Cervical plasma generating module and cervical plasma generating device including the same

Abstract

A plasma generating module for the cervix is ​​disclosed, which includes: a module body connected to the tip of a probe part capable of entering the vagina of a human body; a dielectric connected to the front outside of the module body and facing the cervix while maintaining a gap between it and the cervix for a plasma generation space; and an electrode installed between the module body and the dielectric and having a shape corresponding to the shape of the dielectric, wherein the dielectric has a gas discharge part that discharges atmospheric gas into the plasma generation space.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a plasma generating module for the cervix, and more particularly to a plasma generating module for the cervix that can generate plasma intensively in both the external and internal cervical canals in the uterine cervix transformation zone where precancerous lesions of the cervix occur. [Background technology]

[0002] Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. More than 500,000 cases were diagnosed worldwide in 2012, with approximately 50% of patients dying from the disease.

[0003] Approximately 13,000 cases of invasive cervical cancer and approximately 4,100 cancer-related deaths are reported to occur each year in the United States.

[0004] Cervical cancer is a disease that can be cured if detected early because it remains in the precancerous stage for a longer period of time than other cancers. Given the fact that abnormalities can be identified through simpler tests than those required for gastric, lung, colon, and renal adenocarcinomas, it is important to detect precancerous lesions of the cervix early and treat them aggressively.

[0005] In Korea, while cervical cancer continues to decline, the number of people with cervical precancerous lesions is generally on the rise, leading to a rapid increase in the frequency of medical care use.

[0006] Currently, there are no drugs to treat these precancerous cervical lesions, and the only treatment is surgical excision, which can be performed by loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), cervical conization, laser excision, or hysterectomy.

[0007] However, such surgical treatments have led to social problems such as premature birth, miscarriage, infertility, and a resulting decrease in the birth rate, and there is a risk of recurrence if the surgery is incomplete.In addition, there is a risk, although not high, of cerebral palsy, retinal damage, and undermaturity of the lungs due to premature birth.

[0008] Thus, cervical precancerous lesions may cause a rapid increase in incidence at a young age and serious pregnancy-related complications of existing conization procedures. Considering the current social situation of low fertility, the development of new safe and effective treatments is urgent.

[0009] Meanwhile, in recent years, in addition to surgical treatment methods, various treatment methods for cancer cells have been actively researched and developed, and among them, plasma treatment devices that can kill cancer cells without causing pain have been actively developed.

[0010] Atmospheric pressure plasma is an ionized medium containing active components including electrons and ions, free radicals, reactive molecules and photons, and can be divided into thermal plasma or non-thermal plasma.

[0011] In particular, non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma has emerged as a new tool in the field of biomedical applications because it can interact with targeted biological materials without causing thermal damage to surrounding tissues. However, as shown in Korean Patent Registration Nos. 10-1592081 and 10-1248668, there is no publicly available technology for killing cervical cancer cells using non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma, and there is an urgent need to develop related technology.

[0012] To simultaneously treat both the external and internal cervix in the uterine cervix transformation zone, where precancerous cervical lesions occur, it is necessary to apply the DBD plasma method, which enables large-area plasma treatment using only a specific voltage and a small amount of ambient gas. DBD plasma discharge is a method in which plasma is directly generated by resonance in the space between the dielectric surrounding the electrode and the target object. Maintaining a specific distance between the dielectric and the target object is important. Since the human cervix has a unique shape consisting of an exposed, circular external cervix and an internal cervix connected to the inside at the center, to effectively generate plasma energy, it is necessary to develop a plasma generation module with a special structure that reflects the anatomical structure of the cervix and can maintain a specific distance between the plasma dielectric and the target object. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1592081 (2016.01.29) [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1248668 (2013.03.22) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] The present invention has been developed in view of the above points, and aims to provide a plasma generating module for the cervix that can generate plasma intensively in the extrauterine cervical canal of the cervix. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] To achieve the above object, the plasma generating module for the cervix of the present invention includes a module main body connected to the tip of a probe unit that can enter the vagina of a human body; a dielectric connected to the front outside of the module main body and facing the cervix while maintaining a gap between it and the cervix to create a plasma generation space; and an electrode installed between the module main body and the dielectric and having a shape corresponding to the shape of the dielectric, wherein the dielectric has a gas outlet that discharges atmospheric gas into the plasma generation space.

[0016] This allows the plasma generating module to be configured to be optimized for the shape of the cervix, maintaining an optimal position and spacing that can enhance the effectiveness of the plasma energy.

[0017] Preferably, the plasma generating device further includes a gas supply nozzle coupled to the module body so as to penetrate the module body and supplying an ambient gas moving into the plasma generating space between the electrode and the module body.

[0018] This allows the gas supply nozzle for supplying the atmospheric gas to be modularized with the module body, facilitating assembly and installation.

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferable that the dielectric body includes a cylindrical dielectric body connected to the module body, a large-area discharge cover part extending forward from the dielectric body and having a shape corresponding to the external cervical canal and the internal cervical canal, and a large-area discharge protrusion formed to protrude outward from the center of the large-area discharge cover part and enter the internal cervical canal of the cervix to generate plasma, and that the gas discharge part is formed to protrude rearward from the large-area discharge cover part so as to penetrate the electrode from the outside of the large-area discharge cover part and communicate with the gas supply nozzle.

[0020] This allows the dielectric to be shaped to correspond to the external and internal cervical canals, allowing plasma discharge to be effectively performed over a large area relative to the entire area of ​​the cervix.

[0021] In addition, it is preferable that the large-area discharge cover portion has a connecting portion with the dielectric body formed in a round shape and is recessed so as to gradually deepen from the connecting portion to the large-area discharge protrusion portion.

[0022] In addition, it is preferable that a number of protrusions are formed on the outer surface of the large-area discharge cover to maintain a distance when in contact with the cervical canal and secure the plasma generation space.

[0023] This allows the distance between the external cervix and the dielectric to be stably maintained, and plasma energy can be effectively generated directly over the entire surface of the external cervix.

[0024] In addition, the plasma generating module preferably further includes a plasma recovery unit for recovering the ambient gas and plasma between the dielectric and the extrauterine cervical canal to the probe unit, and the plasma recovery unit preferably includes a first plasma recovery line that is recessed into the outer surface of the module body and connected to communicate with the inside of the probe unit, and a second plasma recovery line that extends from the outer tip of the dielectric to a portion that contacts the module body and is connected to the first plasma recovery line.

[0025] This allows the atmospheric gas and plasma remaining inside the vagina to be effectively collected and treated, minimizes heat generation in the subject due to the plasma, and suppresses laminar flow on the surface of the subject, thereby enhancing the effect of the plasma.

[0026] Furthermore, it is preferable that the module body includes a central cylindrical portion located approximately at the center with respect to the longitudinal direction, the central cylindrical portion having a nozzle coupling hole through which a gas supply nozzle passes and is coupled, and an electrode pin coupling hole through which an electrode pin contacting the electrode passes and is coupled, a first coupling portion extending cylindrically from one end of the central cylindrical portion and coupled to an end of the probe portion, and a second coupling portion extending protruding from the other end of the central cylindrical portion and coupled to the dielectric.

[0027] This allows the plasma generating module to have a simple structure, facilitates manufacturing and assembly, and improves productivity.

[0028] It is also preferable that the electrode has a disk shape corresponding to the large-area discharge cover portion and includes a main electrode portion having a through hole through which the gas discharge portion passes, and a sub-electrode portion formed to protrude from the center of the main electrode portion and enter the interior of the large-area discharge protrusion portion.

[0029] This provides an electrode shape that corresponds to the external shape of the cervix, allowing plasma energy to be effectively generated in a large area directly on the surface of the cervix. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] The plasma generating module for the cervix of the present invention can generate and provide plasma energy directly to the surface of the extracervical canal of the cervix in a DBD large area manner.

[0031] In particular, the plasma energy can be generated as close as possible to the cervix for the destruction of cervical cancer cells.

[0032] Furthermore, the plasma and atmospheric gas generated near the external cervical canal can be safely collected without leaking to the outside.

[0033] In particular, even if the plasma generating module is in close contact with the inside of the vagina, the path of the plasma collection section can be ensured not to be blocked, and laminar flow can be suppressed while maintaining a small gap between the extrauterine cervix and the plasma generating module, allowing gas and plasma to be collected stably.

[0034] Additionally, by configuring the dielectric and electrode shapes to correspond to the unique shapes of the ectocervix and endocervix, and providing positioning structures and protrusions to maintain spacing, optimal conditions can be maintained under which the plasma energy can act to kill cancer cells in the ectocervix. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1a] 1 is a perspective view showing a plasma generating device to which a plasma generating module for the cervix according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 1b] 1 is a perspective view showing a plasma generating device to which a plasma generating module for the cervix according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2a] FIG. 1b is an exploded perspective view of the cervical plasma generating device shown in FIG. 1a. [Figure 2b] FIG. 1b is an exploded perspective view of the cervical plasma generating device shown in FIG. 1a. [Figure 3] FIG. 1b is a front view of the cervical plasma generator shown in FIG. 1a. [Figure 4] FIG. 1b is a plan view of the cervical plasma generating device shown in FIG. 1a. [Figure 5a] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG. 4. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 5a. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 1b is an exploded perspective view showing an extracted plasma generation module shown in FIG. 1a. [Figure 8] FIG. 1b is an exploded perspective view showing an extracted plasma generation module shown in FIG. 1a. [Figure 9a] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of the gas nozzle shown in FIG. 2a. [Figure 9b] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of the gas nozzle shown in FIG. 2a. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plasma generator for the cervix according to an embodiment of the present invention is inserted into the vagina to generate plasma. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a cervical plasma generating module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] 1a and 1b are diagrams showing a plasma generating device to which a cervical plasma generating module 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0038] 1a to 11, the plasma generating device for the cervix comprises a device main body 100, a probe section 200 extending from the device main body 100 and capable of entering the inside of the vagina of a human body, and a plasma generating module 300 installed at the tip of the probe section 200 and generating plasma by concentrating it on the surface of the cervix 10 of the human body.

[0039] The device body 100 includes a body housing 110 in which a transformer 500 is installed, a housing cover 120 coupled to one end of the body housing 110, and a cable support member 130 coupled to the side of the body housing 110 and through which a cable module 600 passes to support it. The body housing 110 has open ends, one end to which the housing cover 120 is coupled and the other end to which the probe unit 200 is coupled. To this end, the other end of the body housing 110 is formed with a probe coupling part 111 to which the probe unit 200 is closely coupled.

[0040] A transformer 500 is installed inside the main housing 110. The cable support member 130 is coupled to a side of the main housing 110 and has a tubular structure. Therefore, a cable module 600 can be passed through and connected to the main housing 110 from the outside to the inside through the cable support member 130.

[0041] Here, the cable module 600 may include a main power cable 610 that supplies power to the transformer 500, a gas supply hose 620 that supplies atmospheric gas to the plasma generating module 300 via the probe unit 200, and a plasma suction tube 630 that sucks and collects the plasma and gas generated and used in the plasma generating module 300 through the probe unit 200. The main power cable 610, the gas supply hose 620, and the plasma suction tube 630 may be provided in a bundled form.

[0042] The power converted by the transformer 500 is provided to the plasma generating module 300 via the electrode pin 340 (described later) through the sub-power cable 640. The transformer 500 receives power from an external source, amplifies (converts) the power, and immediately provides the amplified power to the electrode 350 (described later) via the probe unit 200. Installing the transformer 500 inside the device body 100 installed in the plasma generating module 300 offers the following advantages over the conventional technology of installing an external transformer to amplify and supply voltage. Specifically, installing a transformer outside the device body 100 of the plasma generating device to amplify and supply voltage can generate high-voltage radiation noise, affecting peripheral devices and causing irregular power loss depending on external conditions. For example, if the power cable is twisted in a specific shape, it can form an antenna structure and generate radiation noise. Furthermore, if the power cable is placed close to the ground wire, a strong magnetic field can be generated. Furthermore, when using a plasma generating device, output value can become unstable depending on the operating environment, such as the user's movements. Increasing the output value to address this issue can worsen the electromagnetic wave radiation problem.

[0043] On the other hand, when the transformer 500 is installed inside the device body 100 as in the present invention, the voltage is amplified inside the device body 100 and provided to the electrode 350 over the shortest distance, thereby significantly lowering the voltage of the electric wire and minimizing radiated power, and power can be completely transmitted to the source, i.e., the electrode 350, without voltage loss. In particular, the length of the sub-power cable 640 connecting the transformer 500 and the electrode pin 340 inside the probe unit 200 can be minimized, and the transformer 500 and the electrode pin 340 are not affected by the external environment and do not move or deform, thereby solving problems such as electromagnetic wave generation and energy radiation.

[0044] The probe unit 200 has a tubular structure that penetrates from one end to the other. The probe unit 200 includes a tubular probe body 210 having a predetermined outer diameter and a coupling flange 220 that is extended from one end of the probe body 210 and tightly connects to the probe coupling portion 111 of the body housing 110 to maintain an airtight seal. The probe body 210 has an open structure at both ends and is formed to have an appropriate outer diameter and length so that it can be retracted into the vagina of a human body. The coupling flange 220 is integrally extended from one end of the probe body 210 and tightly connects to the probe coupling portion 111 of the body housing 110 using a fastening means such as a screw. The plasma generating module 300 is connected to the other end of the probe body 210. To this end, an inner coupling portion 230 for connecting the plasma generating module 300 is formed on the inner periphery of the other end of the probe body 210, and the inner coupling portion 230 may include a thread.

[0045] The plasma generation module 300 includes a module body 310 connected to the inner connection part 230 of the probe body 210, a dielectric 320 connected to the outer front of the module body 310, a gas supply nozzle 330 and an electrode pin 340 installed on the module body 310, an electrode 350 installed between the module body 310 and the dielectric 320, and a plasma collection part that collects the ambient gas supplied between the dielectric 320 and the surface of the cervix 10 and the generated plasma inside the probe part 200.

[0046] The module body 310 includes a central cylindrical portion 311 located approximately at the center of the longitudinal direction, a first coupling portion 313 extending cylindrically from one end of the central cylindrical portion 311 and coupled to the inner coupling portion 230 of the probe body 210, and a second coupling portion 315 extending from the other end of the central cylindrical portion 311 and coupled to the dielectric 320. The central cylindrical portion 311 has an outer diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the probe body 210, and a partition wall 311a is formed therein. The partition wall 311a is formed to separate the interior of the module body 310 between the first and second coupling portions 313 and 315. A nozzle coupling hole h1, through which the gas supply nozzle 330 passes and is coupled, is formed through the center of the partition wall 311a. An electrode pin coupling hole h2, through which the electrode pin 340 is fitted and coupled, is formed through the partition wall 311a so as to communicate with an end of the second coupling portion 314. The first and second coupling parts 313 and 315 have an outer diameter smaller than that of the central cylindrical part 311. Therefore, the first coupling part 313 is inserted into the inner coupling part 230 of the probe body 210 and threadedly coupled thereto, and the second coupling part 315 is coupled to the dielectric 320. A sealing groove into which a sealing ring is coupled may be formed in an annular shape on the outer periphery of the first coupling part 313.

[0047] In addition, a first recess g1 is formed concentrically with the nozzle coupling hole h1 at a predetermined depth from an end of the second coupling portion 315, and a second recess g2 is formed concentrically with the nozzle coupling hole h1 at the bottom of the first recess g1. The second recess g2 is connected to the nozzle coupling hole h1. The electrode pin coupling hole h2 is formed to pass through the partition wall 311a and extend to be exposed outside the first recess g1. Therefore, the electrode pin 340 coupled to the electrode pin coupling hole h2 is installed to protrude into the first recess g1.

[0048] Additionally, a plurality of first plasma recovery paths 316 of the plasma recovery unit are formed on the outer periphery of the central cylindrical portion 311. The first plasma recovery paths 316 are formed at predetermined intervals around the outer periphery of the central cylindrical portion 311. Each first plasma recovery path 316 includes a plasma recovery groove 316a extending a predetermined length into the outer periphery of the central cylindrical portion 311, and a plasma recovery hole 316b connected to one end of the plasma recovery groove 316a and communicating with the internal space of the first coupling portion 313. The plasma recovery groove 316a begins at the boundary between the central cylindrical portion 311 and the second coupling portion 315 and extends to a position where it passes through the partition wall 311a of the central cylindrical portion 311. The plasma recovery hole 316b is formed to connect the plasma recovery groove 316a to the internal space of the first coupling portion 313, i.e., the internal space of the probe body 210.

[0049] The dielectric 320 is coupled to the second coupling portion 315 of the module body 310, and allows plasma to be generated in a large area over the surface of the cervix 10, that is, the external cervical canal 11 and the internal cervical canal 12.

[0050] The dielectric 320 includes a cylindrical dielectric body 321 connected to the second connecting part 315, a large-area discharge cover part 323 extending forward from the dielectric body 321 and having a shape corresponding to the external cervical canal 11, a large-area discharge protrusion 325 protruding outward from the center of the large-area discharge cover part 323 and positioned toward the internal cervical canal 12 of the cervix 10 to generate plasma, and a gas discharge part 327 that moves the ambient gas supplied by the gas supply nozzle 330 between the module body 310 and the electrode 350 to the plasma generation space between the large-area discharge cover part 323 and the cervix 10.

[0051] The dielectric body 321 may have a coupling hook 321a protruding inward at an end thereof so as to be coupled to the outside of the second coupling part 315 in a one-touch manner. For this purpose, it is preferable that a ring-shaped coupling groove into which the coupling hook 321a is coupled is formed on the outer surface of the second coupling part 315.

[0052] The connecting portion 324 between the dielectric body 321 and the large-area discharge cover portion 323 is rounded. The large-area discharge cover portion 323 is recessed from the connecting portion 324 toward the center. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 11, the large-area discharge cover portion 323 can be positioned to enclose the external cervical canal 11 while maintaining a predetermined distance from it. Preferably, a number of gap maintaining protrusions 323a are protruded from the outer surface of the large-area discharge cover portion 323. These gap maintaining protrusions 323a can maintain a plasma generation space, i.e., an optimal distance, between the large-area discharge cover portion 323 and the external cervical canal 11, which allows plasma energy to be generated effectively, and plasma can be generated at that fine distance.

[0053] In addition, a large-area discharge protrusion 325 is formed to protrude from the center of the large-area discharge cover part 323. The large-area discharge protrusion 325 has a conical shape with an outer diameter that decreases toward the end. Preferably, spacing ribs 325a are formed on the outer surface of the large-area discharge protrusion 325 in the longitudinal direction of the large-area discharge protrusion 325. The spacing ribs 325a are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the large-area discharge protrusion 325, thereby maintaining an optimal spacing so that plasma can be effectively generated between the large-area discharge protrusion 325 and the intracervical canal 12 by resonance.

[0054] The large-area discharge protrusion 325 configured as described above is formed to be positioned at the entrance of the intracervical canal 12, thereby guiding the dielectric 320 to accurately position itself at the center of the cervix and maintain a stable posture. In addition, the spacing maintaining rib 325a maintains a distance between the large-area discharge protrusion 325 and the intracervical canal 12 that allows effective generation of plasma by resonance. Therefore, even in the intracervical canal 12, plasma can be generated in the DBD method between the surface of the intracervical canal, which is the target object, and the large-area discharge protrusion 325.

[0055] The gas discharge portions 327 are arranged in plurality around the large-area discharge protrusion 325. The gas discharge portions 327 are formed to protrude inward from the large-area discharge cover portion 323, preferably to a length that allows them to pass through a through-hole 351b of an electrode 350 (described later) and enter the second inlet groove g2 of the second coupling portion 315. The gas discharge portions 327 are formed to penetrate the boundary between the large-area discharge cover portion 323 and the large-area discharge protrusion 325, and supply gas to the plasma generation space between the cervix 10 and the dielectric 320. An end of the gas discharge portion 327 is coupled to the mounting groove 331b of the gas supply nozzle 330.

[0056] In addition, a second plasma collection path 328 of the plasma collection part is formed on the outer surface of the dielectric 320. The second plasma collection path 328 preferably includes a slit formed to extend from the outer surface of the large-area discharge cover part 323 to the end of the dielectric body 321. A plurality of second plasma collection paths 328 are formed, and are formed at positions connected to the first plasma collection path 316.

[0057] The dielectric 320 having the above-described configuration can secure a space by maintaining a minute gap between the external cervical canal 11 and the gas is supplied to the secured space. Therefore, when power is supplied to the electrode 350 located inside the dielectric 320, plasma can be generated in the best condition in the plasma generation space between the dielectric 320 and the cervix 10, which is the target object.

[0058] In addition, as described above, the plasma and gas generated in the space between the dielectric 320 and the cervix 10 can be sucked and collected inside the probe unit 200. Therefore, the plasma generation space is not expanded more than necessary by the gas, and a predetermined distance can be maintained, and the gas is collected in real time for heat exchange, minimizing heat generation of the target body (cervix) due to the plasma.

[0059] The gas supply nozzle 330 supplies ambient gas to the space between the module body 310 and the electrode 350. The gas supply nozzle 330 includes a gas nozzle body 331 mounted in the second inlet groove g2 of the module body 310, a hose coupling 333 protruding from one end of the gas nozzle body 331, and a gas discharge portion 335 protruding from the other end of the gas nozzle body 331. The gas nozzle body 331 has a plate shape and is inserted into the second inlet groove g2 for installation. The hose coupling 333 protrudes from the center of one end of the gas nozzle body 331. The hose coupling 333 is coaxial with the gas discharge portion 335 protruding from the center of the other end of the gas nozzle body 331, and shares the nozzle hole 332 with the gas nozzle body 331.

[0060] In addition, a plurality of gas inlet holes 331a are formed on the outer surface of the gas nozzle body 331. Preferably, the gas inlet holes 331a are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the gas nozzle body 331. In addition, a mounting groove 331b to which the gas discharge part 327 is coupled is formed on the other surface of the gas nozzle body 331. The mounting groove 331b is formed in plurality so as to communicate with the gas inlet holes 331a. As a result, gas supplied through the gas supply nozzle 330 can flow into the gas discharge part 327 and be supplied between the target object and the dielectric 320.

[0061] The hose coupling part 333 protrudes a predetermined length from the center of one surface of the gas nozzle body 331 and is located inside the probe part 200. A gas supply hose 620 is coupled to the hose coupling part 333. The gas supply hose 620 is included in the cable module 600, enters the inside of the probe part 200, and is coupled to the hose coupling part 333, thereby supplying the ambient gas through the gas supply nozzle 330.

[0062] The gas discharge part 335 is formed to protrude from the other end of the gas nozzle body 331 and discharges the ambient gas supplied through the gas supply hose 620 connected to the hose connecting part 333 .

[0063] The gas supply nozzle 330 having the above-described configuration is coupled to the module body 310 such that the hose coupling part 333 passes through the nozzle coupling hole h1 and protrudes into the first coupling part 313.

[0064] The electrode pin 340 is coupled to the electrode pin coupling hole h2 of the module body 310. The electrode pin 340 includes a pin body 341 that passes through the electrode pin coupling hole h2 to be fixedly coupled thereto, a contact pin 343 that is installed to protrude from the tip of the pin body 341 and contacts the electrode 350, and an elastic member 345 that elastically presses the contact pin 343 to protrude from the tip of the pin body 341. The elastic member 345 is installed inside the pin body 341 and elastically presses the contact pin 343 to stably maintain contact with the electrode 350. The electrode pin 340 is connected to the transformer 500 via a sub-power cable 640 and directly receives amplified power.

[0065] The electrode 350 includes a main electrode 351 having a disk shape corresponding to the large-area discharge cover 323, and a sub-electrode 353 protruding from the center of the main electrode 351 and positioned inside the large-area discharge protrusion 325. The front surface of the main electrode 351 that contacts the dielectric 320 is formed with a recess 351a recessed from the periphery to contact the large-area discharge cover 323. The main electrode 351 also has a through-hole 351b through which the gas discharge portion 327 passes and is coupled. The sub-electrode 353 protrudes from the center of the main electrode 351 in a shape corresponding to the large-area discharge protrusion 325. As the sub-electrode 353 is coupled to and formed to protrude into the large-area discharge protrusion 325, plasma can be effectively generated by resonance in the space between the large-area discharge protrusion 325 and the intracervical canal 12.

[0066] The electrode 350 having the above-described structure is installed between the module body 310 and the dielectric 320, and is maintained in a state of being electrically insulated from the outside.

[0067] The effects of the plasma generating module for the cervix according to the embodiment of the present invention having the above-described configuration will be described in detail below.

[0068] First, by using the cervical plasma generator configured as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, plasma energy can be generated in the cervix, thereby providing therapeutic benefits to those with precancerous cervical lesions. To this end, the probe unit 200 is inserted into the vagina. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the probe unit 200 is fully inserted into the vagina, the dielectric 320 of the plasma generation module 300 is positioned in close contact with the extracervical canal 11. In particular, the large-area discharge protrusion 325 is positioned at the entrance of the extracervical canal 12, allowing the dielectric 320 to be accurately positioned relative to the extracervical canal 11. Furthermore, the outer shape of the dielectric 320 and the protrusions 323a protruding from the outside prevent the dielectric 320 from adhering to the extracervical canal 11, ensuring an optimal space for the plasma energy to be effectively generated and acted upon. That is, the plasma generation module 300 of the present invention is a direct DBD large-area discharge method, and the closer the distance to the target body, the easier it is to generate plasma. However, when the target body and the dielectric 320 come into complete contact, the resonance region disappears and plasma generation is suppressed. When the protrusions 323a are formed on the surface of the large-area discharge cover part 323, the distance to the target body (cervix) can be maintained constant, and contact between the target body and the dielectric 320 can be prevented, allowing plasma to be generated effectively.

[0069] In addition, the protrusions 323a provided on the dielectric 320 maintain a gap between the dielectric 320 and the target object, thereby supplying gas and ensuring plasma discharge stability, and by allowing fluid to move quickly between the small protrusions 323a, laminar flow on the surface of the target object can be suppressed and heat can be exchanged quickly, minimizing heat generation of the target object by plasma.

[0070] Meanwhile, when the probe unit 200 is inserted into the vagina and the plasma generator is activated, power amplified and converted by the transformer 500 is supplied to the electrode 350 via the electrode pin 340. Ambient gas is also supplied to the gas supply nozzle 330 and the gas outlet 327 via the gas supply hose 620, and is then supplied to the plasma generation space, i.e., the minute space between the dielectric 320 and the target body (cervix). This generates resonance in the plasma generation space, discharging plasma energy, which then acts on the surfaces of the extrauterine cervical canal 11 and the intrauterine cervical canal 12. This effectively kills cancer cells in the extrauterine cervical canal 11 and the intrauterine cervical canal 120. That is, the dielectric 320 surrounds the surface of the cervix 10 while maintaining a predetermined distance, and plasma is directly generated by resonance in the plasma generation space between them, thereby efficiently transmitting electrical energy, ion energy, optical (physical) effects, ROS, and RNS. By maintaining a constant distance between the dielectric 320 and the cervix 10 in this way, a large area of ​​the cervix can be effectively treated with a small flow rate at the same voltage regardless of the treatment area, reducing power consumption and improving the plasma treatment effect. This also improves plasma generation efficiency and treatment efficiency without increasing the capacity of the transformer 500, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0071] In addition, the ambient gas and plasma remaining in the plasma generation space between the cervix 10 and the dielectric 320 are drawn into and collected in the probe unit 200 via the second plasma collection path 328 and the first plasma collection path 316. Therefore, the distance between the plasma generation spaces can be maintained constant, and heat exchange can be performed quickly, minimizing heat generation in the cervix 10 due to plasma.

[0072] The atmospheric gas and plasma drawn into the probe unit 200 can be collected and processed outside through the suction pipe 630. Here, even if the outer surface of the dielectric 320 is in close contact with the inner wall of the vagina, the second plasma collection path 328 and the first plasma collection path 316 are formed in a slit structure, so that the plasma collection paths are prevented from being blocked and the atmospheric gas and plasma can be collected effectively.

[0073] The plasma generating module for the cervix having the above-described configuration is optimized for the structure inside the vagina and the unique shape of the cervix. That is, the dielectric 320 of the plasma generating module 300 has a configuration that can maintain an optimal distance between the external cervical canal 11 and the internal cervical canal 12 of the cervix 10 for the generation and action of plasma energy, thereby enabling effective generation of plasma energy for killing cancer cells in the external cervical canal 11 and the internal cervical canal 12 of the cervix.

[0074] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, such modifications and variations should not be understood separately from the technical spirit and perspective of the present invention, and the modified embodiments can be considered to fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0075] It is possible to provide a plasma generation module for the cervix that can generate plasma intensively in both the external and internal cervical canals in the uterine cervix transformation zone where precancerous lesions of the cervix occur.

Claims

1. A module body; a dielectric formed on the front outer side of the module body, the dielectric facing the cervix while maintaining a first gap therebetween, the first gap being a gap for forming a plasma generation space; an electrode having a shape corresponding to the shape of the dielectric material, to which a voltage for generating plasma is applied in the plasma generation space; a gas supply nozzle for supplying an atmospheric gas moving into the plasma generation space; The dielectric material is a distance between the uterine cervix and the ectocervix, the distance being included in the first distance; a large-area discharge cover portion that maintains the second gap; a large-area discharge protrusion formed protruding from the large-area discharge cover portion and positioned in the intracervical canal of the cervix, The distance between the uterine cervix and the uterus is included in the first distance. a large area discharge protrusion that maintains the third spacing; A plasma generating module for the cervix, comprising:

2. A plasma generating module for the cervix as described in claim 1, characterized in that the dielectric is formed with a gas discharge portion that discharges the atmospheric gas supplied by the gas supply nozzle into the plasma generation space.

3. The gas discharge unit is 3. The plasma generating module for the cervix according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the large-area discharge protrusions are formed around the center.

4. The large area discharge cover portion is The plasma generating module for the cervix according to claim 1, wherein a recessed area recessed toward the outside of the large-area discharge cover part is formed near the large-area discharge protrusion part.

5. 2. The plasma generating module for the cervix according to claim 1, wherein a number of protrusions are formed on a surface of the large-area discharge cover to maintain a distance when in contact with the extracervical canal and secure the plasma generating space.

6. The plasma generating module for the cervix according to claim 1, further comprising a plasma collecting unit for collecting plasma generated in the space between the dielectric and the cervix.

7. The large area discharge protrusion is 2. The plasma generating module for the cervix according to claim 1, which has a conical shape with an outer diameter that decreases toward the end.

8. 2. The plasma generating module for the cervix according to claim 1, wherein a rib for maintaining a distance is formed on the surface of the large-area discharge protrusion in the longitudinal direction of the large-area discharge protrusion.

9. The plasma generating module for the cervix according to claim 8, wherein the spacing ribs are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the surface of the large-area discharge protrusion.

10. The plasma generating module for the cervix according to claim 1, further comprising an electrode pin connected to a power source, wherein the electrode receives a voltage for generating the plasma through the electrode pin.

11. The electrode is a main electrode portion having a shape corresponding to the large-area discharge cover portion; The plasma generating module for the cervix according to claim 1, further comprising a sub-electrode portion having a shape corresponding to the large-area discharge protrusion portion.

12. The main electrode portion is The plasma generating module for the cervix according to claim 11, wherein a recessed area recessed from the outside of the main electrode is formed near the sub-electrode.

13. The sub-electrode portion is The plasma generating module for the cervix according to claim 11, wherein the large-area discharge protrusion is formed to protrude from the main electrode portion and protrude into the large-area discharge protrusion.

14. A device body, a probe portion connected to the device body and capable of entering the inside of a vagina of a human body; a plasma generating module that is installed at the tip of the probe unit and generates plasma at the cervix, the plasma generating module having a module body; Including, The plasma generation module includes: a dielectric formed on the front outer side of the module body, the dielectric facing the cervix while maintaining a first gap between the dielectric and the cervix, the first gap being a gap for a plasma generation space; an electrode having a shape corresponding to the shape of the dielectric material, to which a voltage for generating plasma is applied in the plasma generating space; and a gas supply nozzle for supplying an ambient gas moving into the plasma generating space; Including, The dielectric material is a distance between the uterine cervix and the ectocervix, the distance being included in the first distance; a large-area discharge cover portion that maintains the second gap; a large-area discharge protrusion formed protruding from the large-area discharge cover portion and positioned in the intracervical canal of the cervix, The distance between the uterine cervix and the uterus is included in the first distance. a large area discharge protrusion that maintains the third spacing; A plasma generator for the cervix, comprising:

15. The device body includes: a probe binding portion to which the probe portion binds; The cervical plasma generator according to claim 14, further comprising a cable support member for supporting the cable module.

16. The cable module includes: a power cable for supplying power; a gas supply hose for supplying atmospheric gas; 16. The plasma generating device for the cervix according to claim 15, further comprising at least one plasma suction tube for suctioning and collecting the plasma and gas generated and used in the plasma generating module.

17. The cervical plasma generator according to claim 16, wherein the cable module is in a bundle shape.

18. The probe unit includes:

15. The plasma generating device for the cervix according to claim 14, wherein the device is formed to have an outer diameter and length that can be inserted into the vagina of a human body.

19. The cervical plasma generating device according to claim 14, wherein a coupling part is formed at one end of the probe part to be tightly coupled to the device body.

20. The plasma generating device for the cervix according to claim 14, wherein a coupling part for coupling a plasma generating module is formed at the other end of the probe part.

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