Electrode device for blocking or modulating nerves in the body

Abstract

The electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body includes a main body having a shaft, an electrode unit formed to be pulled out from one end of the shaft and configured to block or regulate at least some of the nerves in a canal in the body, an electrode guide coupled to an end of the electrode unit and guiding the electrode unit to contact the canal in the body, an electrode guide drive unit configured to advance and retract the electrode guide, and an electrode drive unit configured to move the electrode unit forward and backward in conjunction with the electrode guide drive unit, the electrode drive unit including a tension maintaining unit connected to one end of the electrode unit and providing tension to the electrode unit, and a moving section that moves forward while connected to the tension maintaining unit until the electrode guide has a first state, and then releases the connection with the tension maintaining unit and moves further forward until the electrode guide has a second state.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Neuropathy is a procedure that damages certain nerves to control abnormally overactive autonomic nervous system. For example, renal neuropathy can treat high blood pressure and heart disease by damaging the renal sympathetic nerves that go to the kidneys, and pulmonary neuropathy can treat lung disease by damaging the parasympathetic nerves that go to the lungs.

[0003] Nerves are typically wrapped around the exterior walls of tubes such as blood vessels, bronchi, etc., and may need to be wrapped around the exterior walls of such tubes to measure nerve signals, deliver electrical impulses to the nerve, or deliver various energies to damage or destroy the nerve.

[0004] For example, when performing surgery on the renal artery, the diameter of the main renal artery to be treated is 5 to 7 mm, and the accessory renal artery, which has a diameter of 1 to 2 mm, may also be targeted. In addition, the size of the vessels that contain nerves varies from person to person, and the size changes depending on the location.

[0005] In carrying out such treatment, it is important to precisely position the component including the electrode formed at the distal end of the catheter so that it can be wrapped around the outer wall of the vessel. Specifically, in order to effectively block or regulate a nerve, the outer wall of the vessel in which the nerve is distributed must be wrapped around in a circumferential direction, and the operation of placing the component with the electrode formed on the vessel in a wrapped state must be performed reliably and quickly. In particular, it is important to safely and accurately attach the component with the electrode formed on the outer wall of the vessel inside the body so as not to damage the vessel inside the body, which is easily damaged by external stimuli. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and to provide an electrode device having a configuration for guiding the wrapping of an electrode around a vessel within a body.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrode device that can accurately bring an electrode-formed component into close contact with the outer wall of an internal vessel without damaging the internal vessel, which is easily damaged by external stimuli.

[0008] However, the technical problems to be solved by this embodiment are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems may exist. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] As a technical means for solving the above-mentioned technical problems, one embodiment of the present invention may provide an electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in a body, the electrode device including: a main body having a shaft; an electrode unit formed to be drawn out from one end of the shaft and configured to block or regulate at least a part of nerves in a canal in the body; an electrode guide coupled to an end of the electrode unit and guiding the electrode unit to contact the canal in the body; an electrode guide driving unit configured to advance and retract the electrode guide; and an electrode driving unit configured to advance and retract the electrode unit in cooperation with the electrode guide driving unit, the electrode driving unit including: a tension maintaining unit connected to one end of the electrode unit and providing tension to the electrode unit; and a moving part that moves forward while connected to the tension maintaining unit until the electrode guide has a first state, and then releases the connection with the tension maintaining unit and moves further forward until the electrode guide has a second state.

[0010] The above-mentioned means for solving the problems are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In addition to the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments, there may be additional embodiments described in the drawings and the detailed description of the invention. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to any one of the above-mentioned means for solving the problem of the present invention, the electrode driving unit, together with the electrode guide, can position the electrode unit so as to gradually come into close contact with the tube.

[0012] In addition, by making it possible to adjust the degree to which the electrode driving unit is in close contact with the tube of the electrode unit, the component on which the electrode is formed can be precisely fitted to the outer wall of the tube without damaging the tube inside the body, which is easily damaged by external stimuli. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of an electrode device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the electrode guide shown in FIG. 1 is positioned so as to guide the electrode unit and wrap it around a blood vessel. FIG. [Figure 3a] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an operation process of an electrode guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3b] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an operation process of an electrode guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3c] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an operation process of an electrode guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3d] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an operation process of an electrode guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the node portion shown in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electrode guide driving unit disposed inside the main body shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6a] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an operation process of an electrode driving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6b]5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an operation process of an electrode driving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6c] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an operation process of an electrode driving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6d] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an operation process of an electrode driving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6e] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an operation process of an electrode driving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6f] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an operation process of an electrode driving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 11 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an electrode driving unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, in order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and similar parts are designated by similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0015] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only when it is "directly connected" to another part, but also when it is "electrically connected" to another part via another element in between. Furthermore, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this should be understood to mean that it can further include other components, not excluding other components, unless otherwise specified to the contrary, and does not preclude the presence or possibility of addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0016] In this specification, the term "module" includes a unit realized by hardware, a unit realized by software, and a unit realized by using both. Also, one unit may be realized by using two or more pieces of hardware, and two or more units may be realized by one piece of hardware.

[0017] In this specification, some of the operations and functions described as being performed by a terminal or device may instead be performed by a server connected to the terminal or device. Similarly, some of the operations and functions described as being performed by a server may instead be performed by a terminal or device connected to the server.

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a side view of an electrode device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a view showing a state in which the electrode guide shown in Fig. 1 is positioned so as to guide the electrode unit and wrap it around a blood vessel, and Figs. 3a to 3d are views showing an operation process of the electrode guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the joint shown in Fig. 2, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an electrode guide driving unit disposed inside the main body shown in Fig. 1. Figs. 6a to 6f are views showing an operation process of the electrode driving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 7 is an exemplary view for explaining an electrode driving unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, the electrode device 100 includes a main body 110 , an electrode unit 120 , an electrode guide 130 , an electrode guide driving unit 140 formed inside the main body 110 , and an electrode driving unit 150 .

[0021] The main body 110 may include a shaft 111 extending in one direction, a grip portion 112 connected to the shaft 111 so as to be grasped by a practitioner, a guide operation portion 113 formed on the grip portion 112 for controlling the operation of the electrode guide 130, and an electrode operation portion 114 formed on the grip portion 112 for controlling the energy transmission of the electrode unit 120.

[0022] Elements for driving and controlling the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 may be disposed inside the main body 110. For example, an electrode guide driving unit 140 for driving and controlling the electrode guide 130 and an electrode driving unit 150 for driving and controlling the electrode unit 120 may be disposed inside the main body 110.

[0023] The electrode unit 120 is formed to be pulled out from one end of the shaft 111, and is configured to block or regulate at least a part of nerves distributed in tissue including a tube in the body by manipulation by a practitioner, etc. The electrode unit 120 is housed inside the shaft 111, and may be pulled out to the outside by an electrode guide 130 described later when the electrode device 100 is operated.

[0024] 2, the electrode unit 120 may include a base portion 121, an electrode portion 122, and a sensor portion 123. The electrode device 100 may have electrodes wrapped around the outer surface of a tube or tubular tissue V in the body and transmit energy via the electrode portion 122, and for this purpose, the base portion 121 may be a flexible printed circuit board (Flexible PCB).

[0025] The electrode section 122 may be configured with two electrodes extending parallel to each other on the base section 121. The base section 121 and the electrode section 122 may be configured to extend in the circumferential direction and be wrapped around a tube or the like inside the body.

[0026] The electrode portion 122 may be made of a material that is harmless to the human body and capable of transmitting electricity, such as stainless steel or gold, in order to block or denervate or control or modulate nerves.

[0027] The electrode portion 122 may also deliver various types of energy from an energy source generator, such as radio-frequency (RF) energy, electrical energy, laser energy, ultrasonic energy, high-intensity focused ultrasound energy, cryogenic energy, and other types of thermal energy.

[0028] In addition, the electrode unit 122 may be embodied as a flexible printed circuit board (Flexible PCB) for transmitting high frequency energy, a transducer for transmitting ultrasonic energy, a metal electrode for transmitting high voltage energy, etc., and may transmit energy for damaging nerves.

[0029] Further, a sensor unit 123 may be formed on the base unit 121. In one example, the sensor unit 123 may be a thermocouple that contacts a tube or the like in the body to measure temperature, and the sensor unit 123 may monitor the temperature of the treatment site when a nerve cutting procedure is performed by the electrode device 100. In another example, the sensor unit 123 may measure a nerve signal in the tube.

[0030] The sensor section 123 may be, for example, a thermocouple made of a pair of copper and constantan.

[0031] The electrode guide 130 functions to bring the electrode unit 120 into contact with a vessel inside the body. The electrode guide 130 is coupled to the electrode unit 120 and guides the electrode unit 120 to be deformed into a winding state in which the electrode unit 120 comes into contact with a vessel inside the body.

[0032] 2 to 4, the electrode guide 130 includes a plurality of nodes 131. The plurality of nodes 131 may form a curved winding path so as to sandwich the electrode unit 120 and wrap around the vessel V in the body. The states shown in Figures 2, 3c, and 3c may be states in which the plurality of nodes 131 are fully pulled out and arranged along the curved winding path.

[0033] 3a to 3d, the electrode guide 130 may further include a tip joint 132 and a wire 133. The tip joint 132 supports the electrode unit 120 and may be coupled to an end of a plurality of nodes 131 that are connected in series.

[0034] The tip joint 132 may be drawn out from one end of the shaft 111 prior to the nodes 131. As shown in Fig. 3c, the tip joint 132 may be positioned close to the vessel V in the body, and may have a tapered shape that reduces in width or thickness toward the end to prevent interference with the electrode unit 120 and maximize the surface area wrapped around the vessel in the body. An end of the electrode unit 120 may be fastened and fixed to the tip joint 132.

[0035] The wire 133 may be formed to pass through a plurality of nodes 131 in sequence. Referring to Fig. 4, in order to pass the wire 133 through, the node 131 may have a wire hole 131c formed in the longitudinal direction.

[0036] The end of the wire 133 that passes through the wire holes 131c in sequence may be coupled and fixed to the tip joint 132, and the wire 133 is slidable relative to each node 131 in the length direction within the wire hole 131c.

[0037] This allows the wire 133 to guide the multiple nodes 131 and tip joints 132 so that they are positioned on the winding path, and to provide a pulling force in a direction in which the multiple nodes 131 and tip joints 132 are wound around the tube V.

[0038] The wire 133 may be operated to protrude from one end of the shaft 111 together with the nodes 131. At this time, the wire 133 can be designed to protrude by a smaller amount than the nodes 131, so that the wire 133 can provide a force that pulls the nodes 131 to have a curved path.

[0039] The joint portion 131 may include a hinge portion 131a and a winding support portion 131b. The hinge portion 131a is configured to rotatably connect to an adjacent joint, and may be formed on one side or both sides in the length direction in which the joint portions 131 are connected side by side.

[0040] 4, the hinge portion 131a may form a rotation axis in a direction intersecting the length direction, and may be connected to the hinge portion 131a of the adjacent joint portion 131. Each hinge portion 131a may be fastened by inserting a hinge pin (not shown) in the direction in which the rotation axis is formed.

[0041] The winding support portion 131b is a configuration for supporting a plurality of nodes 131 on the winding path, and may be formed on one or both sides in the length direction so that adjacent nodes 131 are supported by each other.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the winding support portion 131b may be formed at a position adjacent to the hinge portion 131a toward the inside of the electrode guide 130 (where the node portion 131 is wound).

[0043] The winding support portion 131b may be, for example, formed of a surface having a preset angle and area, and the winding shape of the electrode guide 130 may be fixed by being supported in surface contact with adjacent winding support portions 131b.

[0044] The winding support portion 131b and the wire hole 131c may be formed at a position spaced apart from the rotation center of the hinge portion 131a toward the vessel V inside the body.

[0045] When the wire 133 is pulled backward relatively to the electrode guide 130 (when the length of the wire 133 pulled out from the shaft 111 is smaller than the node 131), tension may be applied to the wire 133 in a direction to wind the electrode guide 130. In response, the winding support portion 131b provides a force to support the node 131 in a direction to suppress the electrode guide 130 from being wound. The wire 133 and the winding support portion 131b balance the forces in the opposite directions to each other, so that the electrode guide 130 can be fixed on the winding path.

[0046] The electrode guide 130 may also include a first node group 131x and a second node group 131y. That is, the multiple node portions 131 may be divided into the first node group 131x and the second node group 131y having different lengths.

[0047] Due to the difference in length, the first node group 131x can form a first radius of curvature and the second node group 131y can form a second radius of curvature that is larger than the first radius of curvature. As can be seen from Figure 3c, the nodes having a relatively short length (first node group 131x) can form a small radius of curvature and the nodes having a long length (second node group 131y) can form a large radius of curvature.

[0048] By forming a path with a smaller radius of curvature by the nodes 131 disposed closer to the tip joint 132, a path for the tip joint 132 to enter the space between the internal canal and the shaft 111 can be created, as shown in Fig. 3c. The electrode guide 130 including the nodes 131 may have a spiral shape overall.

[0049] 3a to 3d, the electrode guide 130 is housed inside the shaft 111 together with the electrode unit 120, and may protrude from one end toward the front F while forming a curved, winding path for treatment.

[0050] For example, the multiple nodes 131 may be pulled out sequentially and moved along a curved winding path due to the displacement difference with the wire 133, until they are wound around the pipe V as a whole.

[0051] Furthermore, the electrode guide 130 may be positioned away from the outer circumferential surface of the tube, and the electrode unit 120 disposed inside the wound electrode guide 130 may be brought into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the tube V.

[0052] The plurality of nodes 131 may be wound by the electrode guide driving unit 140 in a direction in which they are wound around the tube V while being pulled out from the shaft 111. This allows the space in which the electrode guide 130 operates to be minimized, and the operation of blocking or modulating a nerve can be performed safely and accurately even in a narrow space.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 5, the electrode guide drive unit 140 may be configured to move the electrode guide 130 forward and backward, and may include a frame 141, a motor portion 142, a rod block 143, a wire block 144, and a variable connection portion 145.

[0054] The frame 141 may be fixed inside the main body, and may include a guide slot or a guide shaft extending in the front-rear direction.

[0055] The motor unit 142 may be coupled to the frame 141 and rotate a rotating shaft 142a that is rotatably supported by the frame 141. The motor unit 142 may rotate the rotating shaft 142a by receiving, for example, electrical energy.

[0056] One end of the rod block 143 may be connected to the joint portion 131. The rod block 143 may be moved forward and backward by the motor portion 142. Specifically, the rod block 143 may be moved forward and backward by engaging with a rotating shaft 142a that extends in the front-rear direction and has a screw thread formed thereon.

[0057] The rod block 143 is arranged inside the shaft 111 and is formed to extend in one direction (front-to-back direction), and may include a rod 143a that supports the node portion 131 and a concave-convex structure that is slidably coupled to a guide slot or guide shaft of the frame 141, etc.

[0058] In addition to the above-mentioned configuration of the rotating shaft 142a and the motor unit 142, the electrode guide driving unit 140 according to the present invention may be configured to move the rod block 143 in the front-rear direction by various linear actuation methods. For example, the electrode guide driving unit 140 may include a cylinder-type linear actuator including a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric type, or a piezo / ultrasonic type linear actuator.

[0059] The wire block 144 is formed to support the wire 133, and may be moved forward and backward in conjunction with the rod block 143. The wire block 144 has a concave-convex structure that is slidably inserted into a guide slot or a guide shaft, and a slide hole 144a that slidably houses the rotation shaft 142a, and may be moved forward and backward together with the rod block 143.

[0060] The variable coupling unit 145 couples the rod block 143 and the wire block 144 to each other and may vary the distance between the rod block 143 and the wire block 144. To that end, the variable coupling unit 145 may include a rod link 145a, a wire link 145b, a hinge pin 145c, and a pin slot 145d.

[0061] The rod link 145a and the wire link 145b may be rotatably connected to the rod block 143 and the wire block 144, respectively. The rod link 145a and the wire link 145b may be rotatably connected to each other by a hinge pin 145c.

[0062] The pin slot 145d is formed to slidably accommodate the hinge pin 145c. Specifically, the pin slot 145d is formed to extend at a preset inclination angle with respect to the front-rear direction. The pin slot 145d may be formed in the frame 141.

[0063] Meanwhile, the electrode unit 120 may be pulled out from the shaft 111 by the electrode driving unit 150, and may be wound in a direction to be wrapped around the vessel V by the electrode guide 130. Specifically, the electrode unit 120 may advance along a curved winding path together with the electrode guide 130, and may be gradually brought into close contact with the vessel V inside the body under the control of the electrode driving unit 150. Thus, the electrode unit 120 may be stably brought into close contact with the vessel V inside the body without damaging the vessel V inside the body, and an operation of blocking or regulating a nerve may be performed.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 6a, the electrode driving unit 150 may be configured to move the electrode unit 120 forward and backward in cooperation with the electrode guide driving unit 140. The electrode driving unit 150 may include a tension maintaining unit 151, a moving part 152, a forward rail 153, a backward rail 154, a connecting rail 155 connecting the forward rail 153 and the backward rail 154, and a second stopper part 156. The backward rail 154 may be for moving the pin 152b of the moving part 152 backward so that the electrode guide 130 changes from the second state to the first state. Here, the first state may be a state immediately before the electrode guide 130 is pulled out from one end of the shaft 111 and immediately before the electrode guide 130 is wrapped around a vessel V in the body, as shown in FIG. 3a. Alternatively, the first state may be a state before the electrode guide 130 is completely wrapped around the body vessel V, as shown in Figures 3b and 3d.

[0065] The second state may be where the electrode guide 130 is completely wrapped around the body vessel V, as shown in Figure 3c. The length of the reverse rail 154 of the present invention may be greater than the length of the forward rail 153.

[0066] The tension maintaining unit 151 may be connected to one end of the electrode unit 120 and provide tension to the electrode unit 120. The tension maintaining unit 151 may include a first spring portion 151a, a protruding portion 151b protruding from one side, a first stopper portion 151c, and an electrode connecting portion 151d on the other side.

[0067] The first spring portion 151a may provide tension to the electrode unit 120, and the first stopper portion 151c may block the movement of the protrusion 151b when the tension maintaining unit 151 advances to generate tension in the first spring portion 151a.

[0068] The electrode connection portion 151d may be connected to one side of the electrode unit 120 to transmit the tension of the first spring portion 151a to the electrode unit 120.

[0069] The electrode connector 151d may move forward further until the tension maintaining unit 151 and the moving part 152 are released and the electrode guide 130 has the second state.

[0070] Specifically, even if the moving part 152 is disconnected from the tension maintaining unit 151, it can move forward via the connecting rail 155 and the backward rail 154. At this time, after the forward movement of the protruding part 151b is blocked by the first stopper part 151c, only the electrode connecting part 151d moves forward until the electrode guide 130 changes from the first state to the second state. This is because the end of the electrode guide 130 and the end of the electrode unit 120 are connected to each other.

[0071] Therefore, after the tension maintaining unit 151 is released from the moving part 152 and the protruding part 151b is supported by the first stopper part 151c, tension is provided to the electrode unit 120, so that the electrode unit 120 can gradually come into contact with the tube V while the electrode guide 130 changes from the first state to the second state. FIG. 6c exemplarily shows that immediately after the tension maintaining unit 151 is released from the moving part 152, the protruding part 151b is supported by the first stopper part 151c, so that tension is provided to the electrode unit 120.

[0072] The moving part 152 may move forward while connected to the tension maintaining unit 151 until the electrode guide 130 has the first state. The moving part 152 may be released from the connection with the tension maintaining unit 151 and may move forward further until the electrode guide 130 has the second state.

[0073] The moving portion 152 may include a connecting portion 152a for connecting to the tension maintaining unit 151, a pin 152b, a support portion 152c, and a hinge portion 152d.

[0074] The pin 152b may be formed on one side of the connecting part 152a, and may move forward along the forward rail 153, or move forward or backward along the backward rail 154. Thus, the moving part 152 may move forward along the forward rail 153 together with the tension maintaining unit 151 via the pin 152b, and after being released from the connection with the tension maintaining unit 151, may move forward further along the backward rail 154 until the electrode guide 130 has the second state, and may move backward to change from the second state to the first state.

[0075] The support portion 152c may be coupled to the electrode guide driving unit 140. For example, the support portion 152c may be coupled to the wire block 144.

[0076] The hinge portion 152d allows the connecting portion 152a to rotate, and when the pin 152b moves from the forward moving rail 153 to the connecting rail 155, the hinge portion 152d may rotate to release the connecting portion 152a from the tension maintaining unit 151. Therefore, after the connecting portion 152a is released from the tension maintaining unit 151, the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 can each move.

[0077] Specifically, after the tension maintaining unit 151 and the moving unit 152 are disconnected, the electrode guide 130 moves forward further until it changes to the second state, so that the tension of the first spring part 151a can be gradually generated. The generated tension of the first spring part 151a is transmitted to the electrode unit 120, and thus the electrode device 100 according to the present invention can prevent the tube V from being damaged by gradually bringing the electrode unit 120 into close contact with the tube V in the body.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the present invention, even after the electrode unit 120 is in close contact with the vessel V, the practitioner can adjust the degree and position at which the electrode unit 120 is in close contact with the vessel V inside the body by adjusting the forward or backward drive of the electrode guide 130 via the guide operation unit 113. Therefore, the electrode device 100 according to the present invention can accurately bring a component having an electrode formed thereon into close contact with the vessel V inside the body.

[0079] When the pin 152b moves backward, the second stopper portion 156 can prevent the pin 152b from moving back to the connecting rail 155. The second stopper portion 156 may block the connecting rail 155 when the pin 152b is positioned on the backward rail 154 via the connecting rail 155.

[0080] Hereinafter, the driving of the electrode unit 120 by the electrode driving unit 150 will be discussed with reference to Figures 6a to 6f. Figures 6a to 6f may be states corresponding to the states of Figures 3a to 3d.

[0081] The electrode driving unit 150 and the electrode guide driving unit 140 in Fig. 6a may be immediately before starting their forward movement or immediately after completing their backward movement. Thus, as shown in Fig. 3a, the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 may be immediately before being wrapped around the internal vessel V or immediately after being wound around the internal vessel V and then moved to the pre-wrapping state. In other words, they may be immediately before a nerve cutting procedure is performed by the electrode device 100 or immediately after it has been performed.

[0082] 6b, the electrode drive unit 150 may move forward together with the electrode guide drive unit 140 moving forward along a path provided by the advancement rail 154. As the electrode drive unit 150 and the electrode guide drive unit 140 advance, the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 can be transformed into a winding state so as to be pulled out forward F from the shaft 111 and wrapped around a vessel V in the body.

[0083] Specifically, when the electrode guide driving unit 140 advances by being driven by the motor portion 142, the tension maintaining unit 151 also advances via the moving portion 152.

[0084] That is, as the electrode guide drive unit 140 moves forward, the pin 152b of the moving part 152 connected to the electrode guide drive unit 140 may move forward along the forward rail 154. At this time, the electrode guide 130 may be pulled out from the shaft 111 toward the front F, and the tension maintaining unit 151 connected to the moving part 152 may move forward, so that the electrode unit 120, one end of which is connected to the electrode connecting part 151d, may also be pulled out from the shaft 111.

[0085] At this time, the first stopper portion 151c of the tension maintaining unit 151 may block the movement of the protrusion portion 151b when the tension maintaining unit 151 advances. Referring to FIG. 6b, the protrusion portion 151b on one side of the tension maintaining unit 151 that advances together with the electrode guide driving unit 140 is blocked from advancing by the first stopper portion 151c, but the electrode connecting portion 151d on the other side of the tension maintaining unit 151 may advance together with the moving portion 152.

[0086] 6c and 6d, after the connection between the tension maintaining unit 151 and the moving part 152 is released, tension may be generated in the first spring part 151a as the electrode guide 130 moves forward further. As tension is generated in the tension maintaining unit 151, the electrode unit 120 may be gradually brought into close contact with the vessel V in the body, as shown in Figs. 3b and 3c. Here, the electrode guide 130 shown in Fig. 3c may be in a second state.

[0087] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6c, after the pin 152d of the moving part 152 moves to the end of the path provided by the forward rail 154 together with the electrode guide driving unit 140, the hinge part 152d may rotate as the connecting rail 155 moves, thereby releasing the connecting part 152a and the tension maintaining unit 151.

[0088] Even if the connection between the tension maintaining unit 151 and the moving part 152 is released, as shown in Fig. 6d, the electrode guide driving unit 140 continues to move forward, and the electrode connecting part 151d gradually moves forward in accordance with the forward movement of the electrode guide 130, so that the length of the first spring part 151a gradually increases by a predetermined distance (D1 -> D2), and tension can be generated. Thus, the electrode unit 120 can be wound around the internal vessel V while gradually coming into close contact with the internal vessel V.

[0089] At this time, when the electrode guide driving unit 140 has completed its forward movement, the electrode guide 130 may be in a state in which the multiple nodes 131 are fully pulled out and positioned along a curved winding path, as shown in FIG. 3c.

[0090] In other words, after the connection between the tension maintaining unit 151 and the moving unit 152 is released, as the electrode guide 130 moves forward further, only the electrode connecting unit 151d of the tension maintaining unit 151 may move forward gradually, and the distance between one side of the electrode connecting unit 151d and one side of the electrode guide driving unit 140 may increase by a predetermined distance (d1 → d2). Meanwhile, during this process, by adjusting the forward drive or backward drive of the electrode guide driving unit 140 via the guide operating unit 113, the position of the tube V around which the electrode unit 120 is wound and the degree to which it is in close contact with the tube V can be adjusted.

[0091] The electrode unit 120 in contact with the body vessel V may deliver energy to damage the nerve to perform a nerve transection.

[0092] In this manner, as the electrode connection portion 151d according to the present invention gradually moves forward, the electrode unit 120 can be gradually brought into close contact with the internal vessel V, thereby preventing the internal vessel V from being damaged during the process of performing nerve cutting surgery by the electrode unit 120 being in close contact with the internal vessel V.

[0093] In addition, the electrode unit 120 according to the present invention can adjust the driving of the electrode guide driving unit 140 via the guide operating unit 113, thereby adjusting the position of the tube V around which the electrode unit 120 is wrapped and the degree of close contact with the tube V, thereby making it possible to treat the tube V at an accurate position without damaging the tube V.

[0094] 6e and 6f, the electrode driving unit 150 may move the moving part 152 backward via the backward moving electrode guide driving unit 150. The moving part 152 moves backward along the backward rail 154 together with the electrode guide driving unit 150, thereby allowing the electrode guide 130 to be released from around the vessel V in the body, as shown in FIG.

[0095] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6e, as the electrode guide driving unit 140 moves backward, the pin 152b of the moving part 152 connected to the electrode guide driving unit 140 moves backward along the backward rail 154, and the other side of the connecting part 152a meets the electrode connecting part 151d of the tension maintaining unit 151 which is moving backward, thereby causing the tension maintaining unit 151 to move backward as it is.

[0096] As the electrode connecting portion 151d of the tension maintaining unit 151 moves backward together with the moving portion 152, the length of the first spring portion 151a is reduced by a predetermined distance (D2 → D1), and the tension generated in the first spring portion 151a can be entirely reduced.

[0097] When pin 152b moves backward, electrode driving unit 150 blocks connecting rail 155 with second stopper portion 156, thereby preventing pin 152b from moving again to connecting rail 155. For example, second stopper portion 156 may include a spring that compresses second stopper portion 156 so that pin 152b can move to connecting rail 155, and returns the state of second stopper portion 156 when pin 152b is positioned on backward rail 154.

[0098] As the electrode guide driving unit 140 and the electrode driving unit 150 move backward, the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 may move backward B towards the shaft 111, as shown in FIG. 3d.

[0099] When the backward movement of the electrode guide driving unit 140 and the electrode driving unit 150 is completed, the pin 152b of the moving part 152 may be placed on the forward rail 154, i.e., in a standby state, as shown in Fig. 6a again. At this time, the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 may also be in a standby state before being drawn out from the standby shaft 111, as shown in Fig. 3a.

[0100] 7, the electrode driving unit 150 according to another embodiment may further include a second spring portion 157 connecting the supporting portion 152c and the connecting portion 152a. When the pin 152b moves backward, the electrode driving unit 150 can prevent the pin 152b from moving back to the connecting rail 155 by using the second spring portion 157.

[0101] Therefore, the electrode driving unit 150 can prevent the pin 152b from moving back onto the connecting rail 155 via the second spring portion 157 that connects the support portion 152c and the connecting portion 152a without a stopper portion that blocks the connecting rail 155.

[0102] The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting. For example, each component described as a single type may be implemented in a distributed form, and similarly, each component described as a distributed type may be implemented in a combined form.

[0103] The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims set forth below rather than by the above detailed description, and all modifications and variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrode device for blocking or modulating nerves in the body, comprising: a body having a shaft; An electrode unit that is formed to be drawn out from one end of the shaft and blocks or regulates nerves in at least a part of the vessel in the body; an electrode guide coupled to an end of the electrode unit and configured to guide the electrode unit into contact with the vessel within the body; an electrode guide drive unit configured to advance and retreat the electrode guide; an electrode driving unit configured to move the electrode unit forward and backward in cooperation with the electrode guide driving unit; The electrode driving unit includes: a tension maintaining unit connected to one end of the electrode unit and providing tension to the electrode unit; a moving unit which moves forward while connected to the tension maintaining unit until the electrode guide has a first state, and then releases the connection with the tension maintaining unit and moves forward further until the electrode guide has a second state; 13. An electrode device comprising:

2. The electrode device according to claim 1 , wherein the tension maintaining unit provides tension to the electrode unit as the electrode guide moves forward further after being disconnected from the moving portion.

3. The electrode device according to claim 1 , wherein the electrode unit is brought into contact with the tube immediately after the tension maintaining unit is released from connection with the moving part.

4. The electrode device according to claim 1 , wherein the tension maintaining unit includes a first spring portion that provides tension to the electrode unit.

5. The tension maintaining unit includes: A protruding portion protruding from one side; The electrode device according to claim 4 , further comprising: a first stopper portion that blocks movement of the protrusion when the tension maintaining unit advances to generate tension in the first spring portion.

6. The moving unit is A connection part for connecting to the tension maintaining unit; The tension maintaining unit is provided with a pin formed in the connecting portion, and the moving portion is adapted to advance the tension maintaining unit. Further comprising: The electrode driving unit includes: The electrode apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an advancement rail for the advancement movement of said pin.

7. The electrode device according to claim 6 , wherein the electrode drive unit further includes a rearward rail along which the pin moves rearward to change the electrode guide from the second state to the first state.

8. The electrode apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the length of the reverse rail is greater than the length of the forward rail.

9. The moving unit is a support part connected to the electrode guide driving unit; a hinge portion that allows the connecting portion to rotate; Further comprising: The electrode driving unit includes: a connecting rail connecting the forward rail and the reverse rail, The electrode device according to claim 7 , wherein when the pin moves along the connecting rail, the hinge portion rotates to release the connecting portion from the tension maintaining unit.

10. The electrode device according to claim 9 , wherein the electrode driving unit further includes a second spring portion connecting the support portion and the connecting portion to prevent the pin from moving back into the connecting rail when the pin moves backward.

11. 10. The electrode device according to claim 9, wherein the electrode driving unit further includes a second stopper portion that blocks the connecting rail when the pin is positioned on the backward rail via the connecting rail to prevent the pin from moving back to the connecting rail when the pin moves backward.

12. 2. The electrode device of claim 1, wherein the first state is a state immediately before the electrode guide is wrapped around the body vessel, and the second state is a state in which the electrode guide is wrapped around the body vessel.

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