Medical catheters and surgical instruments

Abstract

To provide a medical catheter and a surgical instrument that can alleviate the technical problem of relatively weak support of small-diameter medical catheters. [Solution] A medical catheter has a support tube (200) installed inside an outer tube body (100) and installed so that the support tube extends along the inner wall of the outer tube body, making the medical catheter bendable and easy to pass through curved channels, and maintaining relatively excellent structural strength and support even when the outer tube body has a relatively small diameter and a relatively thin wall thickness, making it particularly suitable for surgical instruments inserted through narrow forceps channels.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention is in the field of medical devices, and more particularly relates to medical catheters and surgical instruments. [Background technology]

[0002] Surgical instruments such as snares are usually delivered to specific locations inside a patient's body through an endoscope using a medical catheter. However, for endoscopes such as cholangioscopes, which have relatively narrow forceps channels, general medical catheters cannot be inserted through the forceps channels. To meet the need for insertion through small forceps channels, the diameter and wall thickness of the medical catheter usually need to be reduced, which reduces the supportability of the medical catheter and increases the risk of deformation or damage to the medical catheter, which is likely to affect the smooth progress of surgery. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to provide a medical catheter and surgical instrument that can alleviate the technical problem of relatively weak support for small diameter medical catheters. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In a first aspect, a medical catheter according to the present invention includes an outer tubular body and a support tube attached to the inside of the outer tubular body, the support tube extending along the inner wall of the outer tubular body.

[0005] According to the first aspect, the present invention provides a first possible embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the support tube includes a mesh structure or a spiral structure that is in close contact with the inner wall of the outer tube body.

[0006] Based on the first possible embodiment of the first aspect, the present invention provides a second possible embodiment of the first aspect, in which the support tube has a fixed part fixed to the outer tube body and a movable part movable relative to the outer tube body, and the mesh size or spiral pitch of the support tube is changed by moving the movable part relative to the fixed part.

[0007] Based on the first possible embodiment of the first aspect, the present invention provides a third possible embodiment of the first aspect, in which the mesh density of the support tube gradually increases from the proximal end to the distal end, or the helical pitch of the support tube gradually decreases from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0008] Based on the first possible embodiment of the first aspect, the present invention provides a fourth possible embodiment of the first aspect, in which the mesh density of the support tube at the distal end is greater than the mesh density at the proximal end, or the helical pitch of the support tube at the distal end is smaller than the helical pitch at the proximal end.

[0009] Based on the first aspect, the present invention provides a fifth possible embodiment of the first aspect, in which the support tube is formed by winding a metal wire, or the support tube is formed by cutting a metal tube.

[0010] Based on the first aspect, the present invention provides a sixth possible embodiment of the first aspect: The support tube has a distal end with a lower hardness than a proximal end.

[0011] Based on the first aspect, the present invention provides a seventh possible embodiment of the first aspect: The support tube has a wall thickness at its distal end that is smaller than the wall thickness at its proximal end.

[0012] Based on the first aspect, the present invention provides an eighth possible embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the distal end of the support tube and the distal end of the outer tube body are spaced apart in a proximal-to-distal direction, such that the support tube avoids an instrument receiving area at the distal end of the outer tube body.

[0013] In a second aspect, a surgical instrument according to the present invention includes a working part, a transmission part, a handle, and a medical catheter according to the first aspect, wherein the working part is slidably inserted into the outer tube body, the transmission part penetrates the medical catheter, and the distal end is connected to the working part and the proximal end is connected to the handle.

[0014] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a first possible embodiment of the second aspect, in which the handle includes a core rod and a slide block slidably cooperating with the core rod, the proximal end of the outer tube body is connected to the core rod, and the proximal end of the transmission part is connected to the slide block.

[0015] Based on the first possible embodiment of the second aspect, the present invention provides a second possible embodiment of the second aspect, in which the transmission part includes a connecting pipe and a traction line, the connecting pipe is slidably installed in the outer tube body and connected to the working part, and the traction line has a distal end connected to the connecting pipe and a proximal end connected to the sliding block.

[0016] Based on the second possible embodiment of the second aspect, the present invention provides a third possible embodiment of the second aspect, wherein a lubricating coating layer is applied to a surface of the traction wire.

[0017] Based on the second aspect, the present invention provides a fourth possible embodiment of the second aspect: The working part includes a loop, and the loop has an elastic tendency to expand radially. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The embodiment of the present invention has the following beneficial effects: By placing the support tube inside the outer tubular body and extending along the inner wall of the outer tubular body, the medical catheter can be made bendable to easily pass through curved channels, and can maintain relatively excellent support even when the outer tubular body has a relatively small diameter and a relatively thin wall thickness, which is particularly suitable for surgical instruments inserted through narrow forceps channels.

[0019] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] In order to make the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of the present invention or related art clearer, the drawings used in the specific embodiments or related art will be briefly described below. The drawings described show some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other related drawings based on these drawings without using inventive ability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a surgical instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the working part in an open state; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a surgical instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the working part in a retracted state; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a first type of support tube for a medical catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a second type of support tube for a medical catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a third type of support tube for a medical catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fourth type of support tube for a medical catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fifth type of support tube for a medical catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]1 is a schematic diagram of a sixth type of support tube for a medical catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of a seventh type support tube for a medical catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic diagram of one state of the eighth type support tube of the medical catheter according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a schematic diagram of the eighth type support tube of the medical catheter according to the embodiment of the present invention in another state. [Figure 12] 10 is a schematic diagram of a ninth type support tube of a medical catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention in one state. [Figure 13] 10 is a schematic diagram of another state of the ninth type support tube of the medical catheter according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram of the forceps head in an open state according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic diagram of the forceps head in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 16] 2 is a schematic diagram of the clamping arms in an open state according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 17] 2 is a schematic diagram of the clamping arms in a closed state according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 18] 1 is a schematic diagram of a needle structure protruding according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 19] 1 is a schematic diagram of a needle structure according to an embodiment of the present invention in a withdrawn state; [Figure 20] 1 is a schematic diagram of a state in which a blade portion protrudes according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 21] 1 is a schematic diagram of the blade portion of the embodiment of the present invention in a withdrawn state; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The technical solution of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings. The described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, but not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments that a person skilled in the art can obtain without using his inventive ability also fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] In describing this invention, directions or positional relationships expressed using terms such as "center," "up," "down," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inside," and "outside" are based on the drawings and are intended merely to simplify and explain the invention. They do not express or imply that the relevant device or component necessarily has a specific orientation, is configured in a specific direction, or is operated in a specific direction, and therefore do not limit the invention. Furthermore, the terms "proximal end" and "distal end" refer to the operator or the operating handle, and thereby establish a corresponding directional reference. The terms "first," "second," and "third" are merely used to distinguish the names and do not express or imply any relative importance. Unless otherwise specified, physical quantities in formulas should be understood as base quantities in the base units of the International System of Units, or as derived quantities obtained by mathematical operations such as multiplication, division, differentiation, or integration of base quantities.

[0024] In describing the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the terms "attach," "couple," and "connect" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. They may also refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. They may also refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate object, or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, a medical catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an outer tubular body 100 and a support tube 200 attached inside the outer tubular body 100, with the support tube 200 extending along the inner wall of the outer tubular body 100.

[0026] Specifically, the outer tube body 100 is made of a polymer material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), which has heat resistance and voltage resistance, and the outer diameter and wall thickness of the outer tube body 100 are reduced, while a support tube 200 is installed inside the outer tube body 100 to provide structural reinforcement. The support tube 200 is made of stainless steel, nickel-titanium alloy, or other equivalent material with high hardness, which can significantly improve the strength and support of the medical catheter.

[0027] Furthermore, the support tube 200 includes a mesh structure or a spiral structure that adheres closely to the inner wall of the outer tube body 100. The inner or outer surface of the support tube 200 may be coated with a polymer material, i.e., a coating may be provided on the inner or outer surface of the support tube 200.

[0028] In alternative embodiments, the support tube 200 is processed into a mesh structure having a constant mesh density, or the support tube 200 is processed into a helical structure having a constant helical pitch.

[0029] The mesh density of the support tube 200 mainly refers to the number of meshes within a certain dimensional range in the axial direction of the support tube 200, and the higher the mesh density, the greater the number of meshes within a certain dimensional range in the axial direction of the support tube 200.

[0030] 10, 11, 12, and 13, in an embodiment of the present invention, the support tube 200 has a fixed part 201 that is fixed to the outer tube body 100 and a movable part 202 that is movable relative to the outer tube body 100. The movable part 202 moves relative to the fixed part 201, thereby changing the helical pitch of the support tube 200 or the mesh size in the axial direction of the support tube 200. By changing the mesh size of the mesh structure or the helical pitch of the helical structure, the flexibility and supportability of the support tube 200 can be adjusted. That is, by increasing the mesh size in the axial direction of the support tube 200 or the helical pitch, the support tube 200 will have more hollow structures within a certain length range, making the support tube 200 more flexible and therefore more suitable for insertion of a medical catheter through a curved endoscope forceps channel. Referring to Figures 10 and 12, in the initial state, the spiral structure of the support tube 200 maintains a constant spiral pitch density form, but when the movable part 202 moves away from the fixed part 201 and pulls and stretches the support tube 200, referring to Figures 11 and 13, the spacing of the spiral structure becomes larger and the spiral pitch becomes larger, at which time the support tube 200 becomes more prone to bending.

[0031] 4, 5, 6, and 7, in alternative embodiments, the mesh density of the support tube 200 gradually increases from the proximal end to the distal end, or the pitch of the spiral of the support tube 200 gradually decreases from the proximal end to the distal end. The distal end of the support tube 200 has a denser mesh, or the distal end of the support tube 200 has a smaller spiral pitch and a denser hollow portion of the spiral structure, which allows the distal end of the support tube 200 to bend easily and pass through bends easily.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, the support tube 200 has a mesh density at its distal end that is greater than the mesh density at its proximal end, or a helical pitch at its distal end that is smaller than the helical pitch at its proximal end. At the distal end of the support tube 200, the mesh size or helical pitch along its axial direction is 0.03 mm or greater, and at the proximal end of the support tube 200, the mesh size or helical pitch along its axial direction is 0.3 mm or greater. A relatively small helical pitch or mesh structure is employed within a range of 1 mm to 100 mm or within a range of 1 mm to 500 mm from the distal end of the support tube 200, and the distal end has a relatively small helical pitch or a relatively large mesh density, resulting in densely distributed voids, making it easier to bend and pass through curved sections of an endoscope. At the proximal end, the helical pitch or the mesh density is relatively large, resulting in sparsely distributed voids, providing better support and easier pushing.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 9, in an optional embodiment, the stiffness of the distal end of the support tube 200 is less than the stiffness of the proximal end, thereby improving the ability of the distal end of the support tube 200 to negotiate bends.

[0034] 8, in an alternative embodiment, the support tube 200 has a thinner wall thickness at the distal end than at the proximal end, with the thinner wall thickness at the distal end of the support tube 200 providing better maneuverability around bends and the thicker wall thickness at the proximal end of the support tube 200 providing better support.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, in one alternative embodiment, the support tube 200 is formed from wound metal wire.

[0036] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, in another optional embodiment, the support tube 200 is formed by cutting a metal tube and forming a spiral or mesh structure by cutting a spiral or mesh along the sidewall of the metal tube.

[0037] 1 and 2, the distal end of the support tube 200 and the distal end of the outer tube body 100 are spaced apart in the direction from the proximal end to the distal end, thereby preventing the support tube 200 from extending to the distal end of the outer tube body 100 and allowing the support tube 200 to avoid the instrument accommodating region 101 at the distal end of the outer tube body 100, while ensuring sufficient space for the instrument accommodating region 101, and, on the other hand, reducing the resistance when releasing the working unit 300 to the distal end and allowing the working unit 300 to return more easily into the instrument accommodating region 101. The working unit 300 is further connected to a power source via a conductive medium.

[0038] 1 and 2, a surgical instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a working section 300, a transmission section 400, a handle 500, and a medical catheter according to the above embodiment. The working section 300 is slidably inserted into the outer tube body 100, and the transmission section 400 penetrates the medical catheter, with its distal end connected to the working section 300 and its proximal end connected to the handle 500. The surgical instrument may be an electrosurgical instrument.

[0039] The handle 500 transmits pushing and pulling forces via the transmission part 400, thereby pushing the working part 300 to release it from the distal end of the outer tube body 100, or pulling the working part 300 to return it from the distal end of the outer tube body 100 back into the interior of the outer tube body 100.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment, the handle 500 includes a core rod 510 and a slide block 520 that slidably cooperates with the core rod 510. The proximal end of the outer tube body 100 is connected to the core rod 510, and the proximal end of the transmission unit 400 is connected to the slide block 520. The proximal end of the outer tube body 100 is supported by the core rod 510, and by operating the operation slide block 520 so as to slide relative to the core rod 510, the transmission unit 400 can be pushed or pulled, thereby realizing the release and retrieval of the working unit 300.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment, the transmission part 400 includes a connecting tube 410 and a traction line 420. The connecting tube 410 is slidably installed in the outer tube body 100 and connected to the working part 300. The traction line 420 has a distal end connected to the connecting tube 410 and a proximal end connected to the slide block 520. The connection between the connecting tube 410 and the working part 300 and the connection between the connecting tube 410 and the traction line 420 can be connected by methods such as welding or crimping. The traction line 420 is loosely fitted into the medical catheter, and the slide block 520 pushes or pulls the traction line 420 to transmit a pushing force or a pulling force, thereby realizing the release and retrieval of the working part 300.

[0042] Furthermore, the pull wire 420 is made of a material such as stainless steel or nickel titanium, and may have a single wire structure or a cable structure, and is flexible. A lubricating coating layer is applied to the surface of the pull wire 420, which reduces the frictional resistance of the pull wire 420 inside the medical catheter and makes it easier to release and retrieve the working unit 300.

[0043] 1, the working portion 300 includes a loop that has an elastic tendency to expand radially. The loop may be made of a material such as stainless steel, nickel titanium, or a combination of materials, and may be configured to assume a diamond-shaped, elliptical, or hexagonal structure in the expanded state.

[0044] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the working unit 300 includes a forceps head 301 that can be opened and closed radially. As shown in Figure 14, in the open position, the forceps head 301 protrudes from the outer tube body 100 and can be used for sampling, such as tissue collection, or for hemostasis. As shown in Figure 15, in the closed position, the forceps head 301 is retracted into the outer tube body 100, preventing unintended thermal damage to areas when high-frequency current is applied. A conductive plug 521 for supplying power to the forceps head 301 is installed in the slide block.

[0045] 16 and 17, the working unit 300 includes a clamping arm 302 that can be opened and closed radially. In the open state, as shown in Fig. 16, the clamping arm 302 protrudes from the outer tube main body 100 and is used to clamp tissue and stop bleeding. In the closed state, as shown in Fig. 17, the clamping arm 302 is retracted into the outer tube main body 100, which prevents the teeth of the clamping arm 302 from damaging the endoscope forceps channel and the like when passing through the endoscope forceps channel.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 , the working unit 300 includes a needle structure 303, which can be extended or retracted. The traction line 420 may be hollow and connected to the needle structure 303 via a connecting tube 410 or directly to the needle structure 303. As shown in FIG. 18 , when the needle structure 303 extends from the outer tube body 100, an injection function can be achieved through the injection port 522. As shown in FIG. 19 , when the needle structure 303 is retracted, the outer tube body 100 and the distal end of the support tube 200 are spaced apart, increasing the gap between the needle tip of the needle structure 303 and the outer tube body 100 and reducing the risk of the needle tip of the needle structure 303 damaging the outer tube body 100.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 , the working unit 300 includes a blade portion 304, which can be extended or retracted. The traction line 420 may have a hollow structure and is connected to the blade portion 304 via a connecting tube 410. As shown in FIG. 20 , when the blade portion 304 extends from the outer tubular body 100, it can perform functions such as marking, incision (by applying electricity), and injection. As shown in FIG. 21 , when the blade portion 304 cannot be completely retracted into the support tube 200, the distal end of the outer tubular body 100 can accommodate the head of the blade portion 304, thereby reducing the risk of unintended thermal damage.

[0048] The method for fabricating a medical catheter according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the step of attaching a support tube 200 inside an outer tube body 100 .

[0049] The support tube 200 has a mesh or spiral structure that extends along the inner wall of the outer tube body 100 .

[0050] The medical catheter obtained using this processing method has improved structural strength and support due to the support tube 200, even when the outer diameter of the outer tube body 100 is reduced and the wall thickness is thinned, and can be inserted while bending along a curved endoscope forceps channel, making it particularly suitable for narrow endoscope forceps channels.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, the support tube 200 may be configured to have a fixed portion 201 fixed to the outer tube body 100 and a movable portion 202 movable relative to the support tube 200. In this case, the method for manufacturing a medical catheter includes a step of changing the mesh size or helical pitch of the support tube 200 by adjusting the movable portion 202 so that it moves relative to the fixed portion 201. By moving the movable portion 202 along the axial direction of the support tube 200 relative to the fixed portion 201, the mesh size or helical pitch in the axial direction of the support tube 200 changes, thereby changing the bending resistance and support performance of the support tube 200, and therefore, the flexibility and supportability of the support tube 200 can be adjusted as needed. If the degree of bending of the endoscope forceps channel is relatively large, increasing the mesh size or helical pitch in the axial direction of the support tube 200 makes the medical catheter easier to bend, allowing surgical instruments to be inserted more smoothly.

[0052] The above embodiments are merely for illustrating the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art may modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments and make equivalent substitutions for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not deviate from the essence of the corresponding technical solutions and the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 100 Outer tube body 101 Instrument Storage Area 200 Support tube 201 Fixed part 202 Moving parts 300 Working Unit 301 Forceps head 302 Clamping arm 303 Needle structure 304 Blade part 400 Transmission unit 410 Connecting pipe 420 Towline 500 handle 510 core rod 520 Slide Block 521 Conductive Plug 522 Filling port

Claims

1. The device includes an outer pipe body (100) and a support pipe (200) attached to the inside of the outer pipe body (100), The support tube (200) extends along the inner wall of the outer tube body (100). A medical catheter characterized by:

2. The support tube (200) includes a mesh or spiral structure that adheres closely to the inner wall of the outer tube body (100).

2. The medical catheter according to claim 1.

3. The support tube (200) has a fixed part (201) fixed to the outer tube body (100) and a movable part (202) movable with respect to the outer tube body (100), The mesh size or helical pitch of the support tube (200) is changed by moving the movable part relative to the fixed part.

3. The medical catheter according to claim 2.

4. The mesh density of the support tube (200) gradually increases from the proximal end to the distal end, or the pitch of the helix of the support tube (200) gradually decreases from the proximal end to the distal end.

3. The medical catheter according to claim 2.

5. The support tube (200) has a mesh density at the distal end that is greater than the mesh density at the proximal end, or a helical pitch at the distal end that is smaller than the helical pitch at the proximal end.

3. The medical catheter according to claim 2.

6. The support tube (200) is formed by winding a metal wire, or the support tube (200) is formed by cutting a metal tube.

2. The medical catheter according to claim 1.

7. The support tube (200) has a distal end with a lower hardness than a proximal end.

2. The medical catheter according to claim 1.

8. The support tube (200) has a wall thickness at its distal end that is smaller than the wall thickness at its proximal end.

2. The medical catheter according to claim 1.

9. The distal end of the support tube (200) and the distal end of the outer tube body (100) are spaced apart in a proximal-to-distal direction, so that the support tube (200) avoids the instrument receiving area (101) at the distal end of the outer tube body (100).

2. The medical catheter according to claim 1.

10. The surface of the support tube (200) is coated with a polymer material.

2. The medical catheter according to claim 1.

11. A medical catheter comprising a working section (300), a transmission section (400), a handle (500), and the medical catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The working section (300) is slidably inserted into the outer tube body (100), and the transmission section (400) penetrates the medical catheter, with its distal end connected to the working section (300) and its proximal end connected to the handle (500). A surgical instrument characterized by:

12. The handle (500) includes a core rod (510) and a slide block (520) that slidably cooperates with the core rod (510); The proximal end of the outer tube body (100) is connected to the core rod (510), and the proximal end of the transmission part (400) is connected to the slide block (520).

12. The surgical instrument of claim 11.

13. The transmission part (400) includes a connecting pipe (410) and a traction line (420); The connecting pipe (410) is slidably installed in the outer pipe body (100) and is connected to the working part (300); The distal end of the traction line (420) is connected to the connecting tube (410) and the proximal end is connected to the slide block (520).

13. The surgical instrument of claim 12.

14. A lubricating coating layer is applied to the surface of the traction wire (420).

14. The surgical instrument of claim 13.

15. The working portion (300) includes a loop, and the loop has an elastic tendency to expand radially.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 11.

16. The surgical instrument is an electrosurgical instrument.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 11.

17. The working part (300) includes at least one of a forceps head, a clamping arm, a needle structure, and a blade part.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 11.

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