material of the tubular member 10, for example, a biocompatible polymer material such as polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, or fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene can be used.

[0029] The tubular member 10 has a tubular structure in which one or more lumens (or channels) are formed along its extending direction. For example, an image sensor or an optical output unit may be placed at the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10, and wiring for transmitting video signals from the image sensor or optical fibers for transmitting light to the optical output unit may be inserted into the lumen of the tubular member 10, and its operation may be controlled by various devices connected to the medical device handle 100. Furthermore, endoscopic instruments such as forceps or snares may be inserted into the lumen of the tubular member 10, and fluids such as irrigation water, body fluids, or contrast agents may be circulated through it. Various ports and connectors of the medical device handle 100 are in communication with the lumen of the tubular member 10 connected to the medical device handle 100, and the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10 can be placed inside the body to perform appropriate procedures as needed.

[0030] A tip 50 is attached to the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10, and a movable part 20 is provided proximal to the tip 50, which can be deflected by the user using a medical device handle 100. The range of the movable part 20 can be appropriately set according to the target site of treatment or examination in the body and is not particularly limited, but for example it can be set to a range of about 2 to 10 cm from the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10.

[0031] The movable part 20 located at the distal end of the tubular member 10 preferably has higher flexibility than the intermediate part 30 of the tubular member 10 (the tubular member 10 proximal to the movable part 20). The intermediate part 30 of the tubular member 10 preferably can be flexibly deformed to conform to the internal lumen, while the movable part 20 preferably can be flexibly deflected by the user's operation. In particular, when the user operates using the medical device handle 100, it is preferable that the intermediate part 30 of the tubular member 10 does not bend in conjunction with the operation, and only the movable part 20 is able to deflect in conjunction with the operation. The movable part 20 and the intermediate part 30 may be made of the same type of material or different materials.

[0032] Operating wires (a first operating wire W1 and a second operating wire W2, described later) are inserted inside the tubular member 10. The operating wires are interposed between the movable part 20 and the medical device handle 100 so as to transmit operation. The operating wires can be made of a metal (such as stainless steel) that has enough flexibility to bend in accordance with the curvature of the tubular member 10, including the movable part 20. The operating wires are designed to move proximal to the axial direction by operation of the medical device handle 100, thereby deflecting the movable part 20. Alternatively, the operating wires may be made of a material that has rigidity in the axial direction and can transmit force from the proximal to the distal side.

[0033] The proximal end of the tubular member 10 is connected to the distal end (tip) of the medical device handle 100. The medical device handle 100 is positioned outside the body when the user of the medical device 1 performs treatment or examination inside the body. The medical device handle 100 is configured to deflect the movable part 20 of the tubular member 10 by displacing an operating wire attached to the distal end of the tubular member 10 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, when the user operates the rotating member 700 provided on the medical device handle 100, the operating wire moves (slides) in the axial direction in response to the rotation of the rotating member 700 within the medical device handle 100, thereby deflecting the movable part 20 in a predetermined direction.

[0034] The tubular member 10, as well as the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2, will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 1.

[0035] The distal end of the tubular member 10 is provided with a movable part 20 that can be deflected using a medical device handle 100. By operating the medical device handle 100, the movable part 20 of the tubular member 10 can be deflected in a desired direction.

[0036] As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 2, the tubular member 10 has a tubular structure with a lumen formed along its extending direction. A main lumen 13 is formed approximately in the center of the cross-section of the tubular member 10, along the axial direction of the tubular member 10. The main lumen 13 opens at the distal end 10a and the proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10.

[0037] Wire lumens 11a, 11b, 12a, and 12b are formed in the tube wall between the outer surface of the tubular member 10 and the main lumen 13, for inserting the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2. As an example, as shown in Figure 2, the tubular member 10 has a pair of wire lumens 11a, 11b and a pair of wire lumens 12a, 12b, i.e., a total of four wire lumens 11a, 11b, 12a, and 12b. Each wire lumen 11a, 11b, 12a, and 12b is formed to open at the distal end 10a and the proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10, similar to the main lumen 13.

[0038] As described later, a first operating wire W1 is inserted through a pair of wire lumens 11a and 11b, and a second operating wire W2 is inserted through a pair of wire lumens 12a and 12b. The pair of wire lumens 11a and 11b and the pair of wire lumens 12a and 12b are positioned approximately 180° opposite each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis of the tubular member 10.

[0039] To reinforce the tubular member 10 and suppress its twisting, reinforcing members such as a blade member made of braided stainless steel wire or a coil member made of spirally wound stainless steel wire may be provided on the tubular member 10. The tubular member 10 may have multiple lumens other than the wire lumen, and may be a multilayer tube.

[0040] The configuration near the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10 will be described with reference to Figures 3(a) and 3(b), and Figure 4. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the vicinity of the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10 in an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a schematic perspective view showing the vicinity of the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10, and (b) is a transmission view for explaining the inside of the tubular member 10. Note that the main lumen 13 is omitted from the illustration in Figure 3(b). Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the deflection operation of the movable part 20 of the tubular member 10 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] The distal end 10a of the tubular member 10 is provided with a tip 50 made of, for example, metal. The tip 50 protects the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10 and, by being formed in a tapered shape, reduces the resistance to inserting the tubular member 10 into the body. The tip 50 is fixed to the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10.

[0042] The tip 50 is provided with a through-hole 55a along its central axis. The through-hole 55a communicates with the main lumen 13 of the tubular member 10, and the main lumen 13 of the tubular member 10 communicates with the outside through this through-hole 55a.

[0043] The tip 50 has a pair of side recesses 56 and 57 formed on its proximal side surface. Wire insertion holes 56a and 56b are formed in the side recess 56. Similarly, wire insertion holes 57a and 57b are formed in the side recess 57. The wire insertion holes 56a, 56b, 57a, and 57b are provided to correspond to the opening positions of the wire lumens 11a, 11b, 12a, and 12b that open at the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10, and the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2, which are inserted through the wire lumens 11a, 11b, 12a, and 12b, are inserted through the wire insertion holes 56a, 56b, 57a, and 57b, respectively. The first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 constitute the operating wire of the present invention.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2 and 3(b), a single operating wire (first operating wire W1) is inserted through wire lumens 11a and 11b, and a single operating wire (second operating wire W2) is inserted through wire lumens 12a and 12b. The distance between a pair of wire lumens 11a and 11b, and the distance between a pair of wire lumens 12a and 12b are set to be smaller than the distance between wire lumens belonging to different pairs (for example, the distance between wire lumen 11a and wire lumen 12b). In this embodiment, adjacent wire lumens are arranged at a 60° separation in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis of the tubular member 10.

[0045] The first operating wire W1, which is inserted through the wire lumens 11a and 11b, is inserted through wire insertion holes 56a and 56b of the tip 50, which are provided corresponding to the wire lumens 11a and 11b. The first operating wire W1 has a length of about twice that of the tubular member 10, and a folded intermediate portion W1c, which corresponds to approximately halfway along the axial direction of the wire, is folded back at the side recess 56 of the tip 50. With the folded intermediate portion W1c as a reference, the operating wire W1a at one end is inserted through the wire insertion hole 56a into the wire lumen 11a, and the operating wire W1b at the other end is inserted through the wire insertion hole 56b into the wire lumen 11b. When the operating wires W1a and W1b are pulled proximally, the folded intermediate portion W1c is configured to engage with the tip 50 due to the tensile force.

[0046] The second operating wire W2, which is inserted through the wire lumens 12a and 12b, is inserted through wire insertion holes 57a and 57b of the tip 50, which are provided corresponding to the wire lumens 12a and 12b. The second operating wire W2 has a length of about twice that of the tubular member 10, and a folded intermediate portion W2c, which corresponds to approximately halfway along the axial direction of the wire, is folded back at the side recess 57 of the tip 50. With the folded intermediate portion W2c as a reference, the operating wire W2a at one end is inserted through the wire insertion hole 57a into the wire lumen 12a, and the operating wire W2b at the other end is inserted through the wire insertion hole 57b into the wire lumen 12b. When the operating wires W2a and W2b are pulled proximally, the folded intermediate portion W2c is configured to engage with the tip 50 due to the tensile force.

[0047] In this way, by folding the wire back at the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10, the number of parts can be reduced, thereby reducing the amount of work required during manufacturing, and structural limitations can be minimized.

[0048] One end of the first operating wire W1, W1a, extends along the tubular member 10 while being inserted through the wire lumen 11a, and the proximal end of operating wire W1a is guided into the medical device handle 100. Similarly, the other end of the first operating wire W11, W1b, extends along the tubular member 10 while being inserted through the wire lumen 11b, and the proximal end of operating wire W1b is guided into the medical device handle 100. As will be described later, the proximal ends of operating wire W1a and operating wire W1b are connected and fixed to the translational member 500 of the medical device handle 100. When the translational member 500 moves distally (towards the longitudinal tip), operating wires W1a and W1b are pulled proximal (towards the longitudinal base), causing the movable part 20 to deflect toward the side where the side recess 56 of the tip 50 is located (in the direction of arrow α shown in Figure 4).

[0049] One end of the second operating wire W2, W2a, extends along the tubular member 10 while inserted through the wire lumen 12a, and the proximal end of operating wire W2a is guided into the medical device handle 100. Similarly, the other end of the second operating wire W2, W2b, extends along the tubular member 10 while inserted through the wire lumen 12b, and the proximal end of operating wire W2b is guided into the medical device handle 100. As will be described later, the proximal ends of operating wire W2a and operating wire W2b are connected and fixed to the translational member 500 of the medical device handle 100. When the translational member 500 moves to the proximal side (longitudinal base side), operating wires W2a and W2b are pulled to the proximal side (longitudinal base side), causing the movable part 20 to deflect towards the side where the side recess 57 of the tip 50 is located (direction of arrow β shown in Figure 4).

[0050] The distal end of the tubular member 10 can have various shapes, such as a straight shape or a J-shape, and can be used according to the application. Figure 4 shows a straight-shaped distal end as an example, but is not limited to this.

[0051] The configuration of the medical device handle 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 12.

[0052] Figure 5 is a plan view of the medical device handle 100 in this embodiment. Figure 6 is a side view of the medical device handle 100 in this embodiment. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the medical device handle 100 in this embodiment. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the medical device handle 100 in this embodiment.

[0053] In the following, the side on which the tip cover member 110 is located (the side to which the tubular member 10 is connected) is referred to as the longitudinal tip side, and the side on which the connecting member 120 is located is referred to as the longitudinal base side. The longitudinal tip side coincides with the distal side, and the longitudinal base side coincides with the proximal side. Furthermore, the side on which the upper housing 320 is located is referred to as the upper side, and the side on which the lower housing 360 is located is referred to as the lower side. In the coordinate axes of the drawing, the Y-axis direction is the longitudinal direction, the X-axis direction is the width direction, the positive Z-axis direction is the upper side, and the negative Z-axis direction is the lower side. Note that the user can operate the medical device handle 100 without being aware of the upper and lower sides.

[0054] As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the medical device handle 100 comprises a housing 300 that is substantially cylindrical in shape and extends longitudinally, and a rotating member 700 that is rotatably positioned relative to the housing 300. The central axis C along the longitudinal direction of the housing 300 coincides with the rotation axis of the rotating member 700. The longitudinal tip of the medical device handle 100 is protected by a tip cover member 110 into which a tubular member 10 is inserted. A connecting member 120 is provided at the longitudinal base end of the medical device handle 100.

[0055] As shown in Figure 8, the medical device handle 100 is composed of a tip cover member 110, a connecting member 120, an upper housing 320 and a lower housing 360, a translation member 500, and a rotating member 700. The upper housing 320 and the lower housing 360 constitute the housing 300. The medical device handle 100 can be assembled by combining these components. Each component is not particularly limited, but can be made using polymer materials.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, the tip cover member 110 is composed of a cylindrical tapered portion 111 that narrows towards the longitudinal tip. A through hole 112 is formed inside the tapered portion 111 in the longitudinal direction. The through hole 112 opens at the tip and base end faces of the tapered portion 111 and is sized to allow the tubular member 10 to pass through. The opening at the base end face is shaped to allow the tip of the housing 300 to be inserted and fitted into it. The tip cover member 110 is attached to the housing 300 and functions as a tip protector for the housing 300.

[0057] As shown in Figure 8, the connecting member 120 is integrally composed of a cylindrical portion 121 and a pair of wing portions 123 arranged on the longitudinal end side.

[0058] As shown in Figure 8, a through hole 122 is formed in the longitudinal direction inside the cylindrical portion 121. The through hole 122 opens at the front and base ends of the cylindrical portion 121. The tubular member 10 is inserted into the opening at the front end of the connecting member 120. The proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10 is locked in the longitudinal middle portion of the cylindrical portion 121, thereby connecting and fixing the tubular member 10 and the connecting member 120.

[0059] The pair of wing portions 123 are composed of flat plate-shaped members that protrude laterally from the cylindrical portion 121. The pair of wing portions 123 are housed in opposing wing portion housing grooves 338 and 378 (see Figures 9(b) and 10(b)) with the connecting member 120 inserted through the opening at the base end face of the housing 300, thereby restricting the rotation and longitudinal movement of the connecting member 120. The base end of the connecting member 120 is located outside the housing 300 and functions as a connector for connecting other medical devices to the medical device handle 100.

[0060] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the upper housing 320 in this embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view from the top and (b) is a perspective view from the bottom. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the lower housing 360 in this embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view from the bottom and (b) is a perspective view from the top.

[0061] In this embodiment, the upper housing 320 and the lower housing 360 have the same shape, which is a cylinder cut in half. The housing 300 is constructed by overlapping the halved upper housing 320 and the lower housing 360 facing each other and fixing them with screws 810 at two locations from the top surface of the upper housing 320 and the bottom surface of the lower housing 360, respectively. The housing 300 is cylindrical and has a housing space inside. The top surface of the upper housing 320 shown in Figure 9(a) and the bottom surface of the lower housing 360 shown in Figure 10(a) face outwards and constitute the surface of the housing 300. The bottom surface of the upper housing 320 shown in Figure 9(b) and the top surface of the lower housing 360 shown in Figure 10(b) face inwards and form the housing space of the housing 300. The translational member 500 is housed in this housing space in a state in which it can move linearly along the longitudinal direction (a state in which it can reciprocate). Furthermore, the upper housing 320 and the lower housing 360 only need to form a storage space when stacked on top of each other, and they may have different shapes.

[0062] The upper housing 320 has a tapered section 321 at its longitudinal end, and the lower housing 360 has a tapered section 361 at its longitudinal end. A semicircular groove 322 is formed on the lower surface of the tapered section 321, and a semicircular groove 362 is formed on the upper surface of the tapered section 361. When the upper housing 320 and the lower housing 360 are stacked on top of each other, the tapered sections 321 and 361 constitute the tip of the housing 300. The tip of the housing 300 is inserted into the through hole 112 of the tip cover member 110. In addition, the semicircular grooves 322 and 362 form a tubular member insertion hole through which the tubular member 10 can be inserted, and the tubular member 10 is adhesively fixed to the tubular member insertion hole.

[0063] The upper housing 320 has a straight section 323 in the longitudinal center, and the lower housing 360 has a straight section 363 in the longitudinal center. The straight sections 323 and 363 are made of semi-cylindrical thin plate members, and when the upper housing 320 and the lower housing 360 are stacked on top of each other, a space is formed inside the housing 300 in which the translational member 500 can move in the longitudinal direction.

[0064] The upper housing 320 has an opening 325 formed in the longitudinal center of the straight body portion 323. Similarly, the lower housing 360 has an opening 365 formed in the longitudinal center of the straight body portion 363. When the upper housing 320 and the lower housing 360 are stacked on top of each other, the operating portion 710 (see Figure 12(a)) of the rotating member 700, which is located in the longitudinal center of the housing 300, is exposed to the outside through the openings 325 and 365.

[0065] As shown in Figure 9(a), the upper housing 320 is provided with curved surfaces 327 and 328 on both longitudinal ends of the opening 325 on its upper surface. Similarly, as shown in Figure 10(a), the lower housing 360 is provided with curved surfaces 367 and 368 on both longitudinal ends of the opening 365 on its lower surface. By providing the curved surfaces 327, 328, 367, and 368, the shape of the housing 300 is smoothly recessed toward the outer surface of the rotating member 700, resulting in a smooth and pleasant feel, allowing the user to smoothly operate the rotating member 700 with their fingers while gripping the housing 300.

[0066] As shown in Figure 9(b), a rotating partition wall portion 331 is provided on the lower surface of the upper housing 320 near the longitudinal end of the opening 325, and a rotating partition wall portion 332 is provided near the longitudinal base end. On the rotating partition wall portions 331 and 332, curved bearing portions 331a and 332a are formed on the side facing the housing space for the rotating member 700, which conform to the outer circumferential surface of the support shaft portion 720 (see Figure 12(a)) of the rotating member 700. Furthermore, translation member insertion grooves 331b and 332b are formed in the widthwise central portion of the rotating partition wall portions 331 and 332, which conform to the outer surface of the translation member 500.

[0067] Similarly, as shown in Figure 10(b), a rotating partition wall portion 371 is provided on the upper surface of the lower housing 360 near the longitudinal end of the opening 365, and a rotating partition wall portion 372 is provided near the longitudinal base end of the opening 365. On the side of the rotating partition wall portions 371 and 372 facing the housing space for the rotating member 700, curved bearing portions 371a and 372a are formed to fit the outer circumferential surface of the support shaft portion 730 (see Figure 12(a)) of the rotating member 700. Furthermore, translation member insertion grooves 371b and 372b are formed in the widthwise central portion of the rotating partition wall portions 371 and 372, with a shape that fits the outer surface of the translation member 500.

[0068] When the upper housing 320 and the lower housing 360 are stacked on top of each other, a partition wall is formed by the rotating partition wall portions 331 and 371 near the longitudinal end of the opening 365. This partition wall separates the space for housing the rotating member 700 from the space on the end of that space. A translation member insertion hole is formed in the center of this partition wall by translation member insertion grooves 331b and 371b, which allows the translation member 500 to move in the longitudinal direction.

[0069] When the upper housing 320 and the lower housing 360 are stacked on top of each other, a partition wall is formed by the rotating partition wall portions 332 and 372 near the longitudinal base end of the opening 365. This partition wall separates the space for housing the rotating member 700 from the space on the base end side. A translation member insertion hole is formed in the center of this partition wall by translation member insertion grooves 332b and 372b, which allows the translation member 500 to move in the longitudinal direction.

[0070] Furthermore, the bearing portions 331a and 371a support the support shaft portion 720 at the tip end of the rotating member 700 by sandwiching it, and the bearing portions 332a and 372a support the support shaft portion 730 at the base end of the rotating member 700 by sandwiching it. As a result, the rotating member 700 rotates relative to the housing 300 while maintaining its longitudinal relative position to the housing 300. By moving the operating portion 710 exposed from the openings 325 and 365 in the circumferential direction, the rotating member 700 can be rotated relative to the housing 300.

[0071] As shown in Figure 9(b), cylindrical members 333a and 333b are provided on the lower surface of the upper housing 320, at the longitudinal end of the rotating bulkhead 331. Similarly, as shown in Figure 10(b), cylindrical members 373a and 373b are provided on the upper surface of the lower housing 360, at the longitudinal end of the rotating bulkhead 371. The cylindrical members 333a, 333b, 373a, and 373b serve as screw bosses when fastening the upper housing 320 and the lower housing 360 together, and can also be used as reversal elements to reverse the extension direction of the operating wire. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the cylindrical members 333a and 373a are used as reversal elements for the first operating wire W1.

[0072] As shown in Figure 9(b), the upper housing 320 has a front end partition 335 on its lower surface, at the longitudinal end. A semicircular groove 335a is formed in the widthwise center of the front end partition 335, and vertical grooves 335b and 335c are formed on both sides of the semicircular groove 335a in the widthwise direction. Similarly, as shown in Figure 10(b), the lower housing 360 has a front end partition 375 on its upper surface, at the longitudinal end. A semicircular groove 375a is formed in the widthwise center of the front end partition 375, and vertical grooves 375b and 375c are formed on both sides of the semicircular groove 375a in the widthwise direction.

[0073] When the upper housing 320 and the lower housing 360 are stacked on top of each other, a partition wall is formed by the front-side partition wall portions 335 and 375. In this partition wall, tubular member insertion holes are formed by semicircular groove portions 335a and 375a through which the tubular member 10 can be inserted, and two wire insertion holes are formed by vertical groove portions 335b, 375b and vertical groove portions 335c, 375c. The tubular member 10 is fixed by adhesive to the tubular member insertion holes.

[0074] As shown in Figure 9(b), a base-side partition wall portion 336 is provided on the lower surface of the upper housing 320, at the longitudinal base end. A semicircular groove portion 336a is formed in the widthwise center of the base-side partition wall portion 336. Similarly, as shown in Figure 10(b), a base-side partition wall portion 376 is provided on the upper surface of the lower housing 360, at the longitudinal base end. A semicircular groove portion 376a is formed in the widthwise center of the base-side partition wall portion 376.

[0075] When the upper housing 320 and the lower housing 360 are stacked on top of each other, a partition wall is formed by the base end partition wall portions 336 and 376. In this partition wall, a tubular member insertion hole is formed by semicircular groove portions 336a and 376a, through which the tubular member 10 can be inserted. The tubular member 10 is adhesively fixed to the tubular member insertion hole.

[0076] As shown in Figure 9(b), a semicircular groove 337 and a blade housing groove 338 are formed on the lower surface of the upper housing 320, near the longitudinal base end. Similarly, as shown in Figure 10(b), a semicircular groove 377 and a blade housing groove 378 are formed on the upper surface of the lower housing 360, near the longitudinal base end. When the upper housing 320 and the lower housing 360 are stacked on top of each other, the semicircular grooves 337 and 377 form a through hole into which the connecting member 120 can be inserted. The connecting member 120 is adhesively fixed to the housing 300 with a pair of blades 123 housed in the blade housing grooves 338 and 378.

[0077] The upper housing 320 has a window section 340 formed by removing a portion of the wall that constitutes the upper housing 320. Similarly, the lower housing 360 has a window section 380 formed by removing a portion of the wall that constitutes the lower housing 360. The window sections 340 and 380 function as translation member indicators that show the relative position of the translation member 500 with respect to the housing 300. Details of the window sections 340 and 380 will be described later.

[0078] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the translational member 500 in this embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view of the longitudinal end of the translational member 500 viewed from above, and (b) is a perspective view of the longitudinal base end of the translational member 500 viewed from below.

[0079] The translational member 500 is integrally composed of a main body portion 510 extending in the longitudinal direction and a translational-side engaging portion 550 located at the longitudinal center of the main body portion 510. The translational member 500 as a whole has an elongated shape. The translational member 500 is arranged to be movable in the longitudinal direction inside the housing 300.

[0080] The main body 510 is composed of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member extending in the longitudinal direction. Through holes 511 are formed inside the main body 510 in the longitudinal direction. The through holes 511 open at the front and base ends of the main body 510. The front and base ends of the main body 510 constitute the front end 500a and base end 500b of the translational member 500.

[0081] Protruding portions 510a and 510b are formed longitudinally on the upper and lower sides of the main body portion 510. The protruding portions 510a and 510b have a uniform cross-sectional shape. As a result, the translational member 500 is positioned inside the housing 300 with the protruding portions 510a and 510b fitted into the translational member insertion grooves 331b and 371b of the rotating partition wall portions 331 and 371, allowing it to move stably in the longitudinal direction while preventing displacement in the width direction.

[0082] A wire locking portion 520 is provided at the longitudinal end of the main body portion 510 for locking the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2, which are operating wires. The wire locking portion 520 is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to fix the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 to the translational member 500. In this embodiment, the wire locking portion 520 is composed of a locking pipe housing portion 521, a pair of recesses 522a, 523a, and wire insertion holes 522b, 523b.

[0083] The locking pipe housing section 521 is formed by expanding the opening of the through hole 511, creating a space through which the locking pipe 800 (see Figure 8) can be press-fitted into the through hole 511 from the tip surface 500a. The lumen of the locking pipe 800 is sized to allow the tubular member 10 to pass through. In addition, a pair of recesses 522a, 523a and wire insertion holes 522b, 523b are formed on the side surface of the main body 510. The recesses 522a, 523a are formed by depressions formed on the side surface of the main body 510. Inside the recesses 522a, 523a, wire insertion holes 522b, 523b are formed, penetrating the side wall surface of the main body 510. The method for fixing the operating wire to the translational member 500 will be described later.

[0084] A translational engagement portion 550 is provided at the longitudinal center of the main body portion 510. The translational engagement portion 550 is composed of a helical projection portion 551 and a helical groove portion 552. The helical projection portion 551 and the helical groove portion 552 are helical structures that extend spirally with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the main body portion 510. The helical projection portion 551 and the helical groove portion 552 form screw threads and screw grooves with a helical structure inclined with respect to the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical base material integrally provided with the main body portion 510.

[0085] The translational engagement portion 550 engages (screws) with the rotational engagement portion 750 (see Figure 12(b)) of the rotational member 700 which is fitted onto the translational member 500. The translational engagement portion 550 and the rotational engagement portion 750 constitute a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the rotational member 700 into the translational motion of the translational member 500.

[0086] The rotating member 700 is configured to rotate while maintaining a longitudinal position relative to the housing 300, and the translational member 500 is configured to displace relative to the housing 300 either towards the longitudinal front end or the longitudinal base end. When the rotating member 700 rotates relative to the housing 300, the translational member 500 displaces relative to the housing 300 either towards the longitudinal front end or the longitudinal base end, depending on the direction and amount of rotation of the rotating member 700.

[0087] The angle, width, and pitch (longitudinal spacing) of the helical projection 551 and helical groove 552 are set to match the helical projection 751 and helical groove 752 of the rotating member 700. In this embodiment, the helical structure of the translational engagement portion 550 and the helical structure of the rotating engagement portion 750 are set to have the same pitch (for example, a pitch of 8 mm). The helical projection 551 and helical groove 552 may be partially formed and configured as intermittent helical ridges. The translational engagement portion 550 only needs to fit into the helical groove 752 of the rotating engagement portion 750 and may have a configuration with locally protruding convex portions.

[0088] Figure 12 shows the rotating member 700 in this embodiment, where (a) is a side view of the rotating member 700 and (b) is a cross-sectional view along the CC line in (a).

[0089] The rotating member 700 is integrally composed of a substantially cylindrical operating portion 710 and support shaft portions 720 and 730 connected to both longitudinal ends of the operating portion 710. The rotating member 700 is rotatably supported with respect to the housing 300.

[0090] The operating section 710 is composed of a cylindrical member with a through hole 701 formed in the axial direction. Slits 711 extending in the longitudinal direction are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the operating section 710 at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. By providing the slits 711, it is possible to suppress the slippage of the user's fingers when rotating the rotating member 700.

[0091] A support shaft portion 720 is connected to the longitudinal end of the operating portion 710, and a support shaft portion 730 is connected to the longitudinal base end of the operating portion 710. The support shaft portions 720 and 730 have a smaller outer diameter than the operating portion 710, and the longitudinal ends of the rotating member 700 are thinner than the longitudinal center. The outer circumferential surfaces of the support shaft portions 720 and 730 are smooth surfaces, and the cross-sectional shape of the outer circumferential surfaces is approximately circular. The support shaft portion 720 is rotatably supported by bearing portions 331a and 332a, and the support shaft portion 730 is rotatably supported by bearing portions 371a and 372a. As a result, the rotating member 700 is supported so as to be rotatable while maintaining its longitudinal position relative to the housing 300.

[0092] As shown in Figure 12(b), a through hole 701 is formed in the longitudinal direction inside the rotating member 700. The through hole 122 opens at the front and base ends of the rotating member 700, forming an inner surface with a uniform diameter in the longitudinal direction. The translation member 500 can be inserted through the through hole 701 of the rotating member 700, and the rotating member 700 is fitted onto the translation member 500.

[0093] As shown in Figure 12(b), a rotating-side engaging portion 750 is provided on the inner surface of the rotating member 700. The rotating-side engaging portion 750 is composed of a helical projection 751 and a helical groove 752. The helical projection 751 and the helical groove 752 are helical structures that extend spirally with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the rotating member 700. The helical projection 751 and the helical groove 752 form a helical thread and screw groove on the inner surface of the rotating member 700 that are inclined with respect to the circumferential direction.

[0094] The rotating-side engaging portion 750 engages (screws) with the translation-side engaging portion 550 of the translation member 500. As described above, the translation-side engaging portion 550 and the rotating-side engaging portion 750 constitute a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the rotating member 700 into the translational motion of the translation member 500. In this embodiment, the helical projection 551 of the translation-side engaging portion 550 and the helical projection 751 of the rotating-side engaging portion 750 come into contact, and the longitudinal force generated at the contact surface converts the rotational motion of the rotating member 700 into the translational motion of the translation member 500. When the rotating member 700 rotates relative to the housing 300, the translation member 500 is displaced relative to the housing 300 either towards the longitudinal front end or the longitudinal base end, depending on the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the rotating member 700.

[0095] The angle, width, and pitch (longitudinal spacing) of the helical projection 751 and helical groove 752 are set to match the helical projection 551 and helical groove 552 of the translational member 500. The helical projection 751 and helical groove 752 may be partially formed and configured as intermittent helical ridges. The rotating-side engaging portion 750 only needs to fit into the helical groove 552 of the translational-side engaging portion 550, and may have a configuration with locally protruding convex portions.

[0096] The method for manufacturing the rotating member 700 is not particularly limited, but for example, when manufacturing by injection molding, half-split members divided along the longitudinal direction may be manufactured and connected, or half-split members divided in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction may be manufactured and connected.

[0097] The method for fixing the operating wire to the translational member 500 will be described later with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the longitudinal end of the medical device handle 100 in this embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view from a viewpoint showing the wire insertion hole 522b formed on one side of the translational member 500, and (b) is a perspective view from a viewpoint showing the wire insertion hole 523b formed on the other side of the translational member 500. Note that the upper housing 320 is omitted from the illustration in Figures 13(a) and (b).

[0098] The medical device handle 100 is configured to deflect the distal end of the tubular member 10 in two directions by pulling the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2, which are operating wires. In this embodiment, a single translational member 500 is used to move the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 in opposite directions, and the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 are fixed to the translational member 500 so that they are facing opposite directions.

[0099] As shown in Figure 13(a), the operating wires W1a and W1b constituting the first operating wire W1 are led out from the side of the tubular member 10 at a position longitudinally toward the tip end portion 375, and inserted into wire insertion holes formed by the longitudinal groove portions 335b and 375b. The operating wires W1a and W1b are wound around the cylindrical members 333a and 373a, which act as reversing elements, and after their extension direction is reversed toward the longitudinal tip end, they are inserted into the wire insertion hole 522b of the translational member 500 and guided longitudinally toward the tip end portion from the tip surface 500a through the through hole 511.

[0100] The proximal ends of the operating wires W1a and W1b are connected by a wire binding member 821. The wire binding member 821 has insertion holes for the operating wires W1a and W1b, and is configured to crimp and fix the operating wires W1a and W1b inserted through these holes. The operating wires W1a and W1b may also be fixed to each other by means such as soldering or laser welding.

[0101] As shown in Figure 13(b), the operating wires W2a and W2b constituting the second operating wire W2 are led out from the side of the tubular member 10 at a position longitudinally toward the tip end portion 375, and are inserted into wire insertion holes formed by longitudinal groove portions 335c and 375c. The operating wires W2a and W2b are inserted from the tip surface 500a into the through hole 511 and guided longitudinally toward the base end portion via the wire insertion hole 522b.

[0102] The proximal ends of the operating wires W2a and W2b, which constitute the second operating wire W2, are connected by a wire binding member 822. The wire binding member 822 has insertion holes for the operating wires W2a and W2b, and is configured to crimp and fix the operating wires W2a and W2b inserted through these insertion holes. The operating wires W2a and W2b may be fixed to each other by means such as soldering or laser welding.

[0103] In this manner, with the first operating wire W1 passed through the through hole 511 from the longitudinal base end to the tip end, and the second operating wire W2 passed through the through hole 511 from the longitudinal tip end to the base end, the locking pipe 800 is press-fitted into the locking pipe housing 521 from the tip surface 500a. By inserting a grub screw into the screw hole 825 formed on the upper surface of the translation member 500 and fixing the locking pipe 800, the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 are sandwiched between the outer surface of the locking pipe 800 and the inner surface of the through hole 511. The wire binding members 821 and 822 function as retaining parts for the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2.

[0104] Furthermore, the method of fixing the locking pipe 800 is not limited to fixing by the locking pipe 800, but may be, for example, by adhesive, welding, or ultrasonic welding. Also, the method of fixing the operating wires to the translational member 500 is not particularly limited as long as the configuration allows the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 to move in opposite directions. Moreover, the wire reversal structure that reverses the extension direction of either the first operating wire W1 or the second operating wire W2 is also not particularly limited.

[0105] The operation of the medical device handle 100 during use will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 17. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the rotation direction of the rotating member 700 of the medical device handle 100 in this embodiment. Figures 15 to 17 are cross-sectional views showing the inside of the housing 300 of the medical device handle 100 in this embodiment. Figures 15 to 17 show cross-sections along the line BB in Figure 6. Figure 15 shows the state in which the translational member 500 is positioned in the neutral position. Figure 16 shows the state in which the translational member 500 has moved toward the longitudinal end. Figure 17 shows the state in which the translational member 500 has moved toward the longitudinal base end.

[0106] The user can rotate the rotating member 700 to move the translation member 500 housed inside the housing 300 in the longitudinal direction, thereby generating tension in the first operating wire W1 or W2 and deflecting the movable part 20 in the desired direction by the desired amount.

[0107] In the following, regarding the rotation direction of the rotating member 700, as shown in Figure 14, one rotation direction will be referred to as rotation direction R1 and the other rotation direction as rotation direction R2. When the medical device handle 100 is viewed from the longitudinal end side, rotation direction R1 is the direction of rotation counterclockwise around the central axis C, and rotation direction R2 is the direction of rotation clockwise around the central axis C.

[0108] In Figure 15, the translational member 500 is positioned in the longitudinal center of the housing 300. In this specification, the position of the translational member 500 shown in Figure 15 is referred to as the neutral position, and the deflection state of the movable part 20 when the translational member 500 is positioned in the neutral position is sometimes referred to as the neutral state.

[0109] The rotating member 700 is fitted onto the translational member 500, which extends in the longitudinal direction. A translational-side engaging portion 550 is provided on the outer surface of the translational member 500, and the rotating-side engaging portion 750 of the rotating member 700 contacts and engages with the translational-side engaging portion 550. In this embodiment, the translational-side engaging portion 550 and the rotating-side engaging portion 750 have spirally formed protrusions and recesses and are configured to screw into each other. When the translational member 500 is in the neutral position, the translational-side engaging portion 550 is positioned opposite the longitudinal center of the rotating member 700.

[0110] Furthermore, when the translational member 500 is positioned in the neutral position, the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 are adjusted to a length that generates a slight tension without slack. At this time, the movable part 20 of the tubular member 10 is in the middle position of the deflection range, for example, in an extended state without deflection.

[0111] The rotating member 700 rotates while housed within its own housing space. When the rotating member 700 is rotated, it rotates while maintaining its longitudinal relative position to the housing 300. The engagement between the translational engagement portion 550 and the rotating engagement portion 750 converts the rotational motion of the rotating member 700 into the translational motion of the translational member 500, causing the translational member 500 to move longitudinally within the housing 300.

[0112] As shown in Figure 16, when the rotating member 700 is rotated in the rotational direction R1, the translational member 500 moves towards the longitudinal end (longitudinal direction D1) within the housing 300.

[0113] The proximal end of the first operating wire W1 is connected and fixed to the translational member 500 from the longitudinal base end side via a reversal element. When the translational member 500 moves toward the longitudinal tip side, the proximal end of the first operating wire W1 is pulled toward the longitudinal tip side at the wire locking portion 520, and as a result, the distal end of the first operating wire W1 is pulled toward the proximal side (longitudinal base end side) via the reversal element. At this time, the tension of the second operating wire W2 acts in a direction that weakens it (including cases where the tension becomes zero and it becomes slack).

[0114] Thus, when the rotating member 700 rotates in the rotational direction R1, the translational member 500 moves toward the longitudinal end, and as a result, a tensile force acts proximal to the engagement point (folded intermediate portion W1c) of the first operating wire W1 of the tip 50, causing the movable portion 20 of the tubular member 10 to deflect toward the side recess 56 where the folded intermediate portion W1c is located (in the direction of arrow α shown in Figure 4).

[0115] The greater the amount of rotation of the rotating member 700 in the rotational direction R1, the greater the amount of movement of the translational member 500 toward the longitudinal end. As the translational member 500 moves, the tensile force acting on the engagement point (folded intermediate portion W1c) of the first operating wire W1 also increases, allowing the movable portion 20 of the tubular member 10 to be deflected even more in the direction of arrow α. The amount of deflection of the movable portion 20 can be adjusted by appropriately adjusting the amount of rotation of the rotating member 700 in the rotational direction R1.

[0116] When the translational member 500 moves toward the longitudinal end side from the neutral position, the tension of the first operating wire W1 acts on it, causing a force to return it to the longitudinal base end side. However, since the translational side engaging portion 550 and the rotational side engaging portion 750 are screwed together, the small tension of the first operating wire W1 does not cause the rotational member 700 to rotate. Even when the user releases their hand from the rotational member 700, the translational member 500 maintains its position, and the deflection direction of the movable portion 20 is maintained.

[0117] When the translation member 500 is moved toward the longitudinal end and the movable part 20 is deflected in the direction of arrow α, rotating the rotating member 700 in the rotation direction R2 causes the translation member 500 to move toward the longitudinal base end. Consequently, the tension of the first operating wire W1 decreases, and the amount of deflection of the movable part 20 can be reduced. When the translation member 500 is returned to the neutral position, the movable part 20 returns to its extended state without deflection.

[0118] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, when the rotating member 700 is rotated in the rotational direction R2, the translational member 500 moves towards the longitudinal base end (longitudinal direction D2) within the housing 300.

[0119] The proximal end of the second operating wire W2 is connected and fixed to the translational member 500 from the longitudinal tip side. When the translational member 500 moves toward the longitudinal base end, the proximal end of the second operating wire W2 is pulled toward the longitudinal base end at the wire locking portion 520, and the distal end of the second operating wire W2 is pulled toward the proximal side (longitudinal base end side). At this time, the tension of the first operating wire W1 acts in a direction that weakens it (including cases where the tension becomes zero and it becomes slack).

[0120] Thus, when the rotating member 700 rotates in the rotational direction R2, the translational member 500 moves toward the longitudinal base end, and as a result, a tensile force acts proximal to the engagement point (folded intermediate portion W2c) of the second operating wire W2 of the tip 50, causing the movable portion 20 of the tubular member 10 to deflect toward the side recess 57 where the folded intermediate portion W2c is located (in the direction of arrow β shown in Figure 4).

[0121] The greater the amount of rotation of the rotating member 700 in the rotational direction R2, the greater the amount of movement of the translational member 500 toward the longitudinal base end. As the translational member 500 moves, the tensile force acting on the engagement point (folded intermediate portion W2c) of the second operating wire W2 also increases, allowing the movable portion 20 of the tubular member 10 to be deflected even more in the direction of arrow β. The amount of deflection of the movable portion 20 can be adjusted by appropriately adjusting the amount of rotation of the rotating member 700 in the rotational direction R2.

[0122] When the translational member 500 moves toward the longitudinal base end from the neutral position, the tension of the second operating wire W2 acts on it, causing a force to return it toward the longitudinal tip end. However, since the translational side engaging portion 550 and the rotational side engaging portion 750 are screwed together, the small tension of the second operating wire W2 does not cause the rotational member 700 to rotate. Even if the user releases their hand from the rotational member 700, the translational member 500 maintains its position, and the deflection direction of the movable portion 20 is maintained.

[0123] When the translation member 500 is moved toward the longitudinal base end, causing the movable part 20 to be deflected in the direction of arrow β, rotating the rotating member 700 in the rotation direction R1 causes the translation member 500 to move toward the longitudinal tip end. Consequently, the tension of the second operating wire W2 decreases, and the amount of deflection of the movable part 20 can be reduced. When the translation member 500 is returned to the neutral position, the movable part 20 returns to its extended state without deflection.

[0124] The translational member 500 is positioned inside the housing 300 so as to be movable along its longitudinal direction within a predetermined movable range. It is preferable that the engagement between the translational engagement portion 550 and the rotational engagement portion 750 is maintained at any position within the movable range.

[0125] Preferably, the movable range of the translational member 500 is limited to a predetermined range. The movable range of the translational member 500 can be set, for example, to be between the tip-side partitions 335, 375 and the base-side partitions 336, 376. The tip-side partitions 335, 375 function as movement restrictors, in which the tip surface 500a of the translational member 500 abuts and restricts the movement of the translational member 500 toward the longitudinal tip side. The base-side partitions 336, 376 also function as movement restrictors, in which the base end surface 500b of the translational member 500 abuts and restricts the movement of the translational member 500 toward the longitudinal base end side.

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the translational engagement portion 550 has a spiral groove and protrusions covering approximately one full turn, while the rotational engagement portion 750 has a spiral groove and protrusions covering approximately five and a half turns. The translational engagement portion 550 is set to be shorter in the longitudinal direction than the rotational engagement portion 750. By making the longitudinal range of one of the translational engagement portion 550 and the rotational engagement portion 750 shorter than the longitudinal range of the other, the contact area at the engagement point is reduced, allowing the rotation of the rotational member 700 to proceed smoothly and improving operability. Note that the rotational engagement portion 750 may also be set to be shorter in the longitudinal direction than the translational engagement portion 550.

[0127] The following describes the window portions 340 and 380 formed in the housing 300. In this embodiment, the housing 300 of the medical device handle 100 has window portions 340 and 380 formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the longitudinal end of the rotating member 700. The window portions 340 and 380 are made up of through holes that penetrate the wall of the housing 300.

[0128] In this embodiment, the window portions 340 and 380 are provided on the longitudinal end side of the rotating member 700, but they may also be provided on the longitudinal base end side of the rotating member 700, or on both the longitudinal end side and the base end side of the rotating member 700. Also, in this embodiment, the window portions 340 and 380 are provided on both the upper housing 320 and the lower housing 360, but they may also be provided on only one of the upper housing 320 or the lower housing 360.

[0129] The windows 340 and 380 are formed so that the translational member 500, housed in the housing space within the housing 300, can be seen from outside the housing 300. In this embodiment, the windows 340 and 380 are composed of through holes opening on the outer and inner periphery sides of the wall of the housing 300, allowing the position of one end (tip surface 500a) of the translational member 500 to be seen through the windows 340 and 380. The openings of the through holes constituting the windows 340 and 380 are formed, for example, in a rectangular shape that extends elongated in the longitudinal direction. The translational member 500 is covered by the housing 300, and only a part of it is visible through the windows 340 and 380.

[0130] Referring to Figure 18, the visibility of the translational member 500 through the windows 340 and 380 will be described. Figure 18 is a plan view showing the vicinity of the window 340 of the medical device handle 100 in this embodiment, where (a) is a plan view showing the state in which the translational member 500 is positioned in the neutral position, (b) is a plan view showing the state in which the translational member 500 has moved toward the longitudinal end, and (c) is a plan view showing the state in which the translational member 500 has moved toward the longitudinal base end. Figure 18(a) corresponds to the state shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 15. Figure 18(b) corresponds to the state shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 16. Figure 18(c) corresponds to the state shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 17. Also, the position of the translational member 500 is schematically shown in Figures 18(a) to (c).

[0131] In Figure 18(a), the translational member 500 is positioned in a neutral position, and the tip surface 500a of the translational member 500 is located in the longitudinal center of the window 340. The user of the medical device handle 100 can visually confirm that the tip surface 500a of the translational member 500 is located in the longitudinal center of the window 340, and thereby determine that the movable part 20 is in a neutral state.

[0132] In Figure 18(b), the translational member 500 is in a state where it has moved toward the longitudinal end, and the tip surface 500a of the translational member 500 is positioned toward the longitudinal end of the window portion 340. The user of the medical device handle 100 can visually confirm that the tip surface 500a of the translational member 500 is located toward the longitudinal end of the window portion 340, and thereby can determine that the movable part 20 is deflected in one direction.

[0133] In Figure 18(c), the translational member 500 is in a state where it has moved toward the longitudinal base end, and the tip surface 500a of the translational member 500 is positioned toward the longitudinal base end of the window portion 340. The user of the medical device handle 100 can visually confirm that the tip surface 500a of the translational member 500 is located toward the longitudinal base end of the window portion 340, and thereby can determine that the movable part 20 is deflected in the other direction.

[0134] Figures 18(a) to (c) show the top side of the housing 300, but the position of the tip surface 500a of the translational member 500 can be similarly viewed through the window 380 on the bottom side of the housing 300 as well. A similar window can also be provided on the longitudinal base end side of the rotating member 700, in which case the position of the other end (base end surface 500b) of the translational member 500 can be viewed.

[0135] Thus, in this embodiment, the medical device handle 100 allows a portion of the translational member 500 housed inside the housing 300 to be seen through the windows 340 and 380. This allows the user of the medical device handle 100 to understand the amount of traction of the first operating wire W1 or the second operating wire W2, and the deflection state of the movable part 20, based on the position of the translational member 500.

[0136] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the translation member 500 itself, which is a component necessary for deflecting the movable part 20, can be seen through the windows 340 and 380. Therefore, there is no need to attach a separate component for determining the deflection state of the movable part 20, and the operability of the medical device handle 100 can be maintained.

[0137] The visible location of the translational member 500 through the windows 340 and 380 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably one end of the translational member 500 in the longitudinal direction (the position of the tip surface 500a or the base surface 500b). One end of the translational member 500 in the longitudinal direction is a location that clearly shows the positional change of the translational member 500 and provides visual contrast to the background within the windows 340 and 380.

[0138] The placement positions and longitudinal lengths of the window portions 340 and 380 are preferably set based on the movable range of the translational member 500. The movable range of the translational member 500 is defined by the movement limits at the longitudinal front end and base end. For example, the movable range of the translational member 500 is set to 15 mm from the neutral position toward the longitudinal front end and base end, and the longitudinal length of the window portions 340 and 380 is set to 30 mm.

[0139] For example, the tip end of the window sections 340 and 380 (tip surface 340a in Figures 18(a) to (c)) may be set to correspond to the position of the tip surface 500a when the translation member 500 reaches its tip limit, and the longitudinal base end of the window sections 340 and 380 (base surface 340b in Figures 18(a) to (c)) may be set to correspond to the position of the tip surface 500a when the translation member 500 reaches its longitudinal base limit. With this setting, the deflection state of the movable part 20 can be represented using the occupancy rate of the translation member 500 relative to the window sections 340 and 380 as an indicator.

[0140] Specifically, when the translation member 500 is located at the movement limit on the longitudinal base end side, the tip surface 500a of the translation member 500 is located directly below the base end surface 340b of the window portion 340, and the proportion of the window portion 340 occupied by the translation member 500 is 0%. On the other hand, when the translation member 500 is located at the movement limit on the longitudinal front end side, the tip surface 500a of the translation member 500 is located directly below the tip surface 340a of the window portion 340, and the proportion of the window portion 340 occupied by the translation member 500 is 100%. Furthermore, when the translation member 500 is in the neutral position, the tip surface 500a of the translation member 500 is located in the longitudinal center of the window portion 340, and the proportion of the window portion 340 occupied by the translation member 500 is 50%.

[0141] Furthermore, it is preferable that the circumferential (widthwise) length of the window portions 340 and 380 be set to make the translational member 500 inside the housing 300 easily visible, while also preventing the member from detaching from the housing 300 or reducing its strength. As an example, the circumferential length of the window portions 340 and 380 is set to 1.5 mm.

[0142] Figure 19 shows derivative examples relating to the window portions 340 and 380. Figure 19 is a plan view showing the vicinity of the window portion 340 of the medical device handle 100 in this embodiment, and (a) to (d) are diagrams showing the first to fourth derivative examples.

[0143] As shown in Figure 19(a), a scale 341 may be provided on the edge of the window portion 340. Providing the scale 341 makes it easier to grasp the relative position of the tip surface 500a with respect to the window portion 340. Here, the scale 341 is provided on the housing 300, but the scale 341 may also be provided on the surface of the translational member 500 that is visible from the window portion 340. In addition, protrusions may be provided on the edge of the window portion 340 or on the surface of the translational member 500, and these may be colored to enhance the contrast. Furthermore, a marking section 342 indicating the shape of the distal end of the tubular member 10 (for example, "V" indicating a vertebral type) or the direction of deflection (for example, "LR" indicating the left-right direction) may be provided near the window portion 340. By providing a marking section 342 near the window portion 340, the user can simultaneously confirm the deflection state using the window portion 340 and grasp the characteristics of the distal end of the tubular member 10 inserted into the body.

[0144] The shapes of the window sections 340 and 380 are not limited to rectangles. For example, the window section 340 shown in Figure 19(b) is formed in a zigzag shape for aesthetic reasons. Furthermore, the window sections 340 and 380 may be formed by multiple through-holes that are not connected in the longitudinal direction. The window section 340 shown in Figure 19(c) is formed by multiple through-holes with circular openings arranged in the longitudinal direction. The window section 340 shown in Figure 19(d) is a combination of through-holes with circular or rectangular openings.

[0145] In the above-described embodiment, the medical device handle 100 is configured to deflect the distal end of the tubular member 10 in two directions. However, the number of deflection directions is not limited to two; for example, it may be configured to deflect in one direction on one side or in four directions. If multiple translation members 500 are provided according to the number of deflection directions, windows 340 and 380 may be formed in the housing 300 to allow the position of each translation member 500 to be visually confirmed.

[0146] The operation of the medical device handle 100 in the above-described embodiment will be explained below.

[0147] In this embodiment, the medical device handle 100 is configured to deflect the movable portion 20 of the tubular member 10 constituting the medical device via a first operating wire W1 and a second operating wire W2, which are operating wires.

[0148] The medical device handle 100 comprises a cylindrical housing 300 extending in the longitudinal direction, a translational member 500, and a rotating member 700. The housing 300 forms a housing space inside. The translational member 500 is housed within this housing space so as to move along the longitudinal direction of the housing 300. The rotating member 700 is supported by the housing 300 so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis that coincides with the longitudinal direction of the housing 300.

[0149] The rotating member 700 is fitted onto the translational member 500. The outer surface of the translational member 500 and the inner surface of the rotating member 700 are provided with a translational-side engaging portion 550 and a rotational-side engaging portion 750, which include spirally formed protrusions and recesses. The translational-side engaging portion 550 and the rotational-side engaging portion 750 engage with each other to form a motion conversion mechanism, and the translational member 500 is configured to move along its longitudinal direction in response to the rotation of the rotating member 700.

[0150] A first operating wire W1 and a second operating wire W2 are connected to the translational member 500. The first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 move in opposite directions as the translational member 500 moves. The tension in either the first operating wire W1 or the second operating wire W2 causes the movable part 20 to deflect in the direction in which the tension acts.

[0151] The housing 300 is provided with windows 340 and 380. A portion of the translational member 500 inside the housing 300, particularly one end of the translational member 500 in the longitudinal direction, can be viewed through the windows 340 and 380. This allows the user of the medical device handle 100 to confirm the position of the translational member 500 through the windows 340 and 380 and understand the deflection state of the tubular member 10 inserted into the body. Furthermore, by visualizing the translational member 500, the amount of traction by the first operating wire W1 or the second operating wire W2 can be determined, thereby reducing the risk of damage or internal injury due to excessive operation.

[0152] Furthermore, abnormalities in the medical device 1 can be detected early from the difference between the deflection state predicted by visual observation of the translational member 500 and the deflection state confirmed under X-ray fluoroscopy. When removing the device from the body, the distal end of the tubular member 10 can be reliably returned to a neutral position while confirming the position of the translational member 500 through the windows 340 and 380, thereby improving safety during removal. Moreover, by making the translational member 500 itself visible, there is no need to attach any additional components, and the operability of the medical device handle 100 can be maintained.

[0153] The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Accordingly, each element disclosed in the embodiments described above is intended to include all design modifications and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0154] 1. Medical devices 10 Tubular member 10a Distal end 10b Proximal end Lumens for 11a, 11b, 12a, and 12b wires 13 main lumens 20 Moving parts 30 Middle section 50 tip tips 55a through hole 56, 57 side recess 56a, 56b, 57a, 57b Wire insertion holes 100 Medical Device Handles 110 Tip cover member 111 Tapered cylindrical part 112, 122, 511, 701 through holes 120 Connecting Member 121 Cylindrical part 123 Wing section 300 cabinets 320 Upper chassis 321, 361 Tip details 322, 362 Semicircular groove 323, 363 Straight body part 325, 365 openings 327, 328, 367, 368 curved surface section 331, 332, 371, 372 Rotating bulkhead section 331a, 332a, 371a, 372a Bearing section 331b, 332b, 371b, 372b Translational member insertion groove 333a, 333b, 373a, 373b Cylindrical members 335, 375 Distal bulkhead 335a, 336a, 337, 375a, 376a, 377 Semicircular grooves 335b, 335c, 375b, 375c Vertical groove 336, 376 Proximal septum 338, 378 Blade housing groove 340, 380 Window section 340a, 500a tip surface 340b, 500b proximal surface 341 divisions 342 Marking section 360 Lower chassis 500 Translational member 510 Main Unit 510a, 510b protrusion 520 Wire locking section 521 Locking pipe housing 522a, 523a recess 522b, 523b Wire insertion holes 550 Translation side engagement part 551, 751 Spiral protrusion 552, 752 Spiral groove 700 Rotating Member 710 Operation unit 711 Slit 720, 730 Support shaft part 750 Rotating side engagement part 800 Locking pipe 810 Screw 821, 822 Wire binding member 825 screw holes W1 First operating wire (operating wire) W1a, W1b, W2a, W2b Operating wire (operating wire material) W1c, W2c folded middle part W2 Second operating wire (operating wire)

Claims

1. A medical device handle for deflecting the movable part of a medical device via an operating wire, A housing formed in a shape that extends in the longitudinal direction and forms an internal storage space, A rotating member is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the housing, with a pivot axis that coincides with the longitudinal direction of the housing, The operating wire is connected to a translation member, which moves along the longitudinal direction of the housing within the housing space as the rotating member rotates, thereby generating tension in the operating wire and deflecting the movable part. A medical device handle characterized in that the housing is provided with a window that allows the translation member housed in the housing space to be viewed from outside the housing.

2. The medical device handle according to claim 1, characterized in that one end of the translational member in the longitudinal direction is visible through the window.

3. The translational member is configured to move within a predetermined range of motion. The medical device handle according to claim 2, characterized in that both longitudinal ends of the window portion coincide with one end of the translational member that has moved to the limit of the predetermined movable range.

4. The translational member is configured to move within a predetermined range of motion. The medical device handle according to claim 2, characterized in that the longitudinal center of the window portion coincides with one end of the translational member when it is located in the center of the predetermined movable range.

5. The medical device handle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a scale is provided near the window portion or on a visible surface of the translation member.

6. The medical device handle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rotating member is fitted onto the translational member, and a translational side engaging portion provided on the outer surface of the translational member and a rotating side engaging portion provided on the inner surface of the rotating member engage with each other.

7. The medical device handle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first operating wire and the second operating wire, which serve as operating wires, are connected to the translational member, and the movement of the translational member causes the first operating wire and the second operating wire to move in opposite axial directions.

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