Electrode device for blocking or modulating nerves in the body

Abstract

The electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body according to the present invention includes a main body having a shaft, an electrode unit formed to be pulled out from one end of the shaft and blocking or regulating at least some of the nerves in a tube in the body, an electrode guide having a plurality of nodes and wires connecting the plurality of nodes to each other and guiding the electrode unit, and a drive unit located inside the main body and driving the nodes and the wire to protrude from one end of the shaft, the drive unit including a rod block having one end connected to the node and configured to move forward and backward, a wire block configured to support the wire and move forward and backward, and a variable connection portion connecting the rod block and the wire block to each other and formed to change the distance between the rod block and the wire block as the rod block and the wire block move forward and backward.

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 components including the electrodes formed at the distal end of the catheter so that they can be wrapped around the outer wall of the vessel. Specifically, in order to effectively block or modulate a nerve, the outer wall of the vessel through which the nerve is distributed must be wrapped in a circumferential direction, and the operation of wrapping the components with electrodes around the vessel must be performed reliably and quickly. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrode device having a configuration for guiding an electrode so that it is wrapped around a vessel in a body while sequentially projecting a plurality of unit elements.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrode device configured so that an operation of projecting a plurality of unit elements and an operation of setting paths for the plurality of unit elements are coordinated with each other.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrode device in which a structure for guiding an electrode having a plurality of unit elements connected thereto can be manufactured into a single member without assembly.

[0009] 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]

[0010] As a means for achieving the above-mentioned technical object, one embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in a body, the electrode device comprising: a main body having a shaft; an electrode unit formed to be pulled out from one end of the shaft and for blocking or regulating at least a part of nerves in a tube in the body; an electrode guide comprising a plurality of nodes and wires connecting the plurality of nodes to each other and for guiding the electrode unit; and a drive unit located inside the main body and for driving the nodes and the wire to protrude from one end of the shaft, the drive unit comprising: a rod block having one end connected to the node and configured to move forward and backward; a wire block configured to support the wire and move forward and backward; and a variable connection portion connecting the rod block and the wire block to each other and formed to change the distance between the rod block and the wire block as the rod block and the wire block move forward and backward.

[0011] In one embodiment, the drive unit further includes a motor section, the rod block is moved forward and backward by the motor section, the wire block is moved forward and backward alongside the rod block, and the wire block becomes farther away from the rod block when the rod block is moved forward and becomes closer to the rod block when the rod block is moved backward.

[0012] In one embodiment, the drive unit further includes a rotating shaft that can be rotated by the motor portion and has a screw thread formed on its outer surface, and the rod block is configured to move forward and backward by meshing with the rotating shaft and rotating the rotating shaft.

[0013] In one embodiment, the drive unit further includes a frame providing a movement path for the rod block and the wire block, and the variable connection portion includes a rod gear formed on the rod block, a wire gear formed on the wire block, a rod link connected to the rod gear, and a rod cam connected to the rod link, and the rod cam can move along a cam guide portion formed on the frame.

[0014] In one embodiment, the rod gear is composed of a pinion gear, and the wire gear is composed of a rack gear that meshes with the rod gear, and the rotational motion of the rod gear generated as the rod block moves forward and backward is transmitted to the linear motion of the wire gear.

[0015] In one embodiment, the wire is formed with a smaller displacement protruding from one end of the shaft than the node, providing a force pulling the node in a direction to be wrapped around the tube.

[0016] In one embodiment, the node portion has a hinge portion formed on one or both sides in the longitudinal direction to connect with an adjacent node portion, and a wire hole formed at a position away from the rotation center of the hinge portion so that the wire can be inserted therein.

[0017] In one embodiment, the node portion includes a hinge portion formed on one or both sides in the longitudinal direction to connect with an adjacent joint portion, and a winding support portion formed on one or both sides in the longitudinal direction to be supported by the adjacent joint portion, and the adjacent joint portions are supported by the winding support portion, thereby providing a supporting force in the opposite direction to the direction in which the multiple nodes are wound around the tube.

[0018] In one embodiment, the electrode guide further comprises tip joints connected to the ends of the plurality of nodes connected in series and coupled to the electrode unit and the end of the wire, respectively.

[0019] In one embodiment, the plurality of nodes are integrally formed from an elastically deformable material, and a winding support groove is formed between adjacent nodes of the electrode guide, the winding support groove being deformed so as to be at least partially closed by the force of the wire.

[0020] 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

[0021] According to the electrode device of the present invention, the electrode guide can be wound around a tube while protruding from the shaft by the driving unit, and the space in which the electrode guide operates can be minimized, and a nerve blocking or modulating operation can be performed safely and accurately even in a small space. The electrode guide can be pulled out and its position changed accurately and simply by generating a displacement of the wire different from that of the nodes by the driving unit.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the electrode device of the present invention, the joints are operated by the motor unit and the rod block, and the wires are operated by the wire block variably connected to the rod block. In other words, the operation of protruding the electrode guide and the operation of controlling the position of the electrode guide can be performed together by one motor unit, so that precise operations can be efficiently implemented.

[0023] Meanwhile, according to the electrode device of the present invention, an electrode guide is formed in which the nodes are integrated while implementing the drive of a plurality of nodes, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the electrode device and miniaturizing the product, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [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. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing internal components of the shaft in region A shown in FIG. 2. [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 side cross-sectional view of a drive unit disposed inside the main body shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6a] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an operation process of an electrode guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6b] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an operation process of an electrode guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6c] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an operation process of an electrode guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7a] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an operation process of a drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7b] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an operation process of a drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7c] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an operation process of a drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an electrode guide according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] 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.

[0026] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only when it is "directly connected" to the other part, but also when it is "electrically connected" to the other part with another element therebetween. Furthermore, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this means that it may further include other components, not excluding other components, unless otherwise specified to the contrary, and should be understood not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, throughout the specification of this application, when a part is said to be "located on" another part, this includes not only when the part is in contact with the other part, but also when there is another part between the two parts.

[0027] Fig. 1 is a side view of an electrode device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the electrode guide 130 shown in Fig. 1 is positioned so as to guide the electrode unit 120 and wrap it around a blood vessel. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the internal components of the shaft 111 in region A shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the joint portion 131 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the drive unit 140 disposed inside the main body 110 shown in Fig. 1.

[0028] Figures 6a to 6c are diagrams illustrating an operation process of the electrode guide 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention.Figures 7a to 7c are diagrams illustrating an operation process of the driving unit 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, an electrode device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 110, an electrode unit 120, an electrode guide 130, and a driving unit 140.

[0030] 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 gripped by a practitioner, a guide operation portion 113 formed on the grip portion 112 and capable of operating the operation of the electrode guide 130, and an electrode operation portion 114 formed on the grip portion 112 and capable of operating energy transmission to the electrode unit 120. Elements for driving and controlling the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 may be disposed inside the main body 110.

[0031] The electrode unit 120 is formed so as to be pulled out from one end of the shaft 111, and is configured to block or regulate at least a part of the nerves distributed in tissues including internal vessels 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, which will be described later, when the electrode device 100 of the present invention is operated.

[0032] 2, the electrode unit 120 may include a base portion 121, an electrode portion 122, and a sensor portion 123. In the electrode device 100 according to the present invention, electrodes may be wrapped around the outer surface of a tube or tubular tissue V in the body, and energy may be transmitted via the electrodes, and for this purpose, the base portion 121 may be a flexible printed circuit board (Flexible PCB).

[0033] 2, the electrode portion 122 may be configured with two electrodes extending parallel to each other on the base portion 121. In this embodiment, the base portion 121 and the electrode portion 122 may be configured to extend in a circumferential direction and be wound around a tube or the like inside the body.

[0034] The electrode unit 122 may be made of a material that is harmless to the human body and can transmit electricity, such as stainless steel, gold, etc., to block or denervate or control or modulate nerves. The electrode unit 122 may also transmit various types of energy from an energy source generator. For example, radio-frequency (RF) energy, electrical energy, laser energy, ultrasonic energy, high-intensity focused ultrasound energy, cryogenic energy, and other thermal energy may be used.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Also, a sensor unit 123 may be formed on the base unit 121. As an example, the sensor unit 123 may be a thermocouple that contacts a tube or the like in the body to measure temperature, and when a nerve cutting operation is performed by the electrode device 100 according to the present invention, the sensor unit 123 may monitor the temperature of the treatment site. The sensor unit 123 may be, for example, a thermocouple made of a pair of copper and constantan. As another example, the sensor unit 123 may measure a nerve signal in the tube.

[0037] The electrode guide 130 has a function of bringing the electrode unit 120 into contact with a vessel inside the body. The electrode guide 130 supports the electrode unit 120 and guides the electrode unit 120 so as to bring it into contact with a vessel inside the body.

[0038] 2 to 4, the electrode guide 130 provided in the present invention 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 be wound around the vessel V in the body. The state shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 6c may be a state in which the plurality of nodes 131 are fully pulled out and arranged along the curved winding path.

[0039] The electrode guide 130 may further include a tip joint 132 and a wire 133. The tip joint 132 may support the electrode unit 120 and be connected to an end of the plurality of nodes 131 connected in sequence. The tip joint 132 may be drawn out from one end of the shaft 111 prior to the plurality of nodes 131. As shown in FIG. 6c, the tip joint 132 may be located close to the vessel V in the body and may have a tapered shape that is thinner in width or thickness toward the end in order to prevent interference with the electrode unit 120 or maximize the surface that is wrapped around the vessel in the body. The end of the electrode unit 120 may be fastened and fixed to the tip joint 132.

[0040] The wire 133 may be formed to pass through the nodes 131 in sequence. Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the nodes 131 may have wire holes 131c formed in the longitudinal direction to pass the wire 133 through. The end of the wire 133 passing through the wire holes 131c in sequence may be coupled to and fixed to the tip joint 132, and the wire 133 is slidable relative to each node 131 in the longitudinal direction within the wire hole 131c. Thus, the wire 133 can guide the nodes 131 and the tip joint 132 to be arranged on the winding path, and provide a force pulling the nodes 131 and the tip joint 132 in a direction in which they are wound around the pipe V.

[0041] The wire 133 may be operated to protrude from one end of the shaft 111 with multiple nodes 131. In this case, the wire 133 can be designed to protrude less than the nodes 131, so that the wire 133 can provide a force that pulls the multiple nodes 131 to have a curved path.

[0042] 4, 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 longitudinal direction in which the joint portions 131 are connected side by side. As shown in the drawing, the hinge portion 131a may form a rotation axis in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction and may be connected to the hinge portion 131a of the adjacent joint portion 131. A hinge pin (not shown) may be inserted into each hinge portion 131a in the direction in which the rotation axis is formed, thereby fastening the hinge portion 131a to the adjacent joint portion 131.

[0043] The winding support portion 131b is a structure 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 support each other. As shown in the drawing, 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 (wound around the node portion 131). The winding support portion 131b may be formed of a surface having a preset angle and area, for example, and may be supported in surface contact with the adjacent winding support portion 131b to fix the winding shape of the electrode guide 130. The winding support portion 131b and the wire hole 131c may be formed at a position spaced apart from the center of rotation of the hinge portion 131a toward the vessel V in the body.

[0044] 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 may provide a force to support the node portions 131 against each other in a direction to suppress the electrode guide 130 from being wound. The electrode guide 130 can be fixed on the winding path by the wire 133 and the winding support portion 131b balancing the forces in the opposite directions.

[0045] 4, the electrode guide 130 may 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.

[0046] 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 Fig. 6c, the nodes having a relatively short length (first node group 131x) can form a small radius of curvature and the nodes having a relatively long length (second node group 131y) can form a large radius of curvature.

[0047] If a path with a smaller radius of curvature is formed by the node 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. 6c. The electrode guide 130 including the node 131 may have a spiral shape as a whole.

[0048] In the following, the drive unit 140 of the electrode device 100 according to the present invention will be described.

[0049] The drive unit 140 drives the nodes 131 and wires 133 of the electrode guide 130 so as to protrude from one end of the shaft, and links the nodes 131 and wires 133 to have different displacements from each other.

[0050] For example, the wire 133 may be caused to protrude a smaller amount (length) from one end of the shaft 111 than the node 131 by the drive unit 140. The node 131 may be pulled in one direction (the direction in which it is wound around a vessel in the body) by the wire 133 by an amount corresponding to the difference in the protruding amount, and may protrude while forming a curved winding path. More specifically, each time the node 131 protrudes and rotates by a winding angle (e.g., 30 degrees) formed by the winding support portion 131b, the wire 133 may protrude by a relatively smaller amount.

[0051] 6a to 6c, the electrode guide 130 is accommodated 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. As the nodes 131 are pulled out sequentially, they may move along the curved, winding path due to a displacement difference with the wire 133, and may be wound around the tube V as a whole. Furthermore, the electrode guide 130 may be positioned apart from the outer circumferential surface of the tube, and the electrode unit 120 disposed inside the wound electrode guide 130 may be in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the tube V.

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

[0053] Furthermore, by the drive unit 140 generating the displacement of the wire 133 differently from the node 131, the electrode guide 130 of the electrode device 100 according to the present invention can ensure the accuracy and repeatability of the movement path.

[0054] The detailed configuration and functions of the drive unit 140 will be described below.

[0055] The drive unit 140 may include a frame 141 , a motor section 142 , a rod block 143 , a wire block 144 , and a variable coupling section 145 .

[0056] The frame 141 may be fixed inside the main body and may include a guide slot or a guide shaft 142b extending in the front-rear direction. The guide slot or the guide shaft 142b may provide a movable path for the rod block 143 and the wire block 144.

[0057] The motor unit 142 may include a rotating shaft 142a that is connected to the frame 141 and rotatably supported by the frame 141. The motor unit 142 may rotate the rotating shaft 142a by receiving, for example, electrical energy.

[0058] 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. For example, 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 on its outer circumferential surface along the length direction. The rod block 143 may be disposed inside the shaft 111 and formed to extend in one direction (front-rear direction) and configured to be coupled with a rod 143b that supports the joint portion 131, or may be configured to be slidable in a guide slot of the frame 141 or a guide shaft 142b.

[0059] In addition to the configuration of the rotating shaft 142a and the motor unit 142, the 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 driving unit 140 may include a cylinder type linear actuator including a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric type, or a piezo / ultrasonic type linear actuator.

[0060] The wire block 144 is formed to support the wire 133, and may move forward and backward in conjunction with the rod block 143. The wire block 144 may be configured to be slidable in a guide slot or guide shaft 142b, etc., and may move forward and backward together with the rod block 143.

[0061] The variable coupling unit 145 couples the rod block 143 and the wire block 144 to each other, and can vary the distance between the rod block 143 and the wire block 144. Specifically, the variable coupling unit 145 may be configured to vary the distance between the rod block 143 and the wire block 144 by the rod block 143 and the wire block 144 moving forward and backward. To this end, the variable coupling unit 145 may include a rod gear 145a, a wire gear 145b, a rod link 145c, and a rod cam 145d.

[0062] 5, the rod gear 145a may be formed on the rod block 143, and the wire gear 145b may be formed on the wire block 144. The rod gear 145a and the wire gear 145b may be configured to mesh with each other so that power is transmitted to the wire gear 145b via the rod gear 145a. For example, the rod gear 145a may be configured as a pinion gear, and the wire gear 145b may be configured as a rack gear that meshes with the rod gear 145a.

[0063] A rod link 145c may be connected to the rod gear 145a, and the rod link 145c may be connected to the rod gear 145a so as to rotate together with the rotation of the rod gear 145a.

[0064] One end of the rod link 145c may be connected to the rod gear 145a, and the other end may be connected to the rod cam 145d.

[0065] A cam guide portion 141a may be formed on one side of the frame 141, and the cam guide portion 141a may be configured to be slidable with the rod cam 145d housed therein, and the rod cam 145d may be configured to slide along a path formed by the cam guide portion 141a. For example, the cam guide portion 141a may be in the form of a groove formed with a predetermined depth, extending in one direction with an inclination angle on one side of the frame 141, and the rod cam 145d may move in a state where it is inserted into the cam guide portion 141a. Alternatively, the cam guide portion 141a may be in the form of a slit extending in one direction through the frame, and the rod cam 145d may move in a state where it is inserted into the cam guide portion 141a.

[0066] 5, the motor unit 142 transmits power in an embodiment. As the motor unit 142 rotates the rotary shaft 142a, the rod block 143 can move along the guide shaft 142b while riding on a thread formed on the outer circumferential surface of the rotary shaft 142a. When the rod block 143 moves, the wire block 144 and the variable coupling unit 145 can also move in accordance with the movement of the rod block 143. Specifically, as the rod block 143 moves, the rod gear 145a formed on the rod block 143, the rod link 145c connected to the rod gear 145a, and the rod cam 145d connected to the rod link 145c all move together. At this time, the rod cam 145d rotates the rod link 145c while moving along a path provided by the cam guide unit 141a. Then, rod gear 145a rotates in conjunction with the rotation of rod link 145c, and the rotational motion of rod gear 145a is transmitted to linear motion of wire gear 145b formed in wire block 144, creating a difference in the travel distance between rod block 143 and wire block 144.

[0067] 7a to 7c show states corresponding to those of FIGS. 6a to 6c, respectively.

[0068] Specifically, in the state of FIG. 6a in which the electrode guide 130 is positioned inside the shaft 111, the rod block 143 and the wire block 144 may be disposed at preset positions near the motor unit 142 side, as shown in FIG. 7a (O 143 , O 144 ), at this time, the rod block 143 and the wire block 144 may be in the closest position to each other.

[0069] When the rotating shaft 142a is rotated in one direction by the motor unit 142, the rod block 143 meshing with it moves forward F, as shown in Fig. 7b. Due to the forward movement F of the rod connected to the rod block 143, the node 131 of the electrode guide 130 may protrude from one end of the shaft 111, as shown in Fig. 6b.

[0070] At this time, the wire block 144 may advance following the rod block 143 by the variable coupling part 145. Specifically, a rod gear 145a formed on the rod block 143 and a wire gear 145b formed on the wire block 144 may mesh with each other, and the wire block 144 may advance following the rod block 143.

[0071] At this time, the rod cam 145d moves along the path provided by the cam guide portion 141a, and the rod link 145c rotates clockwise due to the movement path provided by the cam guide portion 141a, and the rod gear 145a connected to the rod link 145c can be rotated together. The rotation of the rod gear 145a can move the wire block 144 by a predetermined distance regardless of the forward movement of the rod block 143.

[0072] As a result, the distance between the rod block 143 and the wire block 144 gradually increases. Since the wire block 144 lags relatively further backward than the rod block 143, the displacement of the wire 133 pulled out from one end of the shaft 111 is smaller than that of the node 131. Therefore, the node 131 is gradually pulled and bent in a certain direction (the direction in which it is wrapped around a tube in the body) by the wire 133.

[0073] When the rod block 143 is fully advanced, the joint 131 is completely pulled out as shown in FIG. 6c. Then, as shown in FIG. 7c, the movement distance d 143 In comparison, the movement distance d of the wire block 144 and the wire 133 144 is smaller by a preset value d (d=d 143 -d 144 ).

[0074] On the other hand, when the rotating shaft 142 a of the motor unit 142 rotates in the reverse direction, the rod block 143 moves backward (R), and the wire block 144 moves backward (R) along the rod block 143 by the variable coupling unit 145 .

[0075] At this time, the rod cam 145d moves to its original position along the path provided by the cam guide portion 141a, and the rod link 145c rotates counterclockwise due to the movement path provided by the cam guide portion 141a, and the rod gear 145a connected to the rod link 145c can be rotated together. The rotation of the rod gear 145a can move the wire block 144 by a predetermined distance regardless of the forward movement of the rod block 143. As a result, the distance between the rod block 143 and the wire block 144 gradually becomes closer.

[0076] By the variable coupling unit 145 of the present invention, the wire block 144 may move forward and backward while varying the distance between the wire block 144 and the rod block 143. In other words, the wire block 144 becomes gradually farther away from the rod block 143 when the rod block 143 moves forward, and becomes closer to the rod block 143 when the rod block 143 moves backward.

[0077] According to the present invention, the joint 131 is operated by the motor unit 142 and the rod block 143, and the wire 133 is operated by the wire block 144 linked to the rod block 143. In other words, since the operation of protruding the electrode guide 130 and the operation of placing the electrode guide 130 can be performed by one motor unit 142, precise operations can be effectively implemented.

[0078] Meanwhile, since the electrode guide 130 can be positioned so as to be completely wrapped around a vessel within the body, the nerves around the vessel can be entirely blocked or adjusted in a single treatment, thereby improving the treatment effect.

[0079] 8 is a perspective view of an electrode guide 230 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the following, an embodiment in which the joint portion 231 of the electrode guide 230 of the present invention is integrally formed will be described.

[0080] The joints 231 of the electrode guide 230 according to another embodiment of the present invention are made of an elastically deformable material such as a polymer, and may have a living hinge structure in which a plurality of joints 231 are integrally formed.

[0081] 8, each node 231 may be integral with adjacent nodes 231 in the longitudinal direction, and a winding support groove 231b may be formed between adjacent nodes 231. The winding support groove 231b may have at least a portion of the groove space reduced or closed while the node 231 is positioned on the winding path.

[0082] Specifically, the winding support groove 231b may be formed by cutting out a wedge shape on an inner surface (a surface facing the electrode unit 120) of the electrode guide 230. When the node portion 231 protrudes, the wedge-shaped winding support groove 231b may be supported by having side surfaces contact each other.

[0083] Also, in another embodiment of the present invention, the electrode guide 230 may further include a wire 233. The wire 233 may be formed to pass through a plurality of nodes 231 in sequence. As in the above-described embodiment, the wire 233 is pulled out a shorter distance from the shaft 111 than the electrode guide 230, and thus can guide the electrode guide 230 to deform into a shape to be wound around a tube, and can provide a supporting force by closing at least a portion of the winding support groove 231b.

[0084] According to the electrode guide 230 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the electrode guide 230 can be manufactured as a single unit while implementing joint drive that ensures reliable operation. Since the process of manufacturing and assembling joint elements separately is not required, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing process, reduce the size of the product, and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0085] 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 concept 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.

[0086] Furthermore, 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, as well as their equivalent concepts, should be interpreted as being included in 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 formed to be pulled out from one end of the shaft, for blocking or modulating nerves in at least a part of the vessel within the body; an electrode guide including a plurality of nodes and a wire connecting the plurality of nodes to each other, the electrode guide guiding the electrode unit; a drive unit located inside the body and configured to drive the nodes and the wire to protrude from one end of the shaft; The drive unit includes: a rod block having one end connected to the node and configured for forward and reverse movement; a wire block configured to support, advance and retract the wire; a variable connection portion that connects the rod block and the wire block to each other and is formed so as to vary the distance between the rod block and the wire block as the rod block and the wire block move forward and backward; a motor unit; The rod block is moved forward and backward by the motor unit, The wire block moves forward and backward together with the rod block, An electrode device, characterized in that the wire block becomes farther away from the rod block when the rod block advances, and becomes closer to the rod block when the rod block retreats.

2. The drive unit further includes a rotating shaft that is rotatable by the motor and has a screw thread formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof, The electrode device according to claim 1 , wherein the rod block is configured to move forward and backward as the rotation shaft rotates while meshing with the rotation shaft.

3. An electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body, comprising: a body having a shaft; An electrode unit formed to be pulled out from one end of the shaft, for blocking or modulating nerves in at least a part of the vessel within the body; an electrode guide including a plurality of nodes and a wire connecting the plurality of nodes to each other, the electrode guide guiding the electrode unit; a drive unit located inside the body and configured to drive the nodes and the wire to protrude from one end of the shaft; The drive unit includes: a rod block having one end connected to the node and configured for forward and reverse movement; a wire block configured to support, advance and retract the wire; a variable connection portion that connects the rod block and the wire block to each other and is formed so as to vary the distance between the rod block and the wire block as the rod block and the wire block move forward and backward; a frame providing a path for the rod block and the wire block to move; the variable coupling portion includes a rod gear formed in the rod block, a wire gear formed in the wire block, a rod link connected to the rod gear, and a rod cam connected to the rod link, An electrode device, wherein the rod cam is movable along a cam guide portion formed on the frame.

4. 4. The electrode device according to claim 3, wherein the rod gear is a pinion gear, the wire gear is a rack gear that meshes with the rod gear, and a rotational motion of the rod gear generated as the rod block moves forward and backward is transmitted to a linear motion of the wire gear.

5. 4. The electrode device according to claim 1, wherein the wire is formed so that the displacement protruding from the one end of the shaft is smaller than the node, thereby providing a force pulling the node in a direction in which it is wound around the tube.

6. The node portion is a hinge portion formed on one or both sides in the longitudinal direction to connect adjacent nodes; The electrode device according to claim 1 or 3, further comprising a wire hole formed at a position away from a rotation center of the hinge portion so that the wire can be inserted therein.

7. The node portion is A hinge portion formed on one or both sides in the longitudinal direction to be connected to an adjacent joint portion; a winding support portion formed on one or both sides in the longitudinal direction so as to be supported by the adjacent joint portions; 4. The electrode device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that adjacent joint portions are supported by the winding support portion, thereby providing a force supporting the plurality of nodes in a direction opposite to the direction in which the nodes are wound around the tube.

8. The electrode device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the electrode guide further comprises a tip joint connected to an end of the plurality of nodes connected in series and coupled to an end of the electrode unit and an end of the wire, respectively.

9. The plurality of nodes are integrally formed of an elastically deformable material, 4. The electrode device according to claim 1, wherein a winding support groove is formed between adjacent nodes of the electrode guide, the winding support groove being deformed so as to be at least partially closed by the force of the wire.

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