Ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy

Abstract

The ureteroscope (100) for suction fragmentation includes a ureteroscope body (10), an operation section (20) operably provided on the ureteroscope body (10), and a stone fragmentation mechanism (30). The ureteroscope body (10) includes a tubular structure body (11) and a suction passage (13) extending from a front end (110) to a rear end (120) within the tubular structure body (11), and the suction passage (13) has a suction port (131) located at the front end (110). The calculus crushing mechanism (30) is movably provided in the tubular structure main body (11) and can be switched between a first state and a second state, in which the crushing head (32) of the calculus crushing mechanism (30) protrudes from the suction port (131) to crush the calculus in the first state, and in which the crushing head (32) of the calculus crushing mechanism (30) retracts into the suction port (131) to crush the stone blocking the suction port (131) in the second state. The ureteroscope (100 for suction crushing) prevents the suction port from being blocked by crushed stones by suction crushing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical devices, and particularly to a ureteroscope for aspiration lithotripsy.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, ureteroscopes have been widely used in the treatment of urinary system stone diseases. Specifically, a ureteroscope can enter from the urethral orifice into the ureter or the kidney, and medical staff can observe the situation inside the kidney by combining the ureteroscope with devices such as an image acquisition device and a lighting device, and crush the stone at the target position.

[0003] During actual use, in the process of crushing stones with a ureteroscope, when the size of the stone is large, it is difficult for a conventional ureteroscope to pulverize the stone after crushing it to a crushed stone with an equivalent diameter of about 2 mm, and it is also difficult to discharge the crushed stone outside the patient's body by an effective discharge mechanism. Therefore, after crushing stones with a conventional ureteroscope, 60% - 90% of the crushed stones remain in the kidney, and it is difficult to discharge them naturally outside the body in a timely manner, so the discharge rate of the crushed stones is low. The remaining crushed stones may form a stone street in the ureter and block the ureter, which is one of the factors with a high stone recurrence rate.

[0004] To solve this problem, a design proposal for a ureteroscope capable of discharging crushed stones has been proposed. In this design proposal, a crushed stone discharge mechanism is provided in the ureteroscope to discharge the crushed stones outside the body in a timely manner. However, during actual use, the crushed stones are likely to be clogged in the discharge mechanism of the ureteroscope and are difficult to be discharged outside the patient's body.

[0005] Therefore, a new stone discharge means for avoiding clogging during the discharge of crushed stones is required.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] One object of this application is to provide a ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy, which can prevent the suction port from being blocked by the fragmented stones during "suction lithotripsy".

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy, wherein the lithotripsy mechanism of the ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy can not only break up stones formed in the kidney, but also break up stones located at the suction port of the suction passage for discharging the broken stones, thereby preventing the suction port from becoming blocked by the broken stones.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy, which can rapidly remove fragmented stones and improve the efficiency of stone removal.

[0009] Another object of this application is to provide a ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy, wherein when fragmented stones are aspirated into the suction port, a lithotripsy mechanism located at the suction port can accurately fragment the fragmented stones.

[0010] Another object of this application is to provide a ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy, wherein when the fragmented stones become lodged in the suction port, the position of the fragmented stones stabilizes, and the lithotripsy mechanism located in the suction port is able to more easily fragment the stones.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy, which improves the design flexibility of the suction port and the inlet by rationally arranging the inlet of the injection passage and the suction port of the suction passage, thereby allowing both the suction port and the inlet port to be enlarged, in which case the fragments can pass through more easily and the fragments can not block the ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy.

[0012] Other advantages and features of this application will become apparent from the following description and will be realized by means and combinations specifically provided in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To achieve at least one of the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present application, the present application is provided for: The ureteroscope body has a front end and a rear end, an operating unit is operably connected to the rear end of the ureteroscope body, and a lithotripsy mechanism is included. The ureteroscope body includes a tubular structure body, at least one injection passage extending from the rear end to the front end within the tubular structure body and having at least one injection port located at the front end, and a suction passage extending from the front end to the rear end within the tubular structure body and having a suction port located at the front end, The lithotripsy mechanism is movably provided within the main body of the tube structure and can be switched between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the crushing head of the lithotripsy mechanism extends out from the suction port to crush stones, and in the second state, the crushing head of the lithotripsy mechanism retracts into the suction port to crush stones blocking the suction port.

[0014] In the ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to the present invention, the ureteroscope body further includes a lithotripsy passage communicating with the suction passage, the lithotripsy mechanism is extended and retractable in the lithotripsy passage, and when the lithotripsy mechanism is in a first state, the lithotripsy head enters the suction passage through the lithotripsy passage and extends out of the suction port.

[0015] In the ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to the present invention, the stone fragmentation passage includes a main body and a communicating portion extending between the main body and the suction passage, the communicating portion connecting the suction passage and the main body.

[0016] In the ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to the present invention, the angle between the central axis of the communication portion and the central axis of the suction passage is 0° to 45°.

[0017] In the ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to the present invention, the tubular structure body has a front end surface and an outer circumferential surface, the suction port is formed on the front end surface, and the front end surface of the tubular structure body extends diagonally forward along an axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body, from the first side of the outer circumferential surface toward the second side opposite the first side.

[0018] In the ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to the present invention, when the stone fragmentation mechanism is in the second state, the fragmentation head of the stone fragmentation mechanism is located in the central region of the suction port.

[0019] In the ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to the present invention, when the stone fragmentation mechanism is in the second state, the tip of the fragmentation head of the stone fragmentation mechanism is flush with the front end surface.

[0020] In the ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to the present invention, the stone fragmentation passage is located laterally to the suction passage.

[0021] In the ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to the present invention, the lithotripsy passage extends between the suction passage and the rear end of the ureteroscope body, and the lithotripsy passage has a communication port that communicates with the suction passage.

[0022] In the ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to the present invention, the operating section includes a first operating end communicating with the injection passage, a second operating end communicating with the suction passage, and a third operating end communicating with the lithotripsy passage.

[0023] In the ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to the present invention, the inlet of the injection passage has a first orientation, allowing fluid to be injected into the renal pelvis from the inlet along the injection passage in the first direction indicated by the first orientation, and the suction port of the suction passage has a second orientation that forms a predetermined angle with the first orientation, allowing the fluid to be redirected within the renal pelvis and then drawn into the suction passage from the suction port in the second direction indicated by the second orientation to form fluid circulation.

[0024] In the ureteroscope for aspiration fragmentation according to the present application, the tube structure body has a front end face and an outer peripheral face formed on the front end face, the injection port is formed on the outer peripheral face of the tube structure body, and the suction port is formed on the front end face of the tube structure body.

[0025] Still other objects and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following description and the understanding of the drawings described later.

[0026] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings and the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] By referring to the drawings and describing the embodiments of the present application in more detail, the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present application will become more apparent. The drawings are provided for a further understanding of the embodiments of the present application, form a part of this specification, and are for interpreting the present application together with the embodiments of the present application, and do not limit the present application. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally indicate the same parts or steps.

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of the operation of a conventional ureteroscope. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing a ureteroscope for aspiration fragmentation according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3] It is another schematic diagram showing a ureteroscope for aspiration fragmentation according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram showing the ureteroscope body of a ureteroscope for aspiration fragmentation according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5A] It is a partial schematic diagram (Part 1) showing the ureteroscope body of a ureteroscope for aspiration fragmentation according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5B] It is a partial schematic diagram (Part 2) showing the ureteroscope body of a ureteroscope for aspiration fragmentation according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5C] It is a partial schematic diagram (Part 3) showing the ureteroscope body of a ureteroscope for aspiration fragmentation according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5D]This is a schematic diagram (part 4) showing the ureteroscope body of the ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the ureteroscope body of a ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6B] This is a partial perspective view showing the ureteroscope body of a ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7A] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the ureteroscope body of a ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to one modified example of the present invention. [Figure 7B] This is a partial perspective view showing the ureteroscope body of a ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to one modified example of the present invention. [Figure 8A] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the ureteroscope body of a ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy, which is another modified example of the embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8B] This is a partial perspective view showing the ureteroscope body of a ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to another modified example of the embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9A] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the ureteroscope body of a ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy, which is a further modified example of the embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9B] This is a partial perspective view showing the ureteroscope body of a ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy, which is a further modified example of the embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] This is yet another partial cross-sectional view showing the ureteroscope body of a ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11A] This is a schematic diagram (part 1) showing the operation process of a ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11B] This is a schematic diagram (part 2) showing the operation process of the ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11C] This is a schematic diagram (part 3) showing the operation process of the ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11D] This is a schematic diagram (part 4) showing the operation process of the ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments relating to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Clearly, the embodiments described are only a selection of embodiments of the present application, not all embodiments, and the present application is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0030] Application Summary As mentioned above, in the process of crushing kidney stones using a ureteroscope, if the stone is large, conventional ureteroscopes have difficulty crushing the stone to a size of approximately 2 mm in equivalent diameter and then pulverizing it. Furthermore, it is difficult to expel the fragments from the patient's body through an effective expulsion mechanism. The remaining fragments are one of the factors contributing to the high recurrence rate of kidney stones.

[0031] In this design proposal, a stone removal mechanism is provided in the ureteroscope to promptly remove the stones from the body. However, during actual use, the stones tend to clog the removal mechanism of the ureteroscope, making it difficult to remove them from the patient's body.

[0032] Specifically, to remove fragmented stones, some ureteroscopes use the principle of negative pressure suction to draw the fragmented stones into an excretory passage and expel them from the body through that passage. As shown in Figure 1, taking the removal of stones in the renal pelvis with a ureteroscope as an example, first, an optical fiber for fragmenting the stones can extend from the tip of the ureteroscope and emit a laser, which can generate a strong impact force. Next, the laser acts on the stone, and because the stone is embedded in the renal pelvis, it is caught by the kidney after receiving the impact force and is difficult to move afterward, so it receives most of the laser energy and is further fragmented. However, if the newly fragmented stone is in a movable state and the laser acts on the fragmented stone (i.e., lithotripsy), the fragmented stone is not fixed and is repelled by the impact force, making it more difficult to further fragment. Furthermore, when crushed stone is drawn into the entrance of the discharge passage, and when large pieces of crushed stone are drawn into the entrance of the discharge passage, or when a large amount of crushed stone is simultaneously pushed into the entrance of the discharge passage, the entrance of the discharge passage becomes blocked, making it difficult for the crushed stones to be discharged.

[0033] The inventors of this application propose a stone removal method called "suction crushing" that, through the cooperation of stone suction and stone crushing, prevents the suction port of the suction passage for discharging crushed stone from becoming blocked by the crushed stones. Specifically, the negative pressure within the suction passage draws the crushed stones into the suction port, while the stone crushing mechanism located at the suction port further crushes the crushed stones.

[0034] Based on this, the present application provides a ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy. This ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy includes a ureteroscope body having a front end and a rear end, an operating unit operably connected to the rear end of the ureteroscope body, and a lithotripsy mechanism. The ureteroscope body includes a tubular structure body, at least one injection passage extending from the rear end to the front end within the tubular structure body and having at least one injection port located at the front end, and a suction passage extending from the front end to the rear end within the tubular structure body and having a suction port located at the front end. The lithotripsy mechanism is movably provided within the tubular structure body and is switchable between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the crushing head of the lithotripsy mechanism extends from the suction port to crush stones, and in the second state, the crushing head of the lithotripsy mechanism retracts into the suction port to crush stones blocking the suction port.

[0035] Example: Ureteroscope Referring to Figures 2 to 11D, the ureteroscope 100 for suction lithotripsy according to an embodiment of the present application will be described. For the sake of explanation, the ureteroscope 100 for suction lithotripsy will be described as an example in which it is applied to the treatment of stones c in the renal pelvis p.

[0036] The ureteroscope 100 for suction lithotripsy is used to examine the condition of the kidney, to break up stones c in the renal pelvis p, and to guide and expel the broken stones (i.e., lithotripsy). In the embodiment of the present application, the ureteroscope 100 for suction lithotripsy includes a ureteroscope body 10 having a front end 110 and a rear end 120, an operating unit 20 operably connected to the rear end 120 of the ureteroscope body 10, and a lithotripsy mechanism 30 for breaking up stones.

[0037] During actual use, the ureteroscope body 10 can be inserted into the ureter or kidney from the urethra as the insertion part of the ureteroscope 100 for suction lithotripsy, and the ureteroscope body 10 may be equipped with an image acquisition device 300 and a light source 400 to take images of the kidney and the stones located within the kidney. Preferably, the ureteroscope body 10 has a smooth outer surface, or its outer surface becomes smooth after it enters the patient's body, thereby allowing the ureteroscope body 10 to enter the kidney smoothly. As shown in Figure 2, the operating unit 20 acts as a bridge connecting the ureteroscope 100 for suction lithotripsy and external equipment, and is communicatively connected to an image output device 500 (for example, a computer communicatively connected to the image acquisition device 300) to acquire images of the kidney, and further facilitates the user's observation of the condition of the stones c in the renal pelvis p. Furthermore, the operable members (for example, the stone fragmentation mechanism 30, the guide mechanism 600, the fluid injection device 700, and the suction device 800) can perform other functional operations via the operating unit 20. For example, the holmium laser that enters the ureteroscope body 10 via the operating unit 20 can fragment the stone c in the renal pelvis p, and further, for example, the suction device 800, which communicates with the ureteroscope body 10 via the operating unit 20, can aspirate the fragmented stone from within the kidney.

[0038] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the ureteroscope body 10 includes a tubular structure body 11, at least one injection passage 12, and a suction passage 13. The at least one injection passage 12 extends from the rear end 120 to the front end 110 within the tubular structure body 11, and the suction passage 13 extends from the front end 110 to the rear end 120 within the tubular structure body 11. Preferably, the injection passage 12 and the suction passage 13 are independent of each other so as to guide fluid into the kidney through the injection passage 12 to push out the stone fragments, while simultaneously drawing the fluid containing the stone fragments into the suction passage 13, and so as to avoid interference between the pushing out of the stone fragments and the suction of the stone fragments.

[0039] The at least one infusion passage 12 has at least one inlet 121 located at the front end 110 and at least one first operating port 122 communicating with the at least one inlet 121, and the fluid can reach the kidney from the inlet 121 and flush out the fragmented stones in the kidney. The suction passage 13 has a suction port 131 located at the front end 110 and a second operating port 132 communicating with the suction port 131, and the fragmented stones are sucked into the suction port 131 and enter the suction passage 13 from the suction port 131 and discharged through the suction passage 13.

[0040] Accordingly, the operating unit 20 includes an operating body 21, a first operating end 22 provided on the operating body 21 and communicating with the injection passage 12, and a second operating end 23 provided on the operating body 21 and communicating with the suction passage 13. The operating unit 20 communicates with the injection passage 12 via the first operating end 22 which communicates with the first operating port 122, and with the suction passage 13 via the second operating end 23 which communicates with the second operating port 132. The first operating end 22 is connected to an infusion device 700, which allows the infusion device 700 to inject fluid into the renal pelvis p via the injection passage 12 to flush out the stone fragments, and the second operating end 23 is connected to a suction device 800 (e.g., an air pump), which allows the suction device 800 to suction fluid and stone fragments near the suction passage 13 via the suction passage 13. To control the negative pressure in the suction passage 13, in one specific embodiment of the present application, the operating unit 20 further includes a negative pressure regulator 27 configured to adjust the air pressure in the suction passage 13, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0041] It should be understood that the functions of the first operating end 22 and the second operating end 23 are not limited to those of the present invention. The first operating end 22 and the second operating end 23 are configured to allow other devices to perform other functional operations. For example, the first operating end 22 is configured to allow the guide mechanism 600 to pass through the injection passage 12 and to guide the ureteroscope body 10 to the target position. It should be understood that the operating section 20 may include other operating ends that allow other devices to perform other functional operations.

[0042] In particular, in the embodiment of the present application, the suction passage 13 not only allows crushed stone to be sucked into the suction port 131, but also allows the crushing head 32 of the stone crushing mechanism 30 to extend out of or retract into the suction port 131, thereby crushing any crushed stone blocking the suction port 131. Specifically, the stone crushing mechanism 30 includes a stone crushing body 31 and a crushing head 32 formed on the stone crushing body 31, and the stone crushing mechanism 30 is movably provided within the pipe structure body 11 and is switchable between a first state and a second state. When the lithotripsy mechanism 30 is in the first state, the crushing head 32 of the lithotripsy mechanism 30 extends from the suction port 131 to crush the stones, and when the lithotripsy mechanism 30 is in the second state, the crushing head 32 of the lithotripsy mechanism 30 retracts into the suction port 131 to crush the stones that are blocking the suction port 131. In other words, the lithotripsy mechanism 30 can not only crush stones c formed in the renal pelvis p, but can also further crush the fragmented stones that are blocking the stone discharge passage.

[0043] Furthermore, when the lithotripsy mechanism 30 is in the first state, the lithotripsy mechanism 30 protrudes from the suction port 131, and the fragmented stones face the suction port 131, making them easier to suck into the suction port 131 and improving the efficiency of stone removal.

[0044] During actual use, some of the fragmented stones, due to their size, may block the suction port 131 when they reach it, making them difficult to expel and hindering the expulsion of other fragments, thus affecting the efficiency of stone expulsion and requiring further fragmentation. However, newly fragmented stones are in a movable state, and when the stone crushing mechanism 30 crushes movable stones, the position of the movable stones is constantly changing, making them less likely to be targeted by the stone crushing mechanism 30. On the other hand, as mentioned above, since the fragmented stones are not fixed, they are more likely to be repelled by impact forces and difficult to expel.

[0045] In the embodiment of the present invention, the stone suction and stone crushing work together to achieve precise crushing of the stones and improve the efficiency of stone removal. Specifically, the crushed stones are sucked into the suction port 131, the stone crushing mechanism 30 is switched to a second state, that is, it retracts into the suction port 131, and further accurately crushes the stones located in the suction port 131. The crushed stones then enter the suction passage 13 through the suction port 131 and are subsequently discharged from the body. In addition, the stones that block the suction port 131 become stuck in the suction port 131, thus stabilizing their position. In the process of the stone crushing mechanism 30 crushing the stone, when the stone is received by the inner circumferential wall of the suction passage 13 and the impact force from the stone crushing mechanism 30 acts on the stone, the stone receives most of the energy from the stone crushing mechanism 30 and is therefore more easily crushed. In this way, the crushed stone is quickly discharged, improving the efficiency of stone discharge.

[0046] When many fragments of stone are simultaneously sucked into the suction port 131, the suction port 131 also closes, and the stone crushing mechanism 30 is similarly switched to the second state, crushing at least some of the fragments of stone or pushing a lot of the fragments away, thereby keeping the suction port 131 open. This allows the fragments of stone to quickly pass through the suction port 131 and enter the suction passage 13, and then be expelled from the body, improving the efficiency of stone expulsion.

[0047] The type of lithotripsy mechanism 30 is not limited to the present invention, and the lithotripsy mechanism 30 may be a holmium laser or another type of tool capable of crushing the lithotripsy c. The holmium laser can emit a laser beam, and the energy from the holmium laser creates tiny bubbles in the water between the lithotripsy c and the holmium laser, transferring energy to the lithotripsy c and crushing it. In the process of the holmium laser crushing the lithotripsy c, the water absorbs a large amount of energy, thus reducing damage to the tissue surrounding the lithotripsy c caused by the holmium laser.

[0048] Furthermore, the ureteroscope body 10 further includes a lithotripsy passage 14 that communicates with the suction passage 13, and the lithotripsy mechanism 30 is extended and retractable in the lithotripsy passage 14. When the lithotripsy mechanism 30 is in a first state, the crushing head 32 extends through the lithotripsy passage 14 to the suction passage 13 so as to protrude from the suction port 131. In other words, the crushing head 32 of the lithotripsy mechanism 30 can enter the suction passage 13 along the lithotripsy passage 14 and protrude from the suction port 131.

[0049] In the embodiment of the present application, the lithotripsy passage 14 extends between the suction passage 13 and the rear end portion 120 of the ureteroscope body 10, and the lithotripsy passage 14 has a communication port 141 that communicates with the suction passage 13 and a third operating port 142 that communicates with the communication port 141 and is located at the rear end portion 120.

[0050] Accordingly, the operating unit 20 further includes a third operating end 24 that communicates with the lithotripsy passage 14, and the operating unit 20 communicates with the lithotripsy passage 14 via the third operating end 24 which communicates with the third operating port 142. The third operating end 24 allows the lithotripsy mechanism 30 to enter the lithotripsy passage 14 and the suction passage 13 that communicates with the lithotripsy passage 14 through the third operating port 142 that communicates with it. In other words, the lithotripsy mechanism 30 can enter the lithotripsy passage 14 and the suction passage 13 that communicates with the lithotripsy passage 14 through the third operating end 24 of the operating unit 20, and further enter the kidney to break up the stone c.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present application, the lithotripsy passage 14 includes a main body 143 and a communication portion 144 extending between the main body 143 and the suction passage 13, wherein the communication portion 144 has a communication opening 141 that communicates with the suction passage 13, and communicates with the suction passage 13 via the communication opening 141, and the communication portion 144 extends diagonally upward from the main body 143 along a predetermined direction to the suction passage 13. In one specific example of the present application, the angle between the predetermined extending direction and the central axis of the suction passage 13 is 0° to 45°. Accordingly, the angle between the central axis of the communication section 144 and the central axis of the suction passage 13 is 0° to 45°, and the crushing head 23 of the stone crushing mechanism 30 enters the suction port 131 in a direction that is inclined at 45° with respect to the central axis of the suction passage 13 along the communication section 144. The steeper the communication section 144, the closer its central axis and the central axis of the suction passage 13 become to overlap, and it should be understood that the stone crushing mechanism 30 quickly passes through the suction passage 13 and protrudes from the suction port 131. The angle between the central axis of the communication section 144 and the central axis of the suction passage 13 may be other angles, for example, 30° or 60°, but is not limited to the present invention.

[0052] Furthermore, in this specific example, when the lithotripsy mechanism 30 is in the second state, the crushing head 32 of the lithotripsy mechanism 30 is located in the middle region of the suction port 131. Specifically, in the process of switching the lithotripsy mechanism 30 from the first state to the second state, the lithotripsy mechanism 30 can retract in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction along the communication portion 144, and when the lithotripsy mechanism 30 retracts into the suction port 131, the crushing head 32 of the lithotripsy mechanism 30 is located in the middle region of the suction port 131.

[0053] Furthermore, since the portion of the crushed stone blocking the suction port 131 that is received by the inner circumferential wall of the suction passage 13 is indeterminate, when crushing the stone in the peripheral region formed around the central region of the suction port 131, there is still a possibility that the crushed stone will clog the suction port 131, resulting in low stone crushing efficiency. For example, if the crushed stone has a first portion and a second portion that are received by the inner circumferential wall forming the first peripheral region and the inner circumferential wall forming the second peripheral region, respectively, and clog the suction port 131, when the stone crushing mechanism 30 crushes the first portion of the crushed stone in the first peripheral region or crushes the second portion of the crushed stone in the second peripheral region, the crushed stone may detach from the suction port 131 and enter the suction passage 13 as the first or second portion is crushed. However, when the stone crushing mechanism 30 crushes a portion of the crushed stone that is floating above the suction port 131, the first or second portion of the crushed stone may still be caught by the inner circumferential wall and become stuck in the suction port 131. When the stone crushing mechanism 30 crushes the crushed stone in the central region of the suction port 131, the central portion of the crushed stone corresponding to the central region of the suction port 131 is crushed, and the crushed stone detaches from the suction port 131. Therefore, preferably, when the stone crushing mechanism 30 is in the second state, the crushing head 32 of the stone crushing mechanism 30 is located in the central region of the suction port 131. Note that when the stone crushing mechanism 30 is in the second state, the crushing head 32 of the stone crushing mechanism 30 may be located at other positions in the suction port 131, but is not limited to the present invention.

[0054] In this specific example, the tube structure body 11 has a front end surface 1101 and an outer peripheral surface 1102 formed on the outer circumferential side of the front end surface 1101, and the front end surface 1101 of the tube structure body 11 extends diagonally forward along the axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body 10, from the first side of the outer peripheral surface 1102 toward the second side opposite the first side. For example, as shown in Figure 5A, the front end surface 1101 of the tube structure body 11 extends diagonally forward along the axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body 10, from the lower side determined by the outer peripheral surface 1102 toward the upper side opposite the lower side.

[0055] Specifically, the front end surface 1101 may be designed as a convex slope, concave slope, corrugated slope, or other type of slope formed between the first and second sides of the outer peripheral surface 1102, but is not limited to the present invention. In one specific example of the present invention, the front end surface 1101 is designed to be formed as a corrugated slope with a concave center between the first and second sides of the outer peripheral surface 1102.

[0056] In other embodiments, the front end surface 1101 of the tube structure body 11 may be designed to extend flush with the axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body 10 from the first side of the outer peripheral surface 1102 toward the second side opposite the first side (i.e., one end of the front end surface 1101 on the first side adjacent to the suction passage 13 is flush with one end of the second side adjacent to the suction passage 13 in the axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body 10), but it should be understood that this is not limited to the present invention.

[0057] Furthermore, the suction port 131 is formed on the front end surface 1101, and extends diagonally forward along the axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body 10 from the first side of the suction passage 13 toward the second side opposite the first side, with the first side of the outer peripheral surface 1102 corresponding to the first side of the suction passage 13, and the second side of the outer peripheral surface 1102 corresponding to the second side of the suction passage 13. Accordingly, the shape of the suction port 131 is substantially elliptical. When the lithotripsy mechanism 30 is in the second state, the tip of the crushing head 32 of the lithotripsy mechanism 30 is flush with the surface formed by the outer edge of the suction port 131. The outer edge of the suction port 131 is the inner edge of the inner circumferential wall of the suction passage 13. Accordingly, when the suction port 131 is formed on the front end surface 1101, the tip of the crushing head 32 is flush with the front end surface 1101.

[0058] Furthermore, if the front end surface 1101 is designed to extend diagonally forward along the axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body 10 from the first side to the second side of the outer peripheral surface 1102, a large distribution space can be provided for the suction port 131. Accordingly, the size of the suction port 131 can be increased, allowing many fragments of stone to pass through the suction passage 13, preventing the suction port 131 from becoming blocked by fragments of stone, and improving the efficiency of stone removal.

[0059] In the embodiment of the present application, the lithotripsy passage 14 is formed laterally to the suction passage 13. For example, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the lithotripsy passage 14 may be formed on the first side of the suction passage 13; as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, it may be formed on the second side of the suction passage 13 opposite the first side; as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, it may be formed on the third side between the first and second sides of the suction passage 13; and as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, it may be formed on the fourth side of the suction passage 13 opposite the third side.

[0060] The front end surface 1101 and the suction port 131 are designed as follows: The front end surface 1101 extends diagonally forward along an axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body 10 from the first side of the outer peripheral surface 1102 toward the second side opposite the first side, and the suction port 131 extends diagonally forward along an axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body 10 from the first side of the suction passage 13 toward the second side opposite the first side. The overall shape of the suction port 131 is substantially elliptical, and the suction port 131 has a major axis L1 and a minor axis L2, and the suction port 131 has a first endpoint 11011 and a second endpoint 11012 located on the major axis L1, and a third endpoint 11013 and a fourth endpoint 11014 located on the minor axis L2. The first endpoint 11011 and the second endpoint 11012 face each other, and the first endpoint 11011 of the front end face 1101 is located behind the second endpoint 11012, that is, the first endpoint 11011 is located behind the second endpoint 11012. The third endpoint 11013 and the fourth endpoint 11014 face each other and are both located between the first endpoint 11011 and the second endpoint 11012.

[0061] The first side refers to the side adjacent to the first endpoint 11011, the second side refers to the side adjacent to the second endpoint 11012, the third side refers to the side adjacent to the third endpoint 11013, and the fourth side refers to the side adjacent to the fourth endpoint 11014. The lithotripsy passage 14 may be formed on the other side of the suction passage 13, for example, on a fifth side between the first and third sides, but should be understood that it is not limited to the present invention.

[0062] Furthermore, the stone crushing passage 14 is formed to the side of the suction passage 13, and the stone crushing mechanism 30 is provided within the stone crushing passage 14 so as to be extendable and retractable. When the stone crushing mechanism 30 is in the first or second state, only the front part of the stone crushing mechanism 30, including the crushing head 32, is located within the suction passage 13, and the rear part of the stone crushing mechanism 30 is located within the stone crushing passage 14, and does not occupy space within the suction passage 13. In this way, it is possible to avoid the stone crushing mechanism 30 affecting the passage of crushed stones in the suction passage 13.

[0063] In a modified embodiment of the present invention, the lithotripsy passage 14 may be formed within the suction passage 13 or within another passage of the pipe structure body 11, but is not limited to the present invention.

[0064] In the embodiments of this application, the method of forming the injection passage 12, the suction passage 13, and the lithotripsy passage 14 is not limited to this application. The injection passage 12, the suction passage 13, and the lithotripsy passage 14 may be formed by a plurality of holes in the pipe structure body 11 itself, or by a plurality of hollow pipes combined with each other, but are not limited to this application.

[0065] During actual use, after the ureteroscope body 10 has entered the kidney, the lithotripsy mechanism 30 (e.g., a holmium laser) can pass through the ureteroscope body 10 to reach the kidney and break up the stone c. In the process of the holmium laser breaking up the stone c, the injection passage 12 can discharge fluid from its injection port 121 to push the stone fragments away and guide them to flow with it. Because the air pressure in the suction passage 13 is negative, if the fluid flows to a position close to the suction port 131 while carrying the stone fragments, the fluid and stone fragments may be drawn into the suction passage 13, and the fluid may be interfered with by the suction force in the suction passage 13 in the process of pushing the stone fragments away.

[0066] In particular, in some specific examples of the present invention, the relative positional relationship between the inlet 121 and the suction port 131 is adjusted to control the direction of fluid flow, thereby reducing suction interference to the fluid and further improving the efficiency of stone removal. As shown in Figure 10, the inlet 121 of the infusion passage 12 has a first orientation, allowing fluid to be injected into the renal pelvis p from the inlet 121 along the infusion passage 12 in the first direction indicated by the first orientation, and the suction port 131 of the suction passage 13 has a second orientation that forms a predetermined angle with the first orientation, allowing the fluid to be redirected within the renal pelvis p and then drawn into the suction passage 13 from the suction port 131 in the second direction indicated by the second orientation to form fluid circulation.

[0067] The second direction is different from the first direction, the first direction is the same as the first direction, and the second direction is opposite to the second direction. As a result, the angle between the first direction and the second direction is not 0° or 180°, that is, the first direction and the second direction are neither the same nor opposite to each other. In this way, the fluid discharged from the inlet 121 along the first direction is redirected and then recirculates along the second direction which is at an angle to the first direction, forming a vortex-type fluid circulation. This prevents the fluid from being discharged from the inlet 121 along the first direction and then directly recirculating to the suction port 131 which has the same orientation as the inlet 121 along the opposite direction of the first direction, and further reduces interference with the fluid due to negative pressure in the suction passage 13.

[0068] In other specific examples of this application, the first direction and the second direction may be the same, and the first direction and the second direction may be the same direction or opposite directions, but this is not limited to this application.

[0069] In the embodiments of the present application, the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 90° or more and less than 180°. In one specific example, the second direction is parallel to or very close to the axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body 10, and the angle between the first direction and the axial or radial direction determined by the ureteroscope body 10 is greater than 0° and 90° or less, and accordingly the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 90° or more and less than 180°. In another specific example, the first direction is parallel to or very close to the axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body 10, and the angle between the second direction and the axial direction is greater than 0° and 90° or less, and accordingly the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 90° or more and less than 180°.

[0070] In one specific embodiment of the present application, the angle between the central axis of the inlet 121 and the central axis of the suction port 131 is greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°, thereby causing the first direction and the second direction to form a predetermined angle between them.

[0071] In the embodiment of the present invention, the inlet 121 and the suction port 131 are not flush in the axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body 10. In this way, the distance between the inlet 121 and the suction port 131 and the fluid flow path can be extended, which not only reduces suction interference to the fluid due to negative pressure in the suction passage 13, but also widens the area through which the fluid flows, allowing more fragments of stone to be drawn into the fluid flow path, thereby improving the efficiency of stone removal.

[0072] Here, the statement that the inlet 121 and the suction port 131 are not flush in the axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body 10 means that there is a step between the inlet 121 and the suction port 131 in the axial direction, and that the distances between the inlet 121 and the suction port 131 and the front end point of the ureteroscope body 10 are different. In one specific example, the distance between the inlet 121 and the front end point of the ureteroscope body 10 is greater than the distance between the suction port 131 and the front end point of the ureteroscope body 10. That is, the suction port 131 is located in front of the inlet 121 in the axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body 10, and the suction port 131 is closer to the front end point of the ureteroscope body 10 than the inlet 121. In another specific example, the distance between the inlet 121 and the front end point of the ureteroscope body 10 is smaller than the distance between the suction port 131 and the front end point of the ureteroscope body 10. In other words, the inlet 121 is located in front of the suction port 131, and the inlet 121 is closer to the front end point of the ureteroscope body 10 than the suction port 131.

[0073] In a modified embodiment of the present invention, the inlet 121 and the suction port 131 may be flush in the axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body 10, but this is not limited to the present invention.

[0074] In embodiments of the present application, the inlet 121 and the suction port 131 are two openings that are isolated from each other. In some embodiments of the present application, the inlet 121 and the suction port 131 are each located on two different surfaces.

[0075] As shown in Figures 5A to 5D, in one specific example of the present invention, the inlet 121 is formed on the outer circumferential surface 1102 of the tubular structure body 11, and the suction port 131 is formed on the front end surface 1101 of the tubular structure body 11. In this way, the inlet 121 is open to the side and the suction port 131 is open to the front, and the fluid is injected into the renal pelvis p in the first direction from the inlet 121 formed on the outer circumferential surface 1102 of the tubular structure body 11, and after being redirected, it bypasses the outer circumferential surface 1102 and is drawn into the suction passage 13 from the suction port 131 in the second direction, thereby forming a vortex-type fluid circulation and reducing suction interference to the fluid.

[0076] In particular, in this specific example, the inlet 121 formed on the outer circumferential surface 1102 of the pipe structure body 11 mainly occupies the axial size of the pipe structure body 11, and the suction port 131 formed on the front end surface 1101 of the pipe structure body 11 mainly occupies the radial size of the pipe structure body 11. In this way, under conditions where the radial size of the pipe structure body 11 is limited, there is no need to adjust the ratio of the space that the inlet 121 and the suction port 131 occupy in the radial direction of the pipe structure body 11, the size of both the suction port 131 and the inlet 121 can be increased, and the design flexibility of the shape and number of the suction port 131 and the inlet 121 can be improved. By rationally arranging the inlet 121 and the suction port 131, it is possible to ensure that the fluid and crushed stone pass smoothly through the suction port 131 of the suction passage 13, and to ensure the amount of liquid injected through the inlet 121 of the injection passage 12.

[0077] When the amount of fluid injected through the inlet 121 is large, on the one hand, the distance the fluid discharged from the inlet 121 reaches increases, the impact force on the stone fragments increases, the suction interference is reduced, and the efficiency of stone removal improves. On the other hand, the ureteroscope can achieve a large amount of fluid injection with low injection pressure, reducing the risk of increased pressure within the kidney.

[0078] As mentioned above, in some embodiments of the present application, the front end surface 1101 of the tube structure body 11 is designed to extend diagonally forward along the axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body 10, from the first side of the outer peripheral surface 1102 toward the second side opposite the first side. When the front end surface 1101 is designed to extend diagonally forward along the axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body 10, from the first side of the outer peripheral surface 1102 toward the second side, compared to when the front end surface 1101 is designed to extend flush along the axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body 10, from the first side of the suction passage 13 toward the second side, the path the fluid detours to becomes longer, the suction interference it receives is reduced, and the range of the area through which the fluid flows is wider, allowing more fragments of stone to be drawn into the fluid flow path, thereby improving the efficiency of stone removal.

[0079] Preferably, in order to achieve flow balance, the diameter of the injection passage 12 is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the suction passage 13. Here, "the diameter of the injection passage 12 is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the suction passage 13" means that the sum of the equivalent diameters of all the injection passages 12 is equal to or slightly larger than the sum of the equivalent diameters of all the suction passages 13.

[0080] In one specific embodiment of the present application, the number of suction ports 131 is 1, and the number of inlet ports 121 is 2. Accordingly, the at least one injection passage 12 includes a first injection passage and a second injection passage, the first injection passage having a first inlet located at the front end 110, and the second injection passage having a second inlet located at the front end 110. Preferably, the first inlet and the second inlet are provided opposite each other.

[0081] In this embodiment, the average of the first inner diameter of the first injection passage and the second inner diameter of the second injection passage is at least half the diameter of the suction passage 13, the size of the inlet 121 is matched to the size of the first injection passage, and the size of the suction inlet 131 is matched to the size of the suction passage 13. Here, the average diameter of the first and second injection passages is the average of the equivalent diameter of the first injection passage and the equivalent diameter of the second injection passage. The diameter of the suction passage 13 is the equivalent diameter of the suction passage 13. More specifically, the outer diameter of the pipe structure body 11 is 4.3 millimeters, the diameter of the suction passage 13 is 2.2 millimeters, and the equivalent diameter of the first or second injection passage is 1.2 millimeters or more.

[0082] In another specific embodiment of the present application, the injection passage 12 is formed around the suction passage 13, that is, the injection passage 12 is an annular passage formed around the suction passage 13, or the cross-section of the injection passage 12 is annular, and the injection passage 12 has two injection ports 121 formed at the front end 110. In this specific embodiment, the outer diameter of the pipe structure body 11 is 4.3 millimeters, the diameter of the suction passage 13 is 2.2 millimeters, and the equivalent diameter of the first injection passage or the second injection passage is 1.2 millimeters or more.

[0083] The size, shape, and number of the suction port 131 and the inlet port 121 are not limited to this invention, and it should be understood that controllable and regular fluid circulation can be achieved by adjusting the size, shape, and number of the suction port 131 and the inlet port 121 according to the actual usage conditions.

[0084] The positions of the suction port 131 and the injection port 121 are not limited to this application, and in other specific examples, the suction port 131 and the injection port 121 may be provided in other positions. In another specific example of this application, the suction port 131 and the injection port 121 are provided on the outer peripheral surface 1102 and the front end surface, respectively.

[0085] In yet another specific example of the present application, the suction port 131 and the injection port 121 are both provided on the front end surface 1101 of the pipe structure body 11. Specifically, in this example, the at least one injection passage 12 includes a first injection passage and a second injection passage, the first injection passage having a first injection port located at the front end 110, the second injection passage having a second injection port located at the front end 110, and the first injection port and the second injection port are each located on either side of the suction port 131.

[0086] In the embodiments of the present application, the ureteroscope 100 for suction lithotripsy further includes an image acquisition device 300 and a light source 400 attached to the ureteroscope body 10 for taking images of the kidney and stones located within the kidney. The positions of the image acquisition device 300 and the light source 400 are not limited to the present application, but preferably the suction port 131 of the suction passage 13 is located within the visible area of ​​the image acquisition device 300 so that the situation near the suction port 131 can be acquired, making it easier for the user to observe the stone dislodgement process. The light source 400 may be provided in close proximity to the image acquisition device 300 in order to provide sufficient light to the image acquisition device 300.

[0087] Accordingly, the operation unit 20 further includes a fourth operation end 25 which is communicatively connected to the image acquisition device 300. The image output device 500 (for example, a computer communicatively connected to the image acquisition device 300) is communicatively connected to the image acquisition device 300 via the operation unit 20 to acquire images of the kidney, making it easier for the user to observe the condition of the gallstone c in the renal pelvis p.

[0088] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the ureteroscope body 10 can bend to reach different target positions and to ensure the rigidity of the ureteroscope body 10, the ureteroscope body 10 includes a flexible portion 1010 adjacent to the front end portion 110 and a rigid portion 1020 coupled to the flexible portion 1010. The rigid portion 1020 may extend rearward from the flexible portion 1010, or the rigid portion 1020 may cover at least a portion of the flexible portion 1010 to ensure local rigidity of the ureteroscope body 10.

[0089] Accordingly, the operating unit 20 further includes a fifth operating end 26 operably connected to the flexible portion 1010, and an operating mechanism 28 attached to the fifth operating end 26, the operating mechanism 28 operably connected to the flexible portion 1010 via the fifth operating end 26 to control the curvature of the flexible portion 1010, thereby enabling the ureteroscope body 10 to reach different target positions and allowing the curvature of the flexible portion 1010 to be adjusted according to the actual situation. In one specific example, the operating mechanism 28 includes a control line 281 connected to the flexible portion 1010 and a regulator 282 connected to the control line 281, the regulator 282 being configured to drive the control line 281 to pull the flexible portion 1010 so that the flexible portion 1010 bends. The structure of the operating mechanism 28 and the method for controlling the curvature of the flexible portion 1010 are not limited to the present invention; that is, the operating mechanism 28 may be designed with a different structure, and the curvature of the flexible portion 1010 may be controlled by a different method.

[0090] In one specific example, at least a portion of the front end portion 110 of the ureteroscope body 10 is the flexible portion 1010, which allows the injection passage 12 and the suction passage 13 to bend, and the suction port 131 and the injection port 121 to be directed toward the stone c at the target position. The flexible portion 1010 includes an actively bending portion 1011 and a passively bending portion 1012, the actively bending portion 1011 is bendable and maintains its bent state by operation of the operating unit 20, and the passively bending portion 1012 bends in accordance with the bending of the actively bending portion 1011.

[0091] The present invention further provides a method for using a ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy, comprising the steps of: extending a lithotripsy mechanism to crush a stone; guiding the crushed stone to a suction port and gripping the stone located at the suction port; and retracting the lithotripsy mechanism into the suction port, crushing the stone blocking the suction port, and discharging the crushed stone from the body through the suction passage, in a step of S130.

[0092] The following describes the operation process of the ureteroscope 100 for suction lithotripsy, using the removal of a gallstone c in the renal pelvis p as an example.

[0093] In step S110, the lithotripsy mechanism 30 is extended to break up the stones. Before the lithotripsy mechanism 30 breaks up the stones, preparatory work is required. Specifically, first, the ureteroscope body 10 is inserted to an initial predetermined position. Specifically, the ureteroscope body 10 can enter the kidney along the patient's ureter and reach an initial predetermined position. During this process, an image acquisition device 300 provided on the ureteroscope body 10 and an image output device 500 that is communicably connected to the image acquisition device 300 acquire and display images of the environment along the path the ureteroscope body 10 has passed through, and in cooperation with the guide mechanism 600, the ureteroscope 100 for suction lithotripsy can be guided to the initial predetermined position. Specifically, the guide mechanism 600 enters the injection passage 12 via the operating section 20, guides the ureteroscope body 10 to the initial predetermined position, and after the ureteroscope body 10 reaches the initial predetermined position, the guide mechanism 600 can be removed.

[0094] The lithotripsy mechanism 30 may be positioned at the initial predetermined location in the kidney before or after insertion of the ureteroscope body 10. Specifically, the lithotripsy mechanism 30 is provided in the optical fiber passage 14 and extends or retracts from the suction port 131.

[0095] Next, by controlling and bending the flexible portion 1010 using the operating mechanism 28 of the operating unit 20, the suction port 131 and the injection port 121 can be directed towards the target stone c in the renal pelvis p.

[0096] In the process of controlling and bending the flexible portion 1010 by the operating mechanism 28 of the operating unit 20, the flexible portion 1010 can be controlled based on the target position to bend to a desired degree of curvature. When the ureteroscope 100 for suction lithotripsy is used to break up a stone c located in the upper renal pelvis, the flexible portion 1010 is controlled to bend to a first degree of curvature; when the ureteroscope 100 for suction lithotripsy is used to break up a stone c located in the middle renal pelvis, the flexible portion 1010 is controlled to bend to a second degree of curvature; and when the ureteroscope 100 for suction lithotripsy is used to break up a stone c located in the lower renal pelvis, the flexible portion 1010 is controlled to bend to a third degree of curvature, the third degree of curvature being greater than the second and first degrees of curvature.

[0097] As shown in Figure 11A, in the process of crushing the calculus c by the calculus crushing mechanism 30, the calculus crushing mechanism 30 can be extended forward of the suction port 131 to crush the calculus c at the target position, and the calculus crushing mechanism 30 may be the holmium laser.

[0098] As shown in Figure 11B, in step S120, the crushed stone is guided to the suction port 131 and the crushed stone located at the suction port 131 is grasped. Specifically, during the process of crushing the stone c by the stone crushing mechanism 30, or after the stone c has been crushed by the stone crushing mechanism 30, fluid can be discharged from the injection port 121 of the ureteroscope 100 for suction crushing to the target position to flush out the crushed stone. Specifically, fluid can be injected into the injection passage 12 via the fluid injection device 700 connected to the operation unit 20, and the fluid can be injected to the target position to flush out the crushed stone.

[0099] In the process of flushing out the lithotripsy, the fluid and lithotripsy can be drawn in by negative pressure suction. The fluid containing the lithotripsy is redirected by negative pressure suction, backflow from the renal pelvis p, etc., and returns in a second direction to the suction port 131 of the ureteroscope 100 for suction lithotripsy, which is capable of circulating discharge. In other words, in the process of flushing out the lithotripsy, the fluid is guided and returned in a second direction to the suction port 131 of the ureteroscope 100 for suction lithotripsy, forming a predetermined angle between the first and second directions. Specifically, the suction device 800 connected to the operating unit 20 draws in the lithotripsy and fluid, and the fluid and lithotripsy are discharged through the suction passage 13, thereby maintaining the pressure inside the kidney. In the process of drawing the lithotripsy into the suction port 131 of the suction passage 13 of the ureteroscope 100 for suction lithotripsy, the suction force on the fluid and lithotripsy can be adjusted by adjusting the air pressure inside the suction passage 13.

[0100] In the embodiment of the present application, the orientation of the inlet 121 is a first orientation, and the orientation of the suction port 131 is a second orientation. The fluid is injected into the renal pelvis p from the inlet 121 along the injection passage 12 in the first direction indicated by the first orientation, and after being redirected, it is drawn into the suction passage 13 of the ureteroscope 100 for suction lithotripsy from the suction port 131 in the second direction indicated by the second orientation, thereby forming fluid circulation.

[0101] During the process of guiding the crushed stone to the suction port 131, some larger pieces of crushed stone become trapped in the suction port 131, causing it to become blocked. Accordingly, the stone crushing mechanism 30 can either crush the crushed stone or push it away.

[0102] Accordingly, in step S130, the stone crushing mechanism 30 is retracted into the suction port 131, and the crushed stone in the suction port 131 is crushed, thereby discharging the crushed stone from the body through the suction passage 13. Specifically, as shown in Figures 11C and 11D, when the crushed stone is pushed into or sucked into the suction port 131 by the fluid and becomes trapped in the suction port 131, the stone crushing mechanism 30 is retracted into the suction port 131, and the crushed stone in the suction port 131 is crushed, thereby turning the stone into powder, and further allowing it to smoothly enter the suction passage 13 from the suction port 131.

[0103] Furthermore, because the crushed stone gets stuck or trapped in the suction port 131, the position of the crushed stone is stabilized, and the stone crushing mechanism 30 can accurately crush the crushed stone in the suction port 131. In the process of the stone crushing mechanism 30 crushing the crushed stone, the crushed stone is received by the inner circumferential wall of the suction passage 13, and when the impact force from the stone crushing mechanism 30 acts on the crushed stone, the crushed stone receives most of the energy from the stone crushing mechanism 30, making it easier to crush.

[0104] After the stone crushing mechanism 30 retracts into the suction port 131, it can also push out any stones stuck in the suction port 131, allowing the crushed stones that can pass through the suction port 131 to enter the suction passage 13 first. In this way, the crushed stones can be quickly discharged, improving the efficiency of stone discharge. Thus, the stone crushing mechanism 30 can not only crush stones c located far away, but also crush and even pulverize stones near the suction port 131, preventing the suction port 131 of the suction passage 13 from becoming blocked by crushed stones.

[0105] Furthermore, during the process of crushing the stone c by the stone crushing mechanism 30, the ureteroscope body 10 is rotated so that the stone crushing mechanism 30 can crush the stone c in multiple directions, and the fluid discharged from the inlet 121 can flush the crushed stone completely away.

[0106] The above describes the ureteroscope 100 for suction lithotripsy and the method for removing kidney stones using the ureteroscope according to the embodiment of the present application. Here, the ureteroscope 100 for suction lithotripsy uses a stone removal means called "suction lithotripsy" to avoid blockage by fragmented stones and improve the efficiency of stone removal.

[0107] As those skilled in the art will understand, the embodiments of the present invention shown in the above description and drawings are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. The object of the present invention is fully and effectively realized. The functional and structural principles of the present invention are shown and explained in the embodiments, and any modifications or alterations can be made to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the said principles.

Claims

1. The ureteroscope body has a front end and a rear end, an operating unit is operably connected to the rear end of the ureteroscope body, and a lithotripsy mechanism is included. The ureteroscope body includes a tubular structure body, at least one injection passage extending from the rear end to the front end within the tubular structure body and having at least one injection port located at the front end, and a suction passage extending from the front end to the rear end within the tubular structure body and having a suction port located at the front end, The stone crushing mechanism is movably provided within the main body of the pipe structure and is switchable between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the crushing head of the stone crushing mechanism extends out from the suction port to crush stones, and in the second state, the crushing head of the stone crushing mechanism retracts into the suction port to crush stones blocking the suction port. The ureteroscope body further includes a lithotripsy passage communicating with the suction passage, the lithotripsy mechanism is extended and retractable in the lithotripsy passage, and when the lithotripsy mechanism is in a first state, the lithotripsy head enters the suction passage via the lithotripsy passage and extends out of the suction port. The stone crushing passage includes a main body and a connecting portion extending between the main body and the suction passage. The aforementioned communication portion connects the suction passage and the main body portion, The aforementioned communication portion extends diagonally from the main body to the suction passage, The tubular structure body has a front end surface and an outer circumferential surface, the suction port is formed on the front end surface, and the front end surface of the tubular structure body extends diagonally forward along an axial direction determined by the ureteroscope body, from the first side of the outer circumferential surface toward the second side opposite the first side, the ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy.

2. The ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to claim 1, wherein the angle between the central axis of the communication portion and the central axis of the suction passage is in the range of 0° to 45°.

3. The ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to claim 2, wherein when the stone fragmentation mechanism is in the second state, the fragmentation head of the stone fragmentation mechanism is located in the central region of the suction port.

4. The ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to claim 3, wherein when the stone fragmentation mechanism is in the second state, the tip of the fragmentation head is flush with the front end surface.

5. The lithotripsy passage is located laterally to the suction passage, as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The lithotripsy passage extends between the suction passage and the rear end of the ureteroscope body, and the lithotripsy passage has a communication opening that connects the suction passage and the lithotripsy passage, according to claim 1, for suction lithotripsy.

7. The ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy according to claim 1, wherein the operating section includes a first operating end communicating with the injection passage, a second operating end communicating with the suction passage, and a third operating end communicating with the lithotripsy passage.

8. The inlet of the injection passage has a first orientation, allowing fluid to be injected into the renal pelvis from the inlet along the injection passage in a first direction indicated by the first orientation, and the suction port of the suction passage has a second orientation that makes a predetermined angle with the first orientation, allowing the fluid to be redirected in the renal pelvis and then drawn into the suction passage from the suction port in a second direction indicated by the second orientation to form fluid circulation, as described in claim 1.

9. The tubular structure body has a front end surface and an outer circumferential surface formed on the front end surface, the injection port is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tubular structure body, and the suction port is formed on the front end surface of the tubular structure body, as described in claim 1, for ureteroscope for suction lithotripsy.

Images