Endoscope needle drive assembly and suturing device

Abstract

This application provides an endoscope needle drive assembly and a suturing device. The endoscope needle drive assembly includes a housing assembly, an arc-shaped suture needle, a rotating structure, a drive assembly, a control member, an engaging member, and a position limiting member. The rotation of the rotating structure is controlled by the cooperation of the control member and the drive assembly, and the rotating structure drives the engaging member to rotate along a first or second direction, thereby rotating the arc-shaped suture needle one full turn relative to the housing assembly to achieve a single suture in human tissue. The above structure is rationally designed, compact in structure, and convenient to use. By driving the arc-shaped suture needle to repeatedly rotate 360° relative to the housing assembly through the cooperation of the rotating structure, drive assembly, control member, engaging member, and position limiting member, suturing of human tissue can be achieved, improving operational efficiency. Furthermore, the direction of movement of the control member is at least partially perpendicular to the rotational direction of the rotating structure and the arc-shaped suture needle, allowing for easy observation of the suturing state of the arc-shaped suture needle, making it suitable for suturing operations using a flexible or rigid endoscope.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of minimally invasive endoscopy, and particularly relates to an endoscopic needle driving assembly and a suturing device.

Background Art

[0002] With the development of medical technology, minimally invasive endoscopic surgery is used in the treatment of more diseases. Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery is performed by entering the human body through a natural opening of the human body or a small incision formed on the body surface. In such surgeries, the wound is small, the treatment effect is excellent, and the postoperative recovery is fast. In the process of minimally invasive surgery, suturing is one of the most common problems. Generally, good suturing instruments are required to be highly efficient and safe. Currently, in minimally invasive surgery under a surgical laparoscope, a C-shaped suturing device has attracted attention. The suturing device realizes suturing by driving a C-shaped arc needle to sew. The suturing device performs suturing within the space for the rotation of the arc needle. Since the operation space of the suturing device is small, it is not limited by the size of the operation space. The arc needle rotates along the circumference within the visual range of the operator to perform suturing, and this process is very safe. Currently, it is common for such a C-shaped suturing device for a surgical laparoscope to realize suturing by using a transmission mechanism such as a link mechanism and a two-ring. Since the technology of such a suturing device is protected, the suturing device is expensive, its popularization is limited, and the number of patients who can use it is limited. It is necessary to break through the conventional technical barriers so that more patients can use this type of instrument. Also, different from a surgical laparoscope, the method of suturing a wound using minimally invasive surgery with a flexible endoscope is relatively single, mainly using a metal endoscopic clip. Such a method has lower suture strength and reliability for the wound compared to suturing with a surgical thread, and its application is limited by the size of the wound and the requirement for full-layer suturing. The above C-shaped suturing device has great advantages in terms of operation, and thus, the development of a C-shaped suturing device for a flexible endoscope is necessary. Currently, there are very few C-shaped suturing devices for flexible endoscopes. These existing conventional technologies are still in the initial stage of development, the reliability of the suturing effect has not yet been determined, the structure is complex, the related parts are too many, and the reliability is relatively low. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0003] To achieve the above objective, this application provides an endoscope needle drive assembly. The endoscope needle drive assembly includes a housing assembly, an arc-shaped suture needle, a rotating structure, a drive assembly, a control member, an engaging member, and a position limiting member, wherein the housing assembly includes a suture groove and an arc-shaped suture hole provided along the circumferential direction of the suture groove, the suture groove is for accommodating human tissue, the arc-shaped suture needle is rotatably installed in the arc-shaped suture hole, the rotating structure is rotatably mounted within the housing assembly, the drive assembly is installed within the housing assembly and connected to the rotating structure, the control member is connected to the drive assembly, the rotation axis of the rotating structure is parallel to the extension direction of at least a portion of the control member, and the control member is connected to the drive The rotating structure is configured to rotate in cooperation with a moving assembly, the engaging member is connected to the rotating structure and is connectable to the arc-shaped suture needle, the position limiting member is installed in the housing assembly and is connectable to the arc-shaped suture needle, when the rotating structure rotates the engaging member relative to the housing assembly along a first direction, the engaging member can connect to the arc and the position limiting member slides relative to the arc-shaped suture needle, when the rotating structure rotates the engaging member relative to the housing assembly along a second direction, the engaging member and the arc-shaped suture needle are disconnected and the position limiting member can connect to the arc, and the first and second directions are opposite to each other.

[0004] In the above-described endoscope needle drive assembly, the rotating structure is provided with meshing teeth, and the drive assembly and the meshing teeth cooperate with each other.

[0005] In the above-described endoscope needle drive assembly, the drive assembly includes a first gear and a first rotating wheel, the first gear being fixedly connected to the first rotating wheel and coaxial with the first rotating wheel, the first gear and the meshing teeth mesh, the first rotating wheel being provided with a first annular groove and a second annular groove, one end of the control member being fixed in the first annular groove, and the other end of the control member being fixed in the second annular groove and wound around the second annular groove.

[0006] In the above-described endoscope needle drive assembly, the drive assembly includes two second gears that mesh with the meshing teeth, the second gears are provided with annular grooves, one end of the control member is fixed in the annular groove of one of the second gears, and the other end of the control member is fixed in the annular groove of the other second gear and wound around the annular groove.

[0007] In the above-described endoscope needle drive assembly, the drive assembly includes a pulley, and the control member is connected to the rotating structure by changing direction via the pulley.

[0008] In the above-described endoscope needle drive assembly, the rotating structure is a bevel gear.

[0009] In the above-described endoscope needle drive assembly, the rotating structure is a second rotating wheel, the second rotating wheel is provided with a third annular groove and a fourth annular groove, there are two pulleys, one end of the control member is fixed in the third annular groove by changing direction with one of the pulleys, and the other end of the control member is fixed in the fourth annular groove by changing direction with the other pulley and is wound around the fourth annular groove.

[0010] In the above-described endoscope needle drive assembly, the rotating structure is provided with an arc-shaped slide groove, the arc-shaped slide groove is helically provided on the outer surface of the rotating structure, the arc-shaped slide groove extends from one end of the rotating structure to the other end of the rotating structure in the axial direction of the rotating structure, the drive assembly includes a slide block, the slide block is connected to the control member and is slidably mounted within the arc-shaped slide groove.

[0011] In the above-described endoscope needle drive assembly, the drive assembly further includes a fixed housing and a spring, the fixed housing being fixed within the housing assembly, a slide hole being provided in the fixed housing in the longitudinal direction, a portion of the slide block being located within the fixed housing and slidable within the fixed housing, another portion of the slide block being inserted into the arc-shaped slide groove through the slide hole, and the spring being installed within the fixed housing and supported between the slide block and the fixed housing.

[0012] In the above-described endoscope needle drive assembly, the housing assembly includes a mounting housing and a fixed tube, the fixed tube being fixed within the mounting housing, and the rotating structure being mounted around the fixed tube and rotatable relative to the fixed tube.

[0013] In the above-described endoscope needle drive assembly, the fixed tube includes a fixed segment and a mounting segment, wherein the diameter of the mounting segment is smaller than the diameter of the fixed segment, and the rotating structure is fixed to the mounting segment.

[0014] In the above-described endoscope needle drive assembly, the fixed tube includes a tube body and a connecting shaft, the rotating structure is rotatably mounted on the connecting shaft, and the projection of the rotating structure onto the tube body covers at most a portion of the through-hole of the tube body.

[0015] In the above-described endoscopic needle drive assembly, a notch is provided around the suture groove on the side wall of the suture groove, and the notch communicates with the suture hole.

[0016] In the above-described endoscopic needle drive assembly, the rotating structure and the arc-shaped suture needle are installed so as to be coaxial.

[0017] In the above-described endoscopic needle drive assembly, the rotation axis of the rotating structure and the rotation axis of the arc-shaped suture needle are arranged to form an angle.

[0018] Compared to conventional technology, the above proposed technology has the following advantages. The operator rotates the rotating structure through the cooperation of the control member and the drive assembly, and the rotating structure rotates the engaging member relative to the housing assembly along a first or second direction. When the engaging member is controlled to move from its initial position along the first direction, the engaging member connects to the arc-shaped suture needle, and the position limiting member slides relative to the arc-shaped suture needle, causing the engaging member to rotate the arc-shaped suture needle 180° relative to the housing assembly, thereby piercing the arc-shaped suture needle into human tissue. After the engaging member moves to its endpoint, it is controlled to move along the second direction, and the position limiting member connects with the arc-shaped suture needle, thereby disengaging the engaging member from the arc-shaped suture needle and returning the engaging member to its initial position. The above operation is repeated, causing the arc-shaped suture needle to rotate 360° relative to the housing assembly and penetrate the human tissue. By repeating this rotation of the arc-shaped suture needle 360° relative to the housing assembly multiple times, the human tissue is sutured. The above structure is rationally designed, compact, and convenient to use. Through the cooperation of the rotating structure, drive assembly, control member, engaging member, and position limiting member, the arc-shaped suture needle is driven to rotate 360° repeatedly relative to the housing assembly, thereby achieving suturing of human tissue and improving the efficiency of surgical operations. Furthermore, the direction of movement of the control member is at least partially perpendicular to the rotational direction of the rotating structure and the arc-shaped suture needle, allowing for easy observation of the suturing state of the arc-shaped suture needle, making it suitable for suturing operations using flexible or rigid endoscopes. Additionally, the rotating structure itself has a unique spatial positional relationship and cooperative relationship with its main structure. For example, the rotational axes of the rotating structure and the arc-shaped suture needle are parallel to at least a portion of the push or pull direction of the control member. Based on these features, the proposed technology can be used not only on surgical laparoscopes but also on flexible endoscopes, offering a wide range of applications. Moreover, the structure of this technology is simple in design, compact in structure, requires no complex micro-precision parts, and simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0019] An embodiment of a second aspect of this application provides a suturing device. The suturing device includes a suture, an endoscope, and the above-mentioned endoscope needle drive assembly, wherein the suture is connected to the arc-shaped suture needle of the endoscope needle drive assembly, and the fixed tube of the endoscope needle drive assembly is mounted around the endoscope.

[0020] Compared to conventional technology, the above proposed technology has the following advantages. This proposed technology possesses the effectiveness and characteristics of conventional C-shaped staplers, while also offering unique advantages. The technology is primarily implemented through the cooperation of a rotating structure, a drive assembly, a control member, an engaging member, and a position limiting member. Unlike conventional surgical laparoscopic C-shaped staplers, the rotating structure itself has a unique spatial relationship and cooperative relationship with its main structure. For example, the rotation axis of the rotating structure and the arc-shaped suture needle is parallel to at least a portion of the push or pull direction of the control member. Based on these features, the technology can be used not only on surgical laparoscopes but also on flexible endoscopes, offering a wide range of applications. Furthermore, the structure of this technology is simple in design, compact, requires no complex micro-precision parts, and simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0021] The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of this application. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the structure and basic principle of the endoscopic needle drive assembly related to this application. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the endoscopic needle drive assembly according to this application. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the endoscopic needle drive assembly. [Figure 4a] Figure 2 is a schematic exploded view of the endoscopic needle drive assembly. [Figure 4b] This is a schematic enlarged diagram of part A in Figure 4a. [Figure 5] It is a schematic configuration diagram when the endoscopic needle driving assembly shown in Fig. 2 is in the first state when suturing human tissue. [Figure 6] It is a partial cross-sectional configuration diagram when the engaging member in Fig. 5 is in the first state. [Figure 7] It is a schematic configuration diagram when the endoscopic needle driving assembly shown in Fig. 2 is in the second state when suturing human tissue. [Figure 8] It is a partial cross-sectional configuration diagram when the engaging member in Fig. 7 is in the second state. [Figure 9] It is a schematic configuration diagram when the endoscopic needle driving assembly shown in Fig. 2 is in the third state when suturing human tissue. [Figure 10] It is a schematic configuration diagram when the endoscopic needle driving assembly shown in Fig. 2 is in the fourth state when suturing human tissue. [Figure 11] It is a schematic configuration diagram when the endoscopic needle driving assembly shown in Fig. 2 is in the fifth state when suturing human tissue. [Figure 12] It is a schematic configuration diagram showing the cooperation between the engaging member and the rotating structure shown in Fig. 2. [Figure 13] It is a schematic configuration diagram of the driving assembly shown in Fig. 2. [Figure 14] It is a schematic cross-sectional configuration diagram of the second embodiment (transmission by bevel gears) of the endoscopic needle driving assembly according to the present application. [Figure 15] It is a schematic cross-sectional configuration diagram of the third embodiment of the endoscopic needle driving assembly according to the present application. [Figure 16] It is a schematic configuration diagram of the fourth embodiment of the endoscopic needle driving assembly according to the present application. [Figure 17] It is a schematic cross-sectional configuration diagram of the endoscopic needle driving assembly shown in Fig. 16. [Figure 18] It is a schematic exploded configuration diagram of the endoscopic needle driving assembly shown in Fig. 16. [Figure 19] It is a schematic configuration diagram of the driving assembly shown in Fig. 16. [Figure 20]This is a schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of the endoscopic needle drive assembly according to this application. [Figure 21] Figure 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the endoscopic needle drive assembly. [Figure 22] Figure 20 is a schematic exploded view of the endoscopic needle drive assembly. [Figure 23] This is a schematic diagram of the sixth embodiment of the endoscopic needle drive assembly according to this application. [Figure 24] Figure 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the endoscopic needle drive assembly. [Figure 25] Figure 23 is a schematic exploded view of the endoscopic needle drive assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] The present application will be described in more detail below with reference to drawings and embodiments. These descriptions will make the features and advantages of the present application clearer.

[0024] The term "exemplary" as used here means for use as an example, embodiment, or in explanation. Any embodiment described "exemplary" here is not necessarily superior to other embodiments. While various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, they do not need to be drawn proportionally unless otherwise specified.

[0025] Furthermore, the technical features of the different embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other, insofar as they do not conflict. The following description provides multiple embodiments of this application. Each embodiment represents one combination, but since the different embodiments of this application can be substituted or combined, this application includes all possible combinations of the identical and / or different embodiments described. For example, if one embodiment includes A, B, and C, and another embodiment includes the combination of B and D, this application also includes embodiments that include one or more other possible combinations of A, B, C, and D, even if that embodiment is not explicitly stated in the following description.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the main structure of the endoscopic needle drive assembly 100 includes a housing assembly 10, an arc-shaped suture needle 20, a rotating structure 30, a drive assembly 40, a control member 50, and an engaging member 60. This drawing illustrates the basic principle for implementing the invention. The invention can be applied to a C-shaped suturing instrument for a rigid endoscope of a surgical laparoscope, in which case the endoscopic needle drive assembly is connected to a rigid, short sheath with an operating handle to become an independently operable instrument. The endoscopic needle drive assembly may also be attached to a long, flexible flexible endoscope to perform suturing operations.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1, 2 to 4b, 16 to 20, 20 to 24, and 23 to 25, the endoscopic needle drive assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application includes a housing assembly 10, an arc-shaped suture needle 20, a rotating structure 30, a drive assembly 40, a control member 50, an engaging member 60, and a position limiting member 70.

[0028] The housing assembly 10 includes a suture groove 16 and arc-shaped suture holes 13 provided along the circumferential direction of the suture groove 16, the suture groove 16 being for housing human tissue. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the housing assembly 10 includes a mounting housing 11 and a fixing pipe 12.

[0029] The mounting housing 11 has a housing chamber and includes a top plate and a bottom plate provided opposite to each other, and a side plate installed between the top plate and the bottom plate, the top plate is provided with a mounting hole for the penetration of the endoscope 300, the bottom plate is provided with a suture groove 16, an arc-shaped suture hole 13 is provided along the circumferential direction of the suture groove 16, and the side plate is provided with a bypass notch 15 communicating with the suture groove 16, the suture groove 16 is for housing human tissue. In one embodiment of the present application, the mounting housing may be a separable structure and includes a main body 111 and an upper cover 112.

[0030] The fixed tube 12 is fixed within the mounting housing 11, and the rotating structure 30 is mounted around the fixed tube 12 and is rotatable relative to the fixed tube 12. The fixed tube 12 is mounted around the front end of the endoscope 300.

[0031] The arc-shaped suture needle 20 is rotatably positioned within the arc-shaped suture hole 13.

[0032] The rotating structure 30 is rotatably mounted within the housing assembly 10. In one specific embodiment of this application, the rotating structure 30 is fixed to the fixed pipe 12 via a fixed ring 80.

[0033] The drive assembly 40 is installed inside the housing assembly 10 and is connected to the rotating structure 30.

[0034] The control member 50 is connected to the drive assembly 40, and the rotation axis of the rotating structure 30 is parallel to the extension direction of at least a portion of the control member 50. The control member 50 is configured to cooperate with the drive assembly 40 to rotate the rotating structure 30. The control member 50 may be flexible or rigid, and those skilled in the art can select an appropriate control member 50 according to their specific requirements.

[0035] The engaging member 60 is connected to the rotating structure 30 and can also be connected to the arc-shaped suture needle 20.

[0036] The position limiting member 70 is installed inside the housing assembly 10 and is connectable to the arc-shaped suture needle 20.

[0037] When the rotating structure 30 rotates the engaging member 60 relative to the housing assembly 10 along the first direction, the engaging member 60 can connect with the arc-shaped suture needle 20 and the position limiting member 70 slides relative to the arc-shaped suture needle 20. When the rotating structure 30 rotates the engaging member 60 relative to the housing assembly 10 along the second direction, the engaging member 60 is disconnected from the arc-shaped suture needle 20 and the position limiting member 70 can connect with the arc-shaped suture needle 20, with the first and second directions being opposite to each other.

[0038] In the endoscopic needle drive assembly 100 according to this application, the operator controls the rotation of the rotating structure 30 through the cooperation of the control member 50 and the drive assembly 40, and the rotating structure 30 drives the engaging member 60 to rotate relative to the housing assembly 10 along a first or second direction. When the engaging member 60 is controlled to move from its initial position along the first direction, the engaging member 60 connects with the arc-shaped suture needle 20, and the position limiting member 70 slides relative to the arc-shaped suture needle 20, causing the engaging member 60 to drive the arc-shaped suture needle 20 to rotate 180° relative to the housing assembly 10, thereby piercing the arc-shaped suture needle 20 into human tissue. After the engaging member 60 moves to its end position, the engaging member 60 is controlled to move along the second direction, and the position limiting member 70 connects with the arc-shaped suture needle 20, thereby disconnecting the engaging member 60 and the arc-shaped suture needle 20, returning the engaging member 60 to its initial position. The above operation is repeated, causing the arc-shaped suture needle 20 to rotate 360 ​​degrees relative to the housing assembly 10, thereby piercing the human tissue. The human tissue is sutured by repeating this rotation of the arc-shaped suture needle 20 360 degrees relative to the housing assembly 10 multiple times. The above structure is simple yet rational in design, compact in structure, does not require a relatively large number of micro-precision parts, and reduces the difficulty of manufacturing. The rotational structure 30, drive assembly 40, control member 50, engagement member 60, and position limiting member 70 work together to drive the arc-shaped suture needle 20 to repeatedly rotate 360° relative to the housing assembly 10, thereby achieving suturing of human tissue. This operation is simple and not limited by a narrow operating space. Since the rotation of the suture needle does not damage surrounding human tissue and organs, the efficiency and safety of the surgery can be greatly improved.

[0039] Furthermore, since the rotational axes of the rotating structure 30 and the arc-shaped suture needle 20 are at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the distal end of the long, flexible endoscope, the endoscopic needle drive assembly 100 does not completely obstruct the working channel exit and light source at the front end of the endoscope, making it easier for the operator to remove other endoscopic components from the working channel and perform surgical operations, while also allowing real-time observation of the suturing state between the arc-shaped suture needle 20 and human tissue.

[0040] As shown in Figures 4a, 4b, 18, 22, and 25, in one embodiment of the present application, a notch 14 is provided around the suture groove 16 on the side wall of the suture groove 16, and the notch 14 communicates with the suture hole.

[0041] The arc-shaped suture needle 20 rotates once under the action of the rotating structure 30, drive assembly 40, control member 50, engagement member 60, and position limiting member 70, and then rotates together with the arc-shaped suture needle 20, and the suture thread 200 connected to the arc-shaped suture needle 20 also penetrates the human tissue. In this process, the suture thread 200 exits the arc-shaped suture hole 13 from the notch 14, thereby preventing the suture thread 200 from becoming entangled with the housing assembly 10.

[0042] As shown in Figures 3, 14, 21, and 24, in one embodiment of this application, the rotating structure 30 and the arc-shaped suture needle 20 are installed coaxially.

[0043] With the above structure, the rotation angle of the rotating structure 30 and the arc-shaped suture needle 20 are the same. By controlling the rotation angle of the rotating structure 30, the rotation angle of the arc-shaped suture needle 20 can be controlled. This ensures that the rotation of the rotating structure 30 is accurately transmitted to the arc-shaped suture needle 20, allowing the arc-shaped suture needle 20 to perform a reliable circular motion, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the suturing.

[0044] As shown in Figure 15, in one embodiment of this application, the rotation axis of the rotating structure 30 and the rotation axis of the arc-shaped suture needle 20 are arranged to form an angle.

[0045] With the above structure, the arc-shaped suture needle 20 is tilted at a constant angle with respect to the rotating structure 30, thereby aligning the suture groove 16 with the field of view and working opening of the endoscope. This facilitates the precise insertion of the arc-shaped suture needle 20 into the human tissue after exiting the arc-shaped suture hole 13 during the suturing process, and allows the operator to observe the state of suturing between the arc-shaped suture needle and the human tissue in real time from the field of view of the endoscope. In this embodiment, the rotating structure 30 and the arc-shaped suture needle 20 are coaxial when projected onto a plane parallel to the rotating structure 30. Since the rotating structure 30 and the arc-shaped suture needle 20 have the same rotation angle, the rotation of the suture needle can be precisely driven.

[0046] As shown in Figure 12, in one embodiment of this application, the engaging member 60 includes a connecting housing 61, a position limiting rod 62, and a support spring 63.

[0047] The connecting housing 61 is fixed to the rotating structure 30.

[0048] The position limiting rod 62 has one end inserted into the connecting housing 61 and the other end protruding from the connecting housing 61, and is connectable to the engagement structure of the arc-shaped suture needle 20.

[0049] The support spring 63 is installed to support the position limiting rod 62 and the connecting housing 61. Specifically, a support base is provided on the position limiting rod 62 along its circumferential direction, and the support spring 63 is mounted around the position limiting rod 62 and installed to support the position limiting rod 62 and the connecting housing 61.

[0050] When the engaging member 60 is controlled to move along the first direction from its initial position, under the action of the support spring 63, the other end of the position limiting rod 62 protrudes from the connecting housing 61 and connects with the engaging surface of the engaging structure, driving the arc-shaped suture needle 20 to move a specified distance relative to the housing assembly 10 by the engaging member 60. By controlling the engaging member 60 to move along the second direction, the position limiting rod 62 compresses the support spring 63 along the guide surface of the engaging structure, disconnecting the engaging member 60 from the engaging structure and returning the engaging member 60 to its initial position. The engaging member 60 has a simple structure, is easy to produce and manufacture, and can reduce the production and manufacturing costs of the product.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4a, 18, 22, and 25, in one embodiment of the present application, the position limiting member 70 is an elastic piece, which includes a connected first elastic piece 71 and a second elastic piece 72, the first elastic piece 71 being connected to the housing assembly 10 and the second elastic piece 72 abutting against the arc-shaped suture needle 20. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6, 8 to 11, the housing assembly 10 is further provided with a avoidance groove 17, which provides space for deformation of the elastic piece.

[0052] When the engaging member 60 is controlled to move along the second direction, the elastic piece comes into contact with the position-limiting surface of the position-limiting structure, preventing the arc-shaped suture needle 20 from retracting. When the engaging member 60 is controlled to move along the first direction, the elastic piece moves along the slope of the position-limiting structure, deforming the elastic piece and causing it to slide relative to the arc-shaped suture needle 20.

[0053] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, a first inclined surface is provided on the outer surface of the end of the side plate that is connected to the bottom plate.

[0054] When the endoscopic needle drive assembly enters a narrow space, the first inclined surface acts as a guide, allowing the endoscopic needle drive assembly to enter the narrow space more smoothly, thereby improving the safety and convenience of using the product.

[0055] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, a second inclined surface is provided on the outer surface of the top plate, thereby causing the top plate to have a frustoconical shape.

[0056] The above structure allows the top edge of the mounting housing to be rounded and chamfered, preventing the mounting housing from damaging human tissue and ensuring the safety of the product during use.

[0057] Below, with reference to the drawings, several embodiments of the endoscopic needle drive assembly will be described in detail.

[0058] Example 1 As shown in Figures 2 to 4b, the endoscopic needle drive assembly 100 includes a housing assembly 10, an arc-shaped suture needle 20, a rotating structure 30, a drive assembly 40, a control member 50, an engaging member 60, and a position limiting member 70. Specifically, the control member 50 is a traction wire.

[0059] The housing assembly 10 includes a mounting housing 11 and a fixing pipe 12.

[0060] The fixed pipe 12 is fixed inside the mounting housing 11, and the rotating structure 30 is mounted around the fixed pipe 12 and is rotatable relative to the fixed pipe 12.

[0061] The fixed tube 12 includes a tube body 123 and a connecting shaft 124, and the rotating structure 30 is rotatably mounted on the connecting shaft 124. The projection of the rotating structure 30 onto the tube body 123 covers at most a portion of the through-holes of the tube body 123. Specifically, the connecting shaft 124 is located on the side of the tube body 123 that is spaced away from the suture groove 16. This structure prevents the rotating structure 30, which is mounted around the connecting shaft 124, from completely blocking all the through-holes, allowing the endoscope 300 to observe the state of the suturing between the arc-shaped suture needle 20 and human tissue through the through-holes, and making it easier to remove endoscopic surgical components from the working hole of the endoscope 300. Furthermore, since the rotating structure 30 is fixed to the connecting shaft 124 rather than being mounted around the head of the endoscope 300, the overall outer diameter of the endoscope needle drive assembly 100 is smaller, which reduces the operating space required for the endoscope needle drive assembly 100 and makes operation easier.

[0062] The rotating structure 30 is provided with meshing teeth 31, and the drive assembly 40 and the meshing teeth 31 cooperate.

[0063] The drive assembly 40 includes a first gear 41 and a first rotating wheel 42, the first gear 41 and the first rotating wheel 42 being fixedly connected and coaxial with the first rotating wheel 42, and the first gear 41 meshing with the meshing teeth 31.

[0064] As shown in Figure 13, the first rotating wheel 42 is provided with a first annular groove 421 and a second annular groove 422. One end of the control member 50 is fixed in the first annular groove 421, and the other end of the control member 50 is fixed in the second annular groove 422 and wound around the second annular groove 422. As shown in Figure 14, in one specific embodiment of this application, the rotating structure 30 is a bevel gear, that is, power transmission is performed between the rotating structure 30 and the first gear 41 by a bevel gear.

[0065] The above structure utilizes gear-driven power transmission, resulting in a long service life, stable operation, high reliability, and guaranteed effective drive for the engaging member 60, thereby improving the reliability of the product.

[0066] As shown in Figures 5 to 11, the operation of the above-described endoscope needle drive assembly 100 is as follows.

[0067] When the operator pulls the control member 50 in the forward direction, the portion of the other end of the control member 50 that is wound around the second annular groove 422 is unwound, and one end of the control member 50 is wound around the first annular groove 421, thereby rotating the first rotating wheel 42 and driving the first gear 41 to rotate. The first gear 41 drives the rotating structure 30 to rotate, and the rotating structure 30 drives the engaging member 60 to rotate along the first direction from its initial position, and the engaging member 60 connects with the arc-shaped suture needle 20, and the position limiting member 70 slides relative to the arc-shaped suture needle 20, causing the engaging member 60 to rotate the arc-shaped suture needle 20 180° relative to the housing assembly 10, thereby piercing the arc-shaped suture needle 20 into human tissue. After the engaging member 60 has moved to its end position, the control member 50 is pulled in the reverse direction, causing the portion of one end of the control member 50 that is wound around the first annular groove 421 to be unwound, and the other end of the control member 50 to be wound around the second annular groove 422, thereby rotating the first rotating wheel 42 and driving the first gear 41 to rotate. The first gear 41 drives the rotating structure 30 to rotate, the rotating structure 30 drives the engaging member 60 to move along the second direction, and the position limiting member 70 connects with the arc-shaped suture needle 20, thereby disconnecting the engaging member 60 and the arc-shaped suture needle 20, returning the engaging member 60 to its initial position. By repeating the above operation, the arc-shaped suture needle 20 is rotated 360° relative to the housing assembly 10 and the arc-shaped suture needle 20 is inserted into human tissue. By repeatedly rotating the arc-shaped suture needle 20 360° relative to the housing assembly 10 in this way, suturing of human tissue is achieved.

[0068] Example 2 As shown in Figures 16 to 19, the endoscopic needle drive assembly 100 includes a housing assembly 10, an arc-shaped suture needle 20, a rotating structure 30, a drive assembly 40, a control member 50, an engaging member 60, and a position limiting member 70. Specifically, the control member 50 is a traction wire.

[0069] The housing assembly 10 includes a mounting housing 11 and a fixing pipe 12.

[0070] The fixed tube 12 is fixed within the mounting housing 11, and the rotating structure 30 is mounted around the fixed tube 12 and is rotatable relative to the fixed tube 12. Because the front end of the fixed tube 12 is not obstructed and the rotating structure 30 is located outside the field of view, the field of view of the endoscope 300 is wider. The endoscope 300 allows for more effective observation of the state of the suturing between the arc-shaped suture needle 20 and human tissue through the through-hole of the fixed tube 12, and provides a larger operating space after the endoscopic surgical components have been removed from the working hole of the endoscope 300.

[0071] The rotating structure 30 is provided with meshing teeth 31, and the drive assembly 40 and the meshing teeth 31 cooperate.

[0072] In one embodiment of this application, the drive assembly 40 includes two second gears 43 that mesh with the meshing teeth 31. As shown in Figure 19, the second gears 43 are provided with annular grooves 431. Specifically, the two second gears 43 are installed symmetrically on both sides of the fixed pipe 12.

[0073] One end of the control member 50 is fixed in an annular groove 431 of one second gear 43, and the other end of the control member 50 is fixed in an annular groove 431 of the other second gear 43 and wound around the annular groove 431.

[0074] The above structure utilizes gear-driven power transmission, resulting in a long service life, stable operation, high reliability, and guaranteed effective drive for the engaging member 60, thereby improving the reliability of the product.

[0075] The operation of the above-mentioned endoscope needle drive assembly 100 is as follows: When the operator pulls the control member 50 in the forward direction, the portion of the other end of the control member 50 that is wound in the annular groove 431 of the other second gear 43 is unwound, causing the second gear 43 to rotate, and the other second gear 43 drives the rotational structure 30 to rotate. The rotational structure 30 drives the engaging member 60 to rotate along the first direction from its initial position, and the engaging member 60 connects with the arc-shaped suture needle 20, and the position limiting member 70 slides relative to the arc-shaped suture needle 20, causing the engaging member 60 to drive the arc-shaped suture needle 20 to rotate 180° relative to the housing assembly 10, thereby piercing the arc-shaped suture needle 20 into human tissue. In this process, the rotational structure 30 drives one second gear 43 to rotate, and one end of the control member 50 is wound in the annular groove 431 of the second gear 43. After the engaging member 60 has moved to its end position, the control member 50 is reversed, and the portion of one end of the control member 50 that is wound in the annular groove 431 of one second gear 43 is unwound, causing the second gear 43 to rotate and the rotating structure 30 to rotate using one second gear 43. The rotating structure 30 drives the engaging member 60 to move along the second direction, and the position limiting member 70 connects to the arc-shaped suture needle 20, disconnecting the engaging member 60 from the arc-shaped suture needle 20 and returning the engaging member 60 to its initial position. In this process, the rotating structure 30 drives another second gear 43 to rotate, causing the other end of the control member 50 to be wound in the annular groove 431 of the other second gear 43. By repeating the above operation, the arc-shaped suture needle 20 is rotated 360° relative to the housing assembly 10, and the arc-shaped suture needle 20 is inserted into the human tissue. By repeatedly rotating the arc-shaped suture needle 20 360° relative to the housing assembly 10 in this manner, the human tissue is sutured.

[0076] Example 3 As shown in Figures 20 to 22, the endoscopic needle drive assembly 100 includes a housing assembly 10, an arc-shaped suture needle 20, a rotating structure 30, a drive assembly 40, a control member 50, an engaging member 60, and a position limiting member 70. Specifically, the control member 50 is a traction wire.

[0077] The housing assembly 10 includes a mounting housing 11 and a fixing pipe 12.

[0078] The fixed pipe 12 is fixed inside the mounting housing 11, and the rotating structure 30 is mounted around the fixed pipe 12 and is rotatable relative to the fixed pipe 12.

[0079] The fixed tube 12 includes a fixed segment 121 and an attachment segment 122, with the diameter of the attachment segment 122 being smaller than the diameter of the fixed segment 121, and the rotating structure 30 being fixed to the attachment segment 122. This allows the endoscope 300 to observe the state of the suturing between the arc-shaped suture needle 20 and human tissue through the through-hole in the attachment segment 122. Furthermore, by fixing the rotating structure 30 to the attachment segment 122, the space occupied by the rotating structure 30 is reduced, further reducing the volume of the endoscope needle drive assembly 100.

[0080] The drive assembly 40 includes pulleys 44, and the control member 50 is changed direction by the pulleys 44 and connected to the rotating structure 30. Specifically, there are two pulleys 44.

[0081] The rotating structure 30 is a second rotating wheel 32, and a third annular groove and a fourth annular groove are provided on the second rotating wheel 32.

[0082] One end of the control member 50 is fixed in the third annular groove after its direction is changed by one pulley 44, and the other end of the control member 50 is fixed in the fourth annular groove after its direction is changed by another pulley 44, and is also wound around the fourth annular groove.

[0083] The above structure has a long service life, stable operation, high reliability, a simple structure, ensures effective driving of the engaging member 60, and can improve the reliability of the product in use.

[0084] The operation of the above-mentioned endoscope needle drive assembly 100 is as follows: When the operator pulls the control member 50 in the forward direction, the portion of the other end of the control member 50 that is wound around the fourth annular groove is unwound, and one end of the control member 50 is wound around the third annular groove, thereby rotating the second rotating wheel 32 and driving the engaging member 60 to rotate along the first direction from its initial position. The engaging member 60 connects with the arc-shaped suture needle 20, and the position limiting member 70 slides relative to the arc-shaped suture needle 20, causing the engaging member 60 to rotate the arc-shaped suture needle 20 180° relative to the housing assembly 10, thereby piercing the arc-shaped suture needle 20 into human tissue. After the engaging member 60 has moved to its end position, the control member 50 is pulled in the reverse direction, causing the portion of one end of the control member 50 that is wound around the third annular groove to be unwound, and the other end of the control member 50 to be wound around the fourth annular groove, thereby rotating the second rotating wheel 32 and driving the engaging member 60 to move along the second direction, and the position limiting member 70 connects with the arc-shaped suture needle 20, thereby disconnecting the engaging member 60 and the arc-shaped suture needle 20, returning the engaging member 60 to its initial position, and the above operation is repeated to rotate the arc-shaped suture needle 20 360° relative to the housing assembly 10, thereby piercing the human tissue, and by repeatedly rotating the arc-shaped suture needle 20 360° relative to the housing assembly 10 in this way, the human tissue is sutured.

[0085] Example 4 As shown in Figures 23 to 25, the endoscopic needle drive assembly 100 includes a housing assembly 10, an arc-shaped suture needle 20, a rotating structure 30, a drive assembly 40, a control member 50, an engaging member 60, and a position limiting member 70. Specifically, the control member 50 is a push-pull member or a flexible traction wire having a certain hardness.

[0086] The housing assembly 10 includes a mounting housing 11 and a fixing pipe 12.

[0087] The fixed tube 12 is fixed within the mounting housing 11, and the rotating structure 30 is mounted around the fixed tube 12 and is rotatable relative to the fixed tube 12. Because the front end of the fixed tube 12 is not obstructed and the rotating structure 30 is located outside the field of view, the field of view of the endoscope 300 is wider. The endoscope 300 allows for more effective observation of the state of the suturing between the arc-shaped suture needle 20 and human tissue through the through-hole of the fixed tube 12, and provides a larger operating space after the endoscopic surgical components have been removed from the working hole of the endoscope 300.

[0088] The rotating structure 30 is provided with an arc-shaped slide groove 33, which is helically arranged on the outer surface of the rotating structure 30, and extends in the axial direction of the rotating structure 30 from one end to the other end of the rotating structure 30.

[0089] The drive assembly 40 includes a fixed housing 46, a slide block 45, and a spring 47.

[0090] The fixed housing 46 is fixed within the housing assembly 10, and a sliding hole is provided in the fixed housing 46 along its longitudinal direction.

[0091] The slide block 45 is connected to the control member 50 and is slidably mounted within the arc-shaped slide groove 33. Specifically, a portion of the slide block 45 is located within the fixed housing 46 and is slidable within the fixed housing 46, while the other portion of the slide block 45 is inserted into the arc-shaped slide groove 33 through a slide hole.

[0092] The spring 47 is installed inside the fixed housing 46 and is also positioned to support the slide block 45 and the fixed housing 46.

[0093] The above structure has a long service life, stable operation, high reliability, ensures effective driving of the engaging member 60, and can improve the reliability of the product in use.

[0094] The operation of the above-mentioned endoscope needle drive assembly 100 is as follows: When the operator pulls the control member 50, the control member compresses the spring 47, and at this time force is stored in the spring 47, which drives the slide block 45 to slide in the forward direction within the arc-shaped slide groove 33 by the control member 50, thereby rotating the rotating structure 30 and driving the engaging member 60 to rotate from its initial position along the first direction, the engaging member 60 connects with the arc-shaped suture needle 20, and the position limiting member 70 slides relative to the arc-shaped suture needle 20, causing the engaging member 60 to rotate the arc-shaped suture needle 20 180° relative to the housing assembly 10, thereby piercing the arc-shaped suture needle 20 into human tissue. After the engaging member 60 has moved to its end position, the tensile force applied to the control member 50 is released, and the control member 50 is driven to return to its original position by pushing it under the action of the elastic force of the spring 47 or simultaneously. The control member 50 drives the slide block 45 to slide in the opposite direction within the arc-shaped slide groove 33, thereby rotating the rotating structure 30 and driving the engaging member 60 to move along the second direction. The position limiting member 70 connects with the arc-shaped suture needle 20, disconnecting the engaging member 60 and the arc-shaped suture needle 20, returning the engaging member 60 to its initial position. The above operation is repeated, causing the arc-shaped suture needle 20 to rotate one full turn relative to the housing assembly 10, thereby piercing the human tissue. By repeatedly rotating the arc-shaped suture needle 20 one full turn relative to the housing assembly 10 in this manner, the human tissue is sutured.

[0095] As shown in Figures 2 to 4a, 16 to 18, 20 to 22, and 23 to 25, the suturing device according to the second embodiment of this application includes a suture thread 200, an endoscope 300, and the above-mentioned endoscope needle drive assembly 100, wherein the suture thread 200 and the arc-shaped suture needle 20 of the endoscope needle drive assembly 100 are connected, and the fixing tube 12 of the endoscope needle drive assembly 100 is mounted around the endoscope 300.

[0096] The suturing device described in this application has a rational structural design, a compact structure, is easy to operate, is easy to use, and enables continuous suturing of human tissue, significantly reducing the difficulty of surgical procedures and improving the market competitiveness of the product.

[0097] Based on the basic principles and methods of the proposed technology shown in Figure 1, this application provides four typical specific embodiments. Any proposed technologies relating to substitutions, modifications, changes, or improvements made by persons skilled in the art based on the principles of the technology are included in this disclosure. In particular, with respect to the structure of the drive assembly and the rotating structure and their cooperation, any proposed technologies feasible in the art, in addition to the four proposed technologies described in this application, are included in this disclosure. Furthermore, based on the principles of the technology, the four specific technologies described in this application and other proposed technologies feasible by persons skilled in the art can be used not only for suturing instruments for flexible endoscopes but also for suturing instruments for rigid endoscopes of surgical laparoscopes, and these proposed technologies are also included in this disclosure.

[0098] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are for illustrative purposes only and do not express or imply any relative importance.

[0099] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, the terms “attachment,” “connection,” and “connection” should be understood in a broad sense. Unless otherwise specified, plural terms mean two or more. A person skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application depending on the specific context.

[0100] The above description of the present application has been made using preferred embodiments, but these embodiments are merely illustrative for illustrative purposes. Any substitutions or improvements made to the present application based on these embodiments are all within the scope of protection of the present application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 10 Housing Assembly 11 Mounting Housing 111 Main unit 112 Top cover 12 Fixed tube 121 Fixed Segments 122 Mounting Segments 123 Pipe body 124 Connecting shaft 13 Arcuate suture hole 14 Notch 15. Avoidance notches 16 Suture groove 17 Avoidance Groove 20 Arc suture needle 21 connection holes 22 Engaging piece 23 Engagement groove 30-fold dynamic structure 31 Occlusal teeth 32. Second drive wheel 33 Arc-shaped sliding groove 40 Drive Assembly 41 First gear 42 First Drive Wheel 421 First annular groove 422 Second annular groove 43. Second gear 431 Annular groove 44 Pulley 45 Slide Blocks 46 Fixed Housing 47 springs 50 Control Member 60 Engaging member 61 Connection Housing 62 Position limiting rod 63 Support spring 70 Position limiting member 71 First Elastic Piece 72 Second Elastic Piece 80 Fixing rings 100 Endoscope needle drive assembly 200 sutures 300 Endoscopes

Claims

1. Endoscope needle drive assembly, The aforementioned endoscopic needle drive assembly includes a housing assembly, an arc-shaped suture needle, a rotating structure, a drive assembly, a control member, an engaging member, and a position limiting member. The housing assembly includes a suture groove and an arc-shaped suture hole provided along the circumferential direction of the suture groove, wherein the suture groove is for accommodating human tissue. The arc-shaped suture needle is rotatably installed within the arc-shaped suture hole, The rotating structure is rotatably mounted within the housing assembly. The drive assembly is installed within the housing assembly and connected to the rotating structure. The control member is connected to the drive assembly, the rotation axis of the rotating structure is parallel to the extension direction of at least a portion of the control member, and the control member is configured to cooperate with the drive assembly to rotate the rotating structure. The engaging member is connected to the rotating structure and is also connectable to the arc-shaped suture needle. The position limiting member is installed within the housing assembly and is connectable to the arc-shaped suture needle. When the rotating structure rotates the engaging member relative to the housing assembly along the first direction, the engaging member can connect to the arc-shaped suture needle and the position limiting member slides relative to the arc-shaped suture needle; when the rotating structure rotates the engaging member relative to the housing assembly along the second direction, the engaging member and the arc-shaped suture needle are disconnected and the position limiting member can connect to the arc-shaped suture needle, and the first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other. An endoscope needle drive assembly characterized by the following features.

2. The rotating structure is provided with meshing teeth, and the drive assembly and the meshing teeth cooperate. The endoscope needle drive assembly according to feature 1.

3. The drive assembly includes a first gear and a first rotating wheel, wherein the first gear is fixedly connected to the first rotating wheel and is coaxial with the first rotating wheel, and the first gear and the meshing teeth mesh together. The first rotating wheel is provided with a first annular groove and a second annular groove, one end of the control member is fixed in the first annular groove, and the other end of the control member is fixed in the second annular groove and wound around the second annular groove. The endoscope needle drive assembly according to feature 2.

4. The drive assembly includes two second gears that mesh with the meshing teeth, and the second gears are provided with annular grooves. One end of the control member is fixed in an annular groove of one of the second gears, and the other end of the control member is fixed in an annular groove of the other second gear and wound around within that annular groove. The endoscope needle drive assembly according to feature 2.

5. The aforementioned rotating structure is a bevel gear. The endoscope needle drive assembly according to feature 2.

6. The drive assembly includes a pulley, and the control member is connected to the rotating structure by changing direction via the pulley. The endoscope needle drive assembly according to feature 1.

7. The rotating structure is a second rotating wheel, and the second rotating wheel is provided with a third annular groove and a fourth annular groove. The number of pulleys is two, One end of the control member is fixed in the third annular groove after its direction is changed by one of the pulleys, and the other end of the control member is fixed in the fourth annular groove after its direction is changed by another of the pulleys and is wound around the fourth annular groove. The endoscope needle drive assembly according to feature 6.

8. The rotating structure is provided with an arc-shaped slide groove, the arc-shaped slide groove is helically provided on the outer surface of the rotating structure, and in the axial direction of the rotating structure, the arc-shaped slide groove extends from one end of the rotating structure to the other end of the rotating structure. The drive assembly includes a slide block, which is connected to the control member and is slidably mounted within the arc-shaped slide groove. The endoscope needle drive assembly according to feature 1.

9. The drive assembly further includes a fixed housing and a spring, the fixed housing being fixed within the housing assembly, the fixed housing having a slide hole in its longitudinal direction, a portion of the slide block being located within the fixed housing and slidable within the fixed housing, and another portion of the slide block being inserted into the arc-shaped slide groove through the slide hole. The spring is installed within the fixed housing and is positioned to be supported between the slide block and the fixed housing. The endoscope needle drive assembly according to feature 8.

10. The housing assembly includes a mounting housing and a fixing pipe, The fixed pipe is fixed within the mounting housing, and the rotating structure is mounted around the fixed pipe and is rotatable relative to the fixed pipe. The endoscope needle drive assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The fixed pipe includes a fixed segment and a mounting segment, wherein the diameter of the mounting segment is smaller than the diameter of the fixed segment, and the rotating structure is fixed to the mounting segment. The endoscope needle drive assembly according to feature 10.

12. The fixed pipe includes a pipe body and a connecting shaft, the rotating structure is rotatably mounted on the connecting shaft, and the projection of the rotating structure onto the pipe body covers at most a portion of the through-holes in the pipe body. The endoscope needle drive assembly according to feature 10.

13. A notch is provided around the suture groove in the side wall of the suture groove, and the notch communicates with the suture hole. The endoscope needle drive assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

14. The rotating structure and the arc-shaped suture needle are installed so as to be coaxial. The endoscope needle drive assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

15. The rotation axis of the rotating structure and the rotation axis of the arc-shaped suture needle are positioned to form an angle. The endoscope needle drive assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

16. The present invention comprises a suture, an endoscope, and an endoscope needle drive assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the suture is connected to the arc-shaped suture needle of the endoscope needle drive assembly, and the fixing tube of the endoscope needle drive assembly is mounted around the endoscope. A suturing device characterized by the following features.

Images