Electrode devices for blocking or regulating nerves in the body

Abstract

In an electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body, a main body having a shaft, an electrode unit formed to be drawn out from one end of the shaft for blocking or regulating at least a part of the nerves in the tube in the body, an electrode guide coupled to the end of the electrode unit for guiding the electrode unit to contact the tube in the body, an electrode guide driving unit configured to move the electrode guide forward and backward, and an electrode driving unit configured to move the electrode unit forward and backward in conjunction with the electrode guide driving unit, wherein the electrode driving unit includes a tension maintaining unit connected to one end of the electrode unit, and a moving part connected to the tension maintaining unit for moving the tension maintaining unit forward and backward, the tension maintaining unit includes a lever part for providing tension to the electrode unit, and the lever part senses the tension by a sensor and is automatically driven in the front-rear direction based on the sensed tension.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body. [Background technology]

[0002] Nerve blocking is a procedure that involves damaging specific nerves to control an abnormally overactive autonomic nervous system. For example, renal nerve blocking can treat hypertension and heart disease by damaging the renal sympathetic nerves that lead to the kidneys, while pulmonary nerve blocking can treat lung disease by damaging the parasympathetic nerves that lead to the lungs.

[0003] Nerves are usually wrapped around the outer walls of tubes such as blood vessels and bronchi, and it is sometimes necessary to measure nerve signals, transmit electrical impulses to the nerves, or transmit various forms of energy to damage or destroy them by wrapping the nerves around the outer walls of such tubes.

[0004] For example, when performing a procedure on the renal artery, the main renal artery, which is the target of the procedure, has a diameter of 5-7 mm, but the adrenal artery (accessory renal artery), which has a diameter of 1-2 mm, may also be targeted. Furthermore, the size of the canals through which nerves are supplied varies from person to person, and its size changes depending on its location.

[0005] In performing such procedures, it is crucial to precisely position the components, including the electrode formed at the end of the catheter, so that they can be wrapped around the outer wall of the tube. Specifically, in order to effectively block or modulate nerves, the components must be wrapped around the outer wall of the tube through which the nerves are distributed, and the action of positioning the components with the electrodes wrapped around the tube must be performed reliably and quickly. In particular, it is important to safely and tightly attach the components with the electrodes to the outer wall of the tube inside the body so as not to damage the tube inside the body, which is easily damaged by external stimuli. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Korean Published Patent Gazette No. 2013-0108401 (Published on October 2, 2013) [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] One objective of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and to provide an electrode device having a configuration that guides the electrode so that it is wrapped around a tube inside the body.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrode device that can be safely attached to the outer wall of a tube inside the body, while automatically adjusting the components on which the electrodes are formed, so as not to damage the tube inside the body, which is susceptible to damage from external stimuli.

[0009] However, the technical problems that this embodiment aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems may exist. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] As a technical means for solving the above-mentioned technical problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body, comprising: a main body having a shaft; an electrode unit formed to extend from one end of the shaft and blocking or regulating nerves in at least a portion of a tube in the body; an electrode guide connected to the end of the electrode unit and guiding the electrode unit to contact the tube in the body; an electrode guide drive unit configured to move the electrode guide forward and backward; and an electrode drive unit configured to move the electrode unit forward and backward in conjunction with the electrode guide drive unit, wherein the electrode drive unit comprises a tension maintenance unit connected to one end of the electrode unit and a moving part connected to the tension maintenance unit and moving the tension maintenance unit forward and backward, the tension maintenance unit includes a lever portion that provides tension to the electrode unit, the lever portion senses the tension with a sensor and is automatically driven in the forward and backward direction based on the sensed tension.

[0011] The means for solving the above-mentioned problems are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments described above, there may be additional embodiments described in the drawings and the detailed description of the invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to any one of the means for solving the problems of the present invention described above, the electrode drive unit can automatically and gradually bring the electrode unit into close contact with the outer wall of the tube after the electrode guide is positioned so that it is in close contact with the tube. The electrode drive unit can safely and accurately bring the electrode into close contact with the outer wall of the tube while automatically adjusting the components on which the electrode is formed so as not to damage the tube inside the body which is easily damaged by external stimuli, and at the same time maintain the close contact with a constant force. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a side view of an electrode device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]The figure shows a state where the electrode guide shown in FIG. 1 is positioned to guide the electrode unit and wrap around a blood vessel. [Figure 3a] The figure shows the operation process of an electrode guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3b] The figure shows the operation process of an electrode guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3c] The figure shows the operation process of an electrode guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3d] The figure shows the operation process of an electrode guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3e] The figure shows the operation process of an electrode guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of a part of the joint shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view of an electrode guide drive unit arranged inside the main body shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6a] The figure shows the operation process of an electrode drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6b] The figure shows the operation process of an electrode drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6c] The figure shows the operation process of an electrode drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6d] The figure shows the operation process of an electrode drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6e] The figure shows the operation process of an electrode drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6f] The figure shows the operation process of an electrode drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6g] The figure shows the operation process of an electrode drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6h] The figure shows the operation process of an electrode drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6i] The figure shows the operation process of an electrode drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]This is an illustrative diagram illustrating the operation process of the lever portion in an electrode drive unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, so that they can be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. However, the present invention can be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly illustrate the present invention, parts unrelated to the description have been omitted from the drawings, and similar parts throughout the specification are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0015] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as being “connected” to another part, this includes not only “directly connected” but also “electrically connected” with other elements in between. Furthermore, when a part is described as “containing” a component, this should be understood, unless otherwise stated, as it does not exclude other components but rather as potentially containing other components, and does not preemptively exclude the existence or possibility of adding one or more other features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 is a side view of an electrode device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows the electrode guide shown in Figure 1 positioned to guide the electrode unit and wrap around a blood vessel, and Figures 3a to 3e show the operation process of the electrode guide according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the node shown in Figure 2, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode guide drive unit arranged inside the main body shown in Figure 1. Figures 6a to 6i show the operation process of the electrode drive unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the operation process of the lever part in an electrode drive unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Referring to Figure 1, the electrode device 100 includes a main body 110, an electrode unit 120, an electrode guide 130, an electrode guide drive unit 140 formed inside the main body 110, and an electrode drive unit 150.

[0019] The main body 110 may include a shaft 111 extending in one direction, a grip portion 112 connected to the shaft 111 and formed so that the practitioner can grasp it, a guide operating portion 113 formed on the grip portion 112 for operating the movement of the electrode guide 130, and an electrode operating portion 114 formed on the grip portion 112 for operating the energy transmission of the electrode unit 120.

[0020] Elements for driving and controlling the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 may be arranged inside the main body 110. For example, an electrode guide drive unit 140 for driving and controlling the electrode guide 130 and an electrode drive unit 150 for driving and controlling the electrode unit 120 may be arranged inside the main body 110.

[0021] The electrode unit 120 is formed to extend from one end of the shaft 111 and is configured to block or regulate at least a portion of nerves distributed in tissues including tubes within the body through manipulation by the practitioner. The electrode unit 120 is housed inside the shaft 111 and may be extended to the outside by an electrode guide 130, which will be described later, when the electrode device 100 is in operation.

[0022] Referring to Figure 2, the electrode unit 120 may include a base portion 121, an electrode portion 122, and a sensor portion 123. The electrode device 100 may have electrodes wrapped around the outer surface of a tube or tubular tissue V inside the body, and energy may be transmitted via the electrode portion 122. For this purpose, the base portion 121 may be a flexible circuit board (Flexible PCB).

[0023] The electrode portion 122 may be composed of two electrodes extending parallel to each other on the base portion 121. The base portion 121 and the electrode portion 122 may be configured to extend circumferentially and wrap around a tube or the like inside the body.

[0024] The electrode portion 122 may be made of a material that is harmless to the human body and can conduct electricity, such as stainless steel or gold, in order to block or denervate or control or modulate nerves.

[0025] Furthermore, the electrode section 122 may transmit various types of energy from the energy source generator. For example, radio-frequency (RF) energy, electrical energy, laser energy, ultrasonic energy, high-intensity focused ultrasonic energy, cryogenic energy, and other thermal energy may be used.

[0026] Furthermore, the electrode section 122 may be embodied in a flexible circuit board for transmitting high-frequency energy, a transducer for transmitting ultrasonic energy, or a metal electrode for transmitting high-voltage energy, and may transmit energy to damage nerves.

[0027] Furthermore, a sensor unit 123 may be formed on the base unit 121. In one example, the sensor unit 123 may be a thermocouple that contacts a tube or the like inside the body to measure temperature, and the sensor unit 123 may monitor the temperature of the treatment site when nerve cutting is performed by the electrode device 100. In another example, the sensor unit 123 may measure the nerve signals in the tube.

[0028] The sensor unit 123 may be, for example, a thermocouple composed of a copper and a constantan pair.

[0029] The electrode guide 130 functions to bring the electrode unit 120 into contact with the tube inside the body. The electrode guide 130 is connected to the electrode unit 120 and guides the electrode unit 120 to be deformed into a winding state that brings it into contact with the tube inside the body.

[0030] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the electrode guide 130 comprises a plurality of nodes 131. The plurality of nodes 131 may form a curved winding path so as to wrap around the tube V inside the body, flanking the electrode unit 120. The state shown in Figures 2, 3c, and 3d may be a state in which the plurality of nodes 131 are fully extended and positioned along the curved winding path.

[0031] Referring also to Figures 3a to 3e, the electrode guide 130 may further include a tip joint 132 and a wire 133. The tip joint 132 may support the electrode unit 120 and be coupled to the ends of a plurality of sequentially connected nodes 131.

[0032] The tip joint 132 may be drawn out from one end of the shaft 111 before the multiple nodes 131. As shown in Figure 3d, the tip joint 132 may be positioned close to the tube V inside the body, and may have a tapered shape that becomes thinner towards the end to prevent interference with the electrode unit 120 and to maximize the surface area that wraps around the tube inside the body. The end of the electrode unit 120 may be fastened and fixed to the tip joint 132.

[0033] The wire 133 may be formed to sequentially pass through multiple nodes 131. Referring to Figure 4, wire holes 131c may be formed in the nodes 131 in the longitudinal direction for the wire 133 to pass through.

[0034] The ends of the wires 133 that have sequentially passed through the wire holes 131c may be joined and fixed to the tip joint 132, and the wires 133 can slide in the longitudinal direction relative to each node 131 within the wire holes 131c.

[0035] This allows the wire 133 to guide the multiple nodes 131 and tip joints 132 to be positioned along the winding path and to provide a pulling force that causes the multiple nodes 131 and tip joints 132 to be wound around the pipe V.

[0036] The wire 133 may be operated to protrude from one end of the shaft 111 along with a plurality of nodes 131. In this case, the wire 133 can be designed to protrude less than the amount by which the nodes 131 protrude, so that the wire 133 can provide a force to pull the plurality of nodes 131 along a curved path.

[0037] The joint portion 131 may include a hinge portion 131a and a winding support portion 131b. The hinge portion 131a is configured to rotatably connect with an adjacent joint and may be formed on one or both sides in the longitudinal direction where the joint portions 131 are connected side by side.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the hinge portion 131a may form a rotation axis in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction and be connected to the hinge portion 131a of adjacent joint portions 131. Each hinge portion 131a may be fastened by inserting a hinge pin (not shown) in the direction in which the rotation axis is formed.

[0039] The winding support portion 131b is configured to support a plurality of nodes 131 along the winding path, and may be formed on one or both sides in the longitudinal direction so as to support adjacent nodes 131 from each other.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the winding support portion 131b may be formed adjacent to the hinge portion 131a in the direction inward of the electrode guide 130 (where the node portion 131 is wound).

[0041] The winding support portion 131b may, for example, consist of a surface having a predetermined angle and area, and the wound form of the electrode guide 130 may be fixed by being supported by surface contact with adjacent winding support portions 131b.

[0042] The winding support portion 131b and the wire hole 131c may be formed at positions that are separated inward from the rotation center of the hinge portion 131a toward the internal tube V.

[0043] If the wire 133 is pulled backward relative to the electrode guide 130 (i.e., the length of wire 133 pulled out from the shaft 111 is smaller than the length of the node 131), tension may be applied to the wire 133 in the direction of winding the electrode guide 130. Conversely, the winding support portion 131b provides a force that supports the nodes 131 in a direction that suppresses the winding of the electrode guide 130. By balancing the forces of the wire 133 and the winding support portion 131b in opposite directions, the electrode guide 130 can be fixed on the winding path.

[0044] Furthermore, the electrode guide 130 may include a first group of nodes 131x and a second group of nodes 131y. In other words, the multiple nodes 131 may be divided into a first group of nodes 131x and a second group of nodes 131y having different lengths.

[0045] Due to the difference in length, the first group of nodes 131x can form a first radius of curvature, and the second group of nodes 131y can form a second radius of curvature that is larger than the first radius of curvature. As can be seen from Figure 3d, the nodes with relatively shorter lengths (first group of nodes 131x) can form a smaller radius of curvature, and the nodes with longer lengths (second group of nodes 131y) can form a larger radius of curvature.

[0046] By forming a path with a smaller radius of curvature using the node 131 located closer to the tip joint 132, a path can be created for the tip joint 132 to enter the space between the tube inside the body and the shaft 111, as shown in Figure 3d. Furthermore, the electrode guide 130, including the node 131, may have an overall helical shape.

[0047] Referring to Figures 3a to 3e, the electrode guide 130 is housed inside the shaft 111 together with the electrode unit 120 and may protrude from one end toward the front F, forming a curved winding path for treatment.

[0048] For example, multiple nodes 131 may be pulled out sequentially and, due to the difference in displacement with the wire 133, move along the curved winding path, eventually becoming wrapped around the pipe V.

[0049] Furthermore, the electrode guide 130 may be positioned away from the outer surface of the tube, and the electrode unit 120, which is positioned inside the wrapped electrode guide 130, may be in close contact with the outer surface of the tube V.

[0050] Multiple nodes 131 may be wound around the tube V while being pulled out from the shaft 111 by the electrode guide drive unit 140. This minimizes the space in which the electrode guide 130 operates, allowing for safe and accurate nerve blocking or modulation even in confined spaces.

[0051] Referring to Figure 5, the electrode guide drive unit 140 may be configured to move the electrode guide 130 forward and backward, and may include a frame 141, a motor section 142, a rod block 143, a wire block 144, and a variable connecting section 145.

[0052] The frame 141 may be provided so as to be fixed inside the main body, and may be equipped with guide slots or guide shafts that extend in the front-to-back direction.

[0053] The motor unit 142 may rotate a rotating shaft 142a that is connected to the frame 141 and rotatably supported by the frame 141. The motor unit 142 may rotate the rotating shaft 142a by receiving, for example, electrical energy.

[0054] One end of the rod block 143 may be connected to the joint 131. The rod block 143 may be moved forward and backward by the motor unit 142. Specifically, the rod block 143 may extend in the front-rear direction and be moved forward and backward by engaging with a rotating shaft 142a on which a screw thread is formed.

[0055] The rod block 143 is positioned inside the shaft 111 and is formed to extend in one direction (front-to-back direction). It may also include a rod 143a that supports the joint portion 131 and a protruding and recessed structure that is slidably connected to a guide slot or guide shaft of the frame 141.

[0056] In addition to the configurations of the rotating shaft 142a and motor unit 142 described above, the electrode guide drive unit 140 according to the present invention may be configured to move the rod block 143 in the front-rear direction by various linear actuation methods. For example, the electrode guide drive unit 140 may include a cylinder-type linear actuator including pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric methods, or a piezo / ultrasonic linear actuator.

[0057] The wire block 144 is formed to support the wire 133 and may move forward and backward in conjunction with the rod block 143. The wire block 144 has a grooved configuration into which it is slidably inserted into a guide slot or guide shaft, and a slide hole 144a that slidably accommodates the rotating shaft 142a, and may move forward and backward alongside the rod block 143.

[0058] The variable connecting section 145 connects the rod block 143 and the wire block 144 to each other, and the distance between the rod block 143 and the wire block 144 may be varied. For this purpose, the variable connecting section 145 may include a rod link 145a, a wire link 145b, a hinge pin 145c, and a pin slot 145d.

[0059] The rod link 145a and the wire link 145b may be rotatably connected to the rod block 143 and the wire block 144, respectively. Alternatively, the rod link 145a and the wire link 145b may be rotatably connected to each other by a hinge pin 145c.

[0060] The pin slot 145d is formed to slidably accommodate the hinge pin 145c. Specifically, the pin slot 145d is formed to extend in the front-to-back direction and at a preset inclination angle. The pin slot 145d may be formed in the frame 141.

[0061] Alternatively, the electrode unit 120 may be pulled out from the shaft 111 by the electrode drive unit 150 and wound around the tube V by the electrode guide 130. Specifically, the electrode unit 120 may advance along a curved winding path together with the electrode guide 130, and when fully pulled out from the shaft 111 and positioned, it may be gradually brought into close contact with the tube V inside the body under the control of the electrode drive unit 150. Thus, the electrode unit 120 can stably adhere to the tube V inside the body and perform the action of blocking or modulating nerves without damaging the tube V inside the body.

[0062] Referring to Figure 6a, the electrode drive unit 150 may be configured to move the electrode unit 120 forward and backward in conjunction with the electrode guide drive unit 140. The electrode drive unit 150 may also include a tension maintenance unit 151, a moving part 152, a forward rail 153, a backward rail 154, a connecting rail 155 that connects the forward rail 153 and the backward rail 154, and a stopper part 156. For example, the lengths of the forward rail 153 and the backward rail 154 may be the same.

[0063] The tension maintenance unit 151 may be connected to one end of the electrode unit 120 and provide tension to the electrode unit 120. The tension maintenance unit 151 may include a spring portion 151a, a protruding portion 151b that protrudes upward on one side, a lever portion 151c, and an electrode connecting portion 151d on the other side.

[0064] The protruding portion 151b may be moved backward by the lever portion 151c, and as will be described later, the backward movement of the lever portion 151c may cause the spring portion 151a to provide tension to the electrode unit 120.

[0065] The lever portion 151c may generate tension by extending the spring portion 151a. Specifically, the lever portion 151c may sense the tension generated in the spring portion 151a using a sensor. The lever portion 151c may be automatically driven in the forward and backward directions based on the sensed tension.

[0066] Referring to Figure 6a, the lever portion 151c may include a link 151c1, an actuator 151c2, and a force sensor 151c3.

[0067] The lever portion 151c may extend the length of the spring portion 151a by reversing the protruding portion 151b via the link 151c1 after the forward movement of the electrode drive unit 150 and the electrode guide drive unit 140 is completed.

[0068] Here, link 151c1 may retract its projection 151b in order to generate tension in the spring portion 151a. One end of link 151c1 may be connected to actuator 151c2, and the other end may be used to fix force sensor 151c3.

[0069] As shown in Figure 6a, the link 151c1 may extend in the longitudinal direction. For example, the link 151c1 may extend in a "┐" shape to contact the side surface of the projection 151b and control the movement of the projection 151b. The shape of the link 151c1 may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiment described herein.

[0070] For example, the lever portion 151c may drive the link 151c1 in the forward and backward direction. In this case, the link 151c1 may operate in a linear sliding manner. The lever portion 151c may move the protruding portion 151b forward or backward while moving the link 151c1 in the forward and backward direction.

[0071] The force sensor 151c3 may be formed on the inner surface of the link 151c1 that contacts the protrusion 151b. For example, the force sensor 151c3 may be positioned on the surface where the link 151c1 and the protrusion 151b come into contact. Here, the force sensor 151c3 may be a load cell.

[0072] A force sensor 151c3 formed on the inner surface of link 151c1 may also sense the tension generated in the spring portion 151a. Specifically, tension may be generated in the spring portion 151a by moving the protruding portion 151b while link 151c1, which includes the force sensor 151c3 on its inner surface, moves in the front-rear direction. At this time, the force sensor 151c3 in contact with the protruding portion 151b may also sense the tension generated in the spring portion 151a.

[0073] On the other hand, the force sensor 151c3 may also sense the restoring force of the spring portion 151a after tension has been generated. In other words, the force sensor 151c3 may sense the tension or restoring force of the spring portion 151a via the protrusion 151b while in contact with the side surface of the protrusion 151b.

[0074] The actuator 151c2 may be connected to one end of the link 151c. The actuator 151c2 may drive the link 151c1 in the forward and backward directions based on the tension of the spring portion 151a sensed by the force sensor 151c3. For example, the actuator 151c2 may be a linear actuator, and the actuator 151c2 may operate in a linear sliding manner.

[0075] Specifically, the actuator 151c2 may drive the link 151c1 in the reverse direction if the restoring force of the spring portion 151a sensed by the force sensor 151c3 is less than the tension generated. Conversely, the actuator 151c2 may drive the link 151c1 in the forward direction if the restoring force of the spring portion 151a sensed by the force sensor 151c3 is greater than the tension generated.

[0076] In other words, the lever portion 151c may sense the tension or restoring force of the spring portion 151a using the force sensor 151c3, and may move the link 151c1 forward or backward based on the sensed tension or restoring force of the spring portion 151a. This allows the electrode unit 120 to automatically and precisely and safely adhere to the outer wall of the pipe V and be controlled in real time to maintain a constant force.

[0077] According to the present invention, after the connection between the tension maintenance unit 151 and the movable part 152 is released, the tension of the spring part 151a is gradually transmitted to the electrode unit 120 by the automatic drive of the lever part 151c, thereby enabling the electrode unit 120 to be safely in close contact with the pipe V.

[0078] The electrode connecting portion 151d may be connected to one end of the electrode unit 120 to transmit the tension of the spring portion 151a to the electrode unit 120. For example, the electrode unit 120 may come into contact with the tube V while the protruding portion 151b is moved backward by the link 151c1.

[0079] The movable unit 152 may, while connected to the tension maintenance unit 151, advance the tension maintenance unit 151 until the electrode guide 130 is wrapped around the tube V inside the body, and then release the connection with the tension maintenance unit 151.

[0080] The movable part 152 may include a connecting part 152a for connecting to the tension maintenance unit 151, a pin 152b, a support part 152c, and a hinge part 152d.

[0081] The pin 152b may be formed on one end of the connecting portion 152a and may move forward along the forward rail 153 or backward along the reverse rail 154. Thus, the movable portion 152 can move forward along the forward rail 153 together with the tension maintenance unit 151 via the pin 152b, and after the connection with the tension maintenance unit 151 is released, it can move backward along the reverse rail 154.

[0082] The support portion 152c may be connected to the electrode guide drive unit 140. For example, the support portion 152c may be connected to the wire block 144.

[0083] The hinge portion 152d allows the connecting portion 152a to rotate, and when the pin 152b moves from the forward rail 153 to the connecting rail 155, the hinge portion 152d rotates, which may release the connecting portion 152a from the tension maintenance unit 151. Therefore, after the connecting portion 152a is released from the tension maintenance unit 151, the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 can move independently.

[0084] The stopper portion 156 can prevent the pin 152b from moving back onto the connecting rail 155 when the pin 152b moves backward. The stopper portion 156 may also block the connecting rail 155 when the pin 152b is positioned on the reverse rail 154 via the connecting rail 155.

[0085] Hereinafter, we will examine the driving of the electrode unit 120 by the electrode drive unit 150 with reference to Figures 6a to 6i. Figures 6a to 6i may correspond to the states shown in Figures 3a to 3e.

[0086] The electrode drive unit 150 and electrode guide drive unit 140 in Figure 6a may be either just before starting forward movement or just after finishing backward movement. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3a, the electrode unit 120 and electrode guide 130 may be either just before being wrapped around the tube V inside the body, or just after being wrapped around the tube V inside the body and returning to the state before being wrapped. In other words, they may be either just before or just after nerve transection is performed by the electrode device 100.

[0087] At this time, the force F applied to the protruding portion 151b in the forward direction A may also be expressed by the following equation 1.

[0088]

number

[0089] In Equation 1, k is the spring constant, and X is the spring tension length, which may be expressed as X0, X1, and X2. In other words, the force F0 applied to the protrusion 151b is "0".

[0090] Therefore, the distance between one end of the electrode connecting portion 151d and the protruding portion 151b may be "D0" in one example, when the length of the spring portion 151a does not change. Similarly, the distance between the force sensor 151c3 and one end 151c21 of the actuator 152c2 may also be "L1" in one example, when the distance does not change. Furthermore, the force F measured by the force sensor 151c3 may also be "0".

[0091] Referring to Figure 6b, the electrode drive unit 150 may move forward along a path provided by the forward rail 153 together with the forward-moving electrode guide drive unit 140. As the electrode drive unit 150 and electrode guide drive unit 140 move forward, the electrode unit 120 and electrode guide 130 can be deformed into a winding state so that they are pulled forward F from the shaft 111 and wrapped around the tube V inside the body, as shown in Figures 3b and 3c.

[0092] Specifically, when the electrode guide drive unit 140 moves forward due to the drive of the motor unit 142, the tension maintenance unit 151 also moves forward via the moving unit 152.

[0093] In other words, as the electrode guide drive unit 140 moves forward, the pin 152b of the movable part 152 connected to the electrode guide drive unit 140 may also move forward along the forward rail 153. At this time, as the electrode guide 130 is pulled out from the shaft 111 toward the front F, and the tension maintenance unit 151 connected to the movable part 152 moves forward, the electrode unit 120, one end of which is connected to the electrode connecting part 151d, may also be pulled out from the shaft 111.

[0094] At this time, the force F0 applied to the protrusion 151b in the forward direction A is "0", the distance between one end of the electrode connecting portion 151d and the protrusion 151b may be "D0", where the length of the spring portion 151a does not change, and the distance between the force sensor 151c3 and one end 151c21 of the actuator 152c2 may also be "L1", where the distance does not change. The force F measured by the force sensor 151c3 may also be "0".

[0095] Referring to Figure 6c, once the electrode guide drive unit 140 has completed its forward movement, the hinge portion 152d may be released from the connecting portion 152a and the tension maintenance unit 151 as the pin 152d of the moving portion 152 moves along the connecting rail 155, causing the hinge portion 152d to rotate.

[0096] As the pin 152b of the movable part 152 moves together with the electrode guide drive unit 140 to the end of the path provided by the forward rail 153, the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 may be wound together so that they are close to the tube V inside the body, as shown in Figure 3c. At this time, the electrode guide 130 may be positioned with multiple nodes 131 fully extended along the curved winding path.

[0097] At this time, the force F0 applied to the protrusion 151b in the forward direction A is "0", the distance between one end of the electrode connecting portion 151d and the protrusion 151b may be "D0", where the length of the spring portion 151a does not change, and the distance between the force sensor 151c3 and one end 151c21 of the actuator 152c2 may also be "L1", where the distance does not change. The force F measured by the force sensor 151c3 may also be "0".

[0098] On the other hand, as the connection between the movable part 152 and the tension maintenance unit 151 is released, the distance between the rod block 143 of the electrode guide drive unit 140 and the other end of the electrode connecting part 151d may increase to "D1".

[0099] Referring to Figures 6d and 6e, the tension maintenance unit 151 may be moved backward by the link 151c1 of the lever portion 151c after the connection with the movable portion 152 is released. Referring to Figure 6d, the tension maintenance unit 151 may continue to move backward as the connection with the movable portion 152 is released. Therefore, the distance between the rod block 143 of the electrode guide drive unit 140 and the other end of the electrode connecting portion 151d may be further extended by "D2". Here, the extended distance "D2" may be inversely proportional to the diameter of the tube V in contact with the electrode unit 120. At this time, the force F0 applied to the protrusion 151b in the forward direction A is "0", the distance between one end of the electrode connecting portion 151d and the protrusion 151b may be "D0", where the length of the spring portion 151a does not change, and the distance between the force sensor 151c3 and one end 151c21 of the actuator 152c2 may also be "L1", where the distance does not change. The force F measured by the force sensor 151c3 may also be "0".

[0100] Due to the extended distance "D2", as shown in Figure 3d, the electrode unit 120 can contact the tube V inside the body without any change in the length of the spring portion 151a.

[0101] Referring to Figure 6e, the link 151c1 moves the protruding portion 151b backward by the drive of the lever portion 151c, while the length of the spring portion 151a is moved by a predetermined distance X. t You can just extend that part.

[0102] Specifically, the lever portion 151c may drive the link 151c1 in the reverse direction using the actuator 151c2. For example, the distance between the force sensor 151c3 and one end 151c21 of the actuator 152c2, "L t It can be shortened to ".

[0103] As the link 151c1 moves in the reverse direction due to the drive of the actuator 152c2, the protruding portion 151b may also move in the reverse direction, and the length of the spring portion 151a connected to the protruding portion 151b is a predetermined distance X t It's okay if only that much grows.

[0104] In other words, as shown in Figure 6e, after the tension maintenance unit 151 is released from the movable part 152, the protruding part 151b is moved backward by the link 151c1, and referring to Figure 6e, the length of the spring part 151a is a predetermined distance X t The tension may increase by only a certain amount, or, as shown in Figure 3d, tension may be applied to the electrode unit 120 so that it is in close contact with the tube V inside the body with a predetermined tension.

[0105] At this time, the force F applied to the protruding portion 151b in the forward direction A may also be expressed by the following equation 2.

[0106]

number

[0107] Referring to Equation 2, the force F measured by the force sensor 151c3 is equal to the length of the spring portion 151a being a predetermined distance X. t The tension F generated increases by only that amount. T That's fine too.

[0108] Then, the distance between one end of the electrode connecting portion 151d and the protruding portion 151b increases as the spring portion 151a increases, "D T (=D0+X t )" is also acceptable.

[0109] The electrode unit 120, which is tightly attached to the tube V inside the body with a predetermined tension, may transmit energy to damage the nerve and perform nerve transection.

[0110] Subsequently, referring to Figure 6f, as the link 151c1 of the lever part 151c returns to its original position, the state of the spring part 151a may also be returned to its original state.

[0111] Specifically, as the link 151c1 returns to its original position due to the operation of the lever portion 151c, the protruding portion 151b also returns to its original position, and the length of the spring portion 151a may decrease again by a predetermined distance (D2→D1). The actuator 151c2 may move the link 151c1 in the forward direction A.

[0112] Therefore, the tension generated by the spring portion 151a is completely reduced, and as shown in Figure 3c, the electrode unit 120, which had been separated from the electrode guide 130 and in close contact with the tube V inside the body, can reattach to the electrode guide 130.

[0113] At this time, the force F0 applied to the protruding portion 151b in the forward direction A is "0", the distance between one end of the electrode connecting portion 151d and the protruding portion 151b may be "D0", where the length of the spring portion 151a does not change, and the distance between the force sensor 151c3 and one end 151c21 of the actuator 152c2 may also be "L1", where the distance does not change.

[0114] Referring to Figures 6g and 6h, after the protrusion 151b returns to its original position along with the link 151c1, the movable part 152 may move backward. By moving backward along the backward rail 154 together with the electrode guide drive unit 150, the movable part 152 can detach the electrode guide 130 from around the tube V inside the body, as shown in Figure 3e.

[0115] Specifically, as the electrode guide drive unit 140 moves backward, the pin 152b of the movable part 152 connected to the electrode guide drive unit 140 moves backward along the backward rail 154, and the other end of the connecting part 152a meets the electrode connecting part 151d of the tension maintenance unit 151, causing the tension maintenance unit 151 to move backward.

[0116] When the pin 152b moves backward, the electrode driving unit 150 may prevent the pin 152b from moving back to the connection rail 155 by blocking the connection rail 155 with the stopper portion 156. For example, the stopper portion 156 may include a spring that compresses the stopper portion 156 so that the pin 152b can move to the connection rail 155 and returns the state of the stopper portion 156 when the pin 152b is located on the backward rail 154.

[0117] As the electrode guide driving unit 140 and the electrode driving unit 150 move backward, as shown in FIG. 3e, the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 may move backward B toward the shaft 111.

[0118] When the backward movement of the electrode guide driving unit 140 and the electrode driving unit 150 is completed, as shown in FIG. 6i, the pin 152b of the moving part 152 may be arranged on the forward rail 153, that is, in a standby state. At this time, the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 may also be in a standby state before being pulled out from the standby shaft 111, as shown in FIG. 3a.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 7, after the electrode unit 120 is in close contact with the tube V, the lever portion 151c may automatically adjust the forward or backward driving of the electrode unit 120, and thus the electrode unit 120 may be in close contact with the tube V in the body with a predetermined tension. The predetermined tension may be arbitrarily adjusted according to the diameter, elasticity, etc. of the tube V.

[0120] First, (b) of FIG. 7 shows a case where the protruding portion 151b is moved backward by the lever portion 151c after the connection between the tension maintaining unit 151 and the moving part 152 is released. At this time, the lever portion 151c may sense the tension or restoring force of the spring portion 151a by the force sensor 151c3.

[0121] (a) of FIG. 7 shows that in (b) of FIG. 7, the restoring force F1 of the spring portion 151a sensed by the force sensor 151c3 is the tension F generated as the length of the spring portion 151a extends. TThis is the case when it is smaller than [value]. In this case, the lever portion 151c may drive the link 151c1 in the reverse direction B by the actuator 151c2.

[0122] In other words, the lever portion 151c may move the protruding portion 151b in the reverse direction by moving the link 151c1 in the reverse direction B. As the protruding portion 151b moves in the reverse direction, tension can be applied to the spring portion 151a.

[0123] On the other hand, Figure 7(c) shows that in Figure 7(b), the restoring force F1 of the spring portion 151a sensed by the force sensor 151c3 is the tension F generated as the length of the spring portion 151a increases. T This is the case when it is greater than [value]. In this case, the lever portion 151c may drive the link 151c1 in the forward direction B by the actuator 151c2.

[0124] In other words, the lever portion 151c may move the protruding portion 151b in the forward direction by moving the link 151c1 in the forward direction A. As the protruding portion 151b moves in the forward direction, the tension from the spring portion 151a can be reduced.

[0125] As shown in Figures 7(a), (b), and (c), the present invention may also control in real time so that the electrode unit 120 is tightly attached to the pipe V with a predetermined tension based on the force sensed by the force sensor 151c3 at the lever portion 151c, the tension of the spring portion 151a, or the restoring force, and the degree of the predetermined tension may be arbitrarily adjusted according to the diameter, elasticity, etc. of the pipe V.

[0126] Therefore, the electrode unit 120 can be accurately and safely attached to the tube V inside the body, enabling nerve resection to be performed.

[0127] The above description of the present invention is illustrative, and a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains should understand that it can be easily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the above embodiments should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not limiting. For example, each component described as a single type may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined form.

[0128] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, which are set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and all modifications or altered forms derived from the meaning and scope of the claims, as well as the concept of equivalents thereof, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In an electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body, A main body equipped with a shaft, An electrode unit formed to extend from one end of the shaft, which blocks or modulates at least a portion of the nerves in the tube inside the body, An electrode guide is connected to the end of the electrode unit and guides the electrode unit to contact the tube inside the body, An electrode guide drive unit configured to move the electrode guide forward and backward, The electrode drive unit includes an electrode drive unit configured to operate in an interlocked state in which the electrode unit moves forward and backward in conjunction with the electrode guide drive unit, and in a non-interlocked state in which the interlock with the electrode guide drive unit is released. The electrode drive unit includes a tension maintenance unit connected to one end of the electrode unit, The tension maintenance unit is, A lever portion that provides tension to the electrode unit, The spring portion that generates the tension, The tension-maintaining unit includes a protruding portion at one end, The aforementioned lever portion is A link that moves the protruding portion backward in order to generate tension in the spring portion, The link includes a force sensor formed on the inner surface of the link that contacts the protrusion, which senses the tension generated in the spring portion via the protrusion while in contact with the side surface of the protrusion, An electrode device that is automatically driven in the forward and backward directions based on the tension sensed by the force sensor.

2. The electrode device according to claim 1, wherein the lever portion generates tension by extending the spring portion and provides the generated tension to the electrode unit.

3. The electrode drive unit further includes a moving part connected to the tension maintenance unit that moves the tension maintenance unit forward and backward, The electrode device according to claim 2, wherein the moving part, while connected to the tension maintenance unit, advances the tension maintenance unit until the electrode guide is wrapped around the tube inside the body, and then releases the connection with the tension maintenance unit.

4. The electrode device according to claim 3, wherein the tension maintenance unit further includes an actuator that drives the link in the forward and backward direction based on the tension of the spring portion sensed by the force sensor.

5. The actuator is If the restoring force of the spring portion detected by the force sensor is less than the tension, the link is driven in the reverse direction. The electrode device according to claim 4, wherein if the restoring force of the spring portion sensed by the force sensor is greater than the tension, the link is driven in the forward direction.

6. The electrode device according to claim 4, wherein the electrode unit comes into contact with the tube while the protruding portion is moved backward by the link.

7. The aforementioned movable part is A connecting portion for connecting to the tension maintenance unit, The connecting portion further includes a pin formed therein, the movable portion for advancing the tension-maintaining unit, The electrode drive unit is The electrode device according to claim 3, further comprising a forward rail for the forward movement of the pin.

8. The electrode device according to claim 7, wherein the electrode drive unit further includes a reverse rail for the pin to move backward to detach the electrode guide from around the tube inside the body after the moving part has released its connection with the tension maintenance unit.

9. The aforementioned movable part is A support portion connected to the electrode guide drive unit, A hinge portion that makes the aforementioned connecting portion rotatable and It further includes, The electrode drive unit is The system further includes a connecting rail that connects the forward rail and the reverse rail, The electrode device according to claim 8, wherein when the pin moves along the connecting rail, the hinge rotates, thereby releasing the connecting portion from the tension maintenance unit.

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

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