Irreversible electroporation probe

Abstract

This irreversible electroporation probe comprises: a first body; a second body connected to the first body; a rotation unit configured to adjust the angle between the first body and the second body; an electrode structure protruding from the second body; and a cable electrically connected to the electrode structure.

Description

irreversible electroporation probe

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an irreversible electroporation probe, and more particularly, to an irreversible electroporation probe having an adjustable angle.

[0002] A tumor refers to cells within the body that have developed excessively and autonomously. Tumors develop independently of the overall health of the organism. Tumors are divided into malignant and benign tumors, with malignant tumors being referred to as cancer. Benign tumors are not cancerous, so resection of the tumor, depending on the location, poses no significant problems.

[0003] Treatment options for tumors include surgical resection, radiation therapy to destroy tumor tissue, and chemotherapy to necrotize malignant tumors. Surgical resection can be used for early-stage cancer. However, it carries risks for malignant tumors, and while radiation therapy and chemotherapy are highly effective in the early stages, they are less effective for malignant tumors. Furthermore, because these treatments weaken the immune system, they are not suitable for patients with weakened immune systems. Therefore, electroporation, an alternative, is being used.

[0004] In electroporation, a high voltage is applied to cause lipids to shift to one side, forming perforations in the cell membrane. These perforations can be refilled depending on the strength of the applied voltage. However, if the perforations created by the voltage do not refill over time, it is called irreversible electroporation. Irreversible electroporation kills target cells by electrically forming perforations that prevent them from recovering. In other words, irreversible electroporation kills target cells by applying an irreversible electric current.

[0005] The technical challenge is to provide an irreversible electroporation probe with adjustable angle.

[0006] The technical challenge lies in providing irreversible electroporation probes that can access tumors through various routes.

[0007] However, the tasks to be solved are not limited to the above disclosure.

[0008] In one aspect, an irreversible electroporation probe may be provided, comprising: a first body; a second body connected to the first body; a rotating member configured to adjust an angle between the first body and the second body; an electrode structure protruding from the second body; and a cable electrically connected to the electrode structure.

[0009] The cable has a central length parallel to the extension direction of the first body and the second body, and the central length of the cable can vary depending on the angle between the first body and the second body.

[0010] A cable storage unit provided within the first body may further include a spring having a compression displacement that varies depending on the angle between the first body and the second body.

[0011] The first body may include a rotary hole having a plurality of recesses, wherein the rotary part may include: an operating element configured to be movable; an elastic element configured to move the operating element to an initial position; and a catch element configured to be inserted into or removed from the plurality of recesses depending on a position of the operating element.

[0012] The above-described first body may further include a gear fixed to the first body, wherein the gear includes teeth and concave regions respectively provided between the teeth, and the rotating part may include: an operating element configured to be movable; an elastic element configured to move the operating element to an initial position; and a catch element configured to be inserted into or removed from the concave regions depending on a position of the operating element.

[0013] The present disclosure can provide an irreversible electroporation probe with adjustable angle.

[0014] The present disclosure may provide an irreversible electroporation probe that can access tumors through various routes.

[0015] However, the effects of the invention are not limited to the above disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an irreversible electroporation probe according to exemplary embodiments.

[0017] Figure 2 is a drawing showing a cross-section parallel to the first and second directions of Figure 1.

[0018] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 1.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary cable storage unit.

[0020] FIGS. 5A to 5C are drawings for explaining the center length of the cable according to the angle between the first body and the second body of FIG. 1.

[0021] Figure 6 is a drawing for explaining an exemplary rotary hall.

[0022] Figures 7a, 7b, 8a, and 8b are drawings showing exemplary rotating parts.

[0023] Figures 9a, 9b, 10a, and 10b are drawings showing exemplary rotating parts.

[0024] Figures 11a, 11b, 12a, and 12b are drawings showing exemplary rotating parts.

[0025] In one aspect, an irreversible electroporation probe may be provided, comprising: a first body; a second body connected to the first body; a rotating member configured to adjust an angle between the first body and the second body; an electrode structure protruding from the second body; and a cable electrically connected to the electrode structure.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate like components, and the sizes of each component in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience. The embodiments described below are merely exemplary, and various modifications are possible from these embodiments.

[0027] Hereinafter, the term “upper” may include not only things that are directly above in contact, but also things that are above in a non-contact manner.

[0028] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, when a part is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0029] Additionally, terms such as “unit” described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation.

[0030] Hereinafter, 'at least one of a, b, and c' should be understood to include 'only a', 'only b', 'only c', 'a and b', 'a and c', 'b and c', or 'a, b, and c'.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an irreversible electroporation probe according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross-section parallel to the first and second directions of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-section for explaining an exemplary cable storage unit. FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining the center length of a cable according to the angle between the first body and the second body of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an exemplary rotation hole. FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B are diagrams showing an exemplary rotation unit.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an irreversible electroporation probe (10) may be provided. The irreversible electroporation probe (10) may include a first body (100) and a second body (200) that are coupled to each other so as to be rotatable by a rotating member (300). The first body (100) may extend along a first direction (DR1). A central axis of the rotating member (300) may be parallel to the second direction (DR2). A third direction (DR3) may be orthogonal to the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2). When the first body (100) and the second body (200) rotate relative to each other, an angle between the first body (100) and the second body (200) may be adjusted. The angle between the first body (100) and the second body (200) may be an angle between an extension axis of the first body (100) and an extension axis of the second body (200) measured on a plane parallel to the first direction (DR1) and the third direction (DR3). The extension axis of the first body (100) may be a virtual line (e.g., a central axis of the first body (100)) parallel to the extension direction of the first body (100). The extension axis of the second body (200) may be a virtual line (e.g., a central axis of the second body (200)) parallel to the extension direction of the second body (200). The angle between the first body (100) and the second body (200) may be determined in advance. For example, the angle between the first body (100) and the second body (200) can be adjusted to 90 degrees (°), 120 degrees (°), 150 degrees (°), 180 degrees (°), 210 degrees (°), 240 degrees (°), and 270 degrees (°). However, the angle between the first body (100) and the second body (200) can be determined as needed.

[0033] The irreversible electroporation probe (10) may include electrode structures (400) protruding from the second body (200) and cables (500) for applying electrical signals to the electrode structures (400), respectively. Four electrode structures (400) and four cables (500) are illustrated, but this is merely exemplary. The number of electrode structures (400) and the number of cables (500) may be determined as needed.

[0034] The first body (100) may include a housing (110). The housing (110) may provide an area in which a partition (120), cables (500), and guide elements (132, 134) are accommodated. The housing (110) may extend along a first direction (DR1). Cables (500) may be inserted into one end of the housing (110), and a second body (200) may be connected to the other end. The cables (500) may be fixed to one end of the housing (110). Accordingly, cables (500) outside the housing (110) may not be further inserted into the housing (110), and cables (500) inside the housing (110) may not be discharged outside the housing (110).

[0035] A partition wall (120) may be provided inside the housing (110). The partition wall (120) may extend along the first direction (DR1) to divide the internal area of ​​the housing (110) into a first sub-area (122) and a second sub-area (124). Cables (500) may be distributed to the first sub-area (122) and the second sub-area (124). For example, two cables (500) may be arranged in each of the first sub-area (122) and the second sub-area (124). Descriptions of components (e.g., cables (500), guide elements (132, 134), and cable storage units (140a, 140b)) arranged in each of the first sub-area (122) and the second sub-area (124) may be substantially the same. For simplicity of explanation, components within the first sub-area (122) are described.

[0036] The first body (100) may include first guide elements (132) and second guide elements (134). The first guide elements (132) and the second guide elements (134) may be provided within the housing (110). The first guide elements (132) and the second guide elements (134) may protrude from the partition wall (120). The first guide elements (132) and the second guide elements (134) may be configured to define extension paths of the first cable (502) and the second cable (504), respectively. For example, the first cable (502) and the second cable (504) may be bent by the first guide elements (132) and the second guide elements (134), respectively. The first cable (502) and the second cable (504) may extend in a zigzag shape within the housing (110). In one example, the first guide elements (132) and the second guide elements (134) may be configured to be rotatable. For example, when the first cable (502) and the second cable (504) move along the extension direction, the first guide elements (132) and the second guide elements (134) may rotate in response to the movement of the first cable (502) and the second cable (504), respectively. For example, the first guide elements (132) and the second guide elements (134) may be rollers protruding from the bulkhead (120). Accordingly, the first cable (502) and the second cable (504) may move smoothly within the housing (110), and friction between the first cable (502) and the second cable (504) and the guide elements (130) may be reduced, thereby preventing wear of the first cable (502) and the second cable (504). Movement of the first cable (502) and the second cable (504) may occur due to changes in the compressive displacement of the cable storage portions (140a, 140b) according to angle adjustment between the first body (100) and the second body (200). The changes in the compressive displacement of the cable storage portions (140a, 140b) will be described later.

[0037] The first body (100) may include a first cable storage unit (140a) and a second cable storage unit (140b). The first cable storage unit (140a) and the second cable storage unit (140b) may respond to changes in the central lengths of the first cable (502) and the second cable (504) that occur as the angle between the first body (100) and the second body (200) is adjusted. The central lengths of the first cable (502) and the second cable (504) may be lengths of the first cable (502) and the second cable (504) that follow a direction parallel to the central axis (100a) of the first body (100) and the central axis (200a) of the second body (200) within the first body (100) and the second body (200). Unlike the extension lengths of the first cable (502) and the second cable (504) that are fixed within the first body (100) and the second body (200), the center lengths of the first cable (502) and the second cable (504) can vary depending on the angle between the first body (100) and the second body (200). The center lengths will be described later.

[0038] The first cable storage unit (140a) and the second cable storage unit (140b) may be configured to define an extension path of the first cable (502) and the second cable (504) within the housing (110). For example, the first cable (502) and the second cable (504) may be bent by the first cable storage unit (140a) and the second cable storage unit (140b). Although one cable storage unit (140) is illustrated as being provided for each of the first cable (502) and the second cable (504), this is exemplary. In another example, two or more first cable storage units (140a) and second cable storage units (140b) may be provided for each of the first cable (502) and the second cable (504). For the sake of brevity of explanation, the first cable storage unit (140a) and the first cable (502) will be primarily described. The second cable storage unit (140b) and the second cable (504) may have a symmetrical structure along the second direction (DR2) with respect to the first cable storage unit (140a) and the first cable (502).

[0039] A first cable storage unit (140a) may be provided between a pair of first guide elements (132) that are directly adjacent to each other. A first cable (502) may extend between the pair of first guide elements (132) and the first cable storage unit (140a). The first cable storage unit (140a) may be provided on the opposite side of the pair of first guide elements (132) with respect to the first cable (502). The first cable storage unit (140a) may overlap the pair of first guide elements (132) along a first direction (DR1). The first cable (502) may pass between the pair of first guide elements (132) and the first cable storage unit (140a) in a zigzag shape. For example, the first cable (502) may be configured to contact the bottom surface of a pair of first guide elements (132) and the top surface of the first cable storage portion (140a). The second cable (504) may be configured to contact the top surface of a pair of second guide elements (134) and the bottom surface of the second cable storage portion (140b).

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first cable storage unit (140a) may include a support unit (142), a cover unit (144), and a spring unit (146) between the support unit (142) and the cover unit (144). The support unit (142) may be fixed to the bulkhead (120). When the first cable (502) presses the cover unit (144) toward the support unit (142), the spring unit (146) may be compressed. Accordingly, the spring unit (146) may have a compression displacement. Hereinafter, the compression displacement may refer to the length of the compressed spring from its natural length. The elastic force generated by the compression of the spring unit (146) may be applied to the first cable unit (502). The first cable unit (502) may have tension due to the first cable storage unit (140a) and may not be stretched. The second cable storage unit (140b) may be substantially identical to the first cable storage unit (140a). Hereinafter, the operation of the first cable (502) and the second cable (504) according to changes in the center lengths of the first cable (502) and the second cable (504) is described.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 5a, a first body (100) and a second body (200) that can rotate around a rotational axis (CP) may be provided. An angle (ba) between the first body (100) and the second body (200) may be 180 degrees (°). The first cable (502) and the second cable (504) may have a first center length (CL1) and a second center length (CL2), respectively. The first center length (CL1) and the second center length (CL2) may be lengths between opposite ends of the first cable (502) and the second cable (504) that are parallel to a first center axis (100a) of the first body (100) and a second center axis (200a) of the second body (200), respectively. One end of each of the first cable (502) and the second cable (504) may be fixed to one end of the first body (100), and the other end may be fixed to the connecting portion (600).

[0042] The first cable (502) and the second cable (504) may be configured to press against the first cable storage unit (140a) and the second cable storage unit (140b). The spring (146) of the first cable storage unit (140a) may have a first compression displacement. The spring (146) of the second cable storage unit (140b) may have a second compression displacement. The first compression displacement and the second compression displacement may be less than a maximum compression displacement of the spring (146). In one example, the first compression displacement and the second compression displacement may be substantially equal to each other.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 5b, the angle (ba) between the first body (100) and the second body (200) may be configured to be less than 180 degrees (°). The first center length (CL1) of the first cable (502) may be shorter than the first center length (CL1) when the angle (ba) between the first body (100) and the second body (200) is 180 degrees (°). The first cable (502) may push the first cable storage unit (140a) with a smaller force than when the angle (ba) between the first body (100) and the second body (200) is 180 degrees (°). The first compression displacement may be smaller than when the angle (ba) between the first body (100) and the second body (200) is 180 degrees (°). For example, when the angle (ba) between the first body (100) and the second body (200) is minimum (e.g., 90 degrees (°)), the first compression displacement can be substantially equal to the natural length of the spring (146). The first cable storage unit (140a) can accommodate the first cable (502) as much as the shortened first center length (CL1).

[0044] The second center length (CL2) of the second cable (504) may be longer than the second center length (CL2) when the angle (ba) between the second body (100) and the second body (200) is 180 degrees (°). The second cable (504) may push the second cable storage unit (140b) with a greater force than when the angle (ba) between the first body (100) and the second body (200) is 180 degrees (°). The second compression displacement may be greater than when the angle (ba) between the first body (100) and the second body (200) is 180 degrees (°). For example, when the angle (ba) between the first body (100) and the second body (200) is minimum (e.g., 90 degrees (°)), the second compression displacement may be substantially equal to the maximum compression displacement of the spring (146). The second cable storage unit (140b) can discharge the second cable (504) as long as the second center length (CL2) is extended.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 5c, the angle (ba) between the first body (100) and the second body (200) may be configured to be greater than 180 degrees (°). The first center length (CL1) of the first cable (502) may be longer than the first center length (CL1) when the angle (ba) between the first body (100) and the first body (200) is 180 degrees (°). The first cable (502) may push the first cable storage unit (140a) with a greater force than when the angle (ba) between the first body (100) and the second body (200) is 180 degrees (°). The first compression displacement may be greater than when the angle (ba) between the first body (100) and the second body (200) is 180 degrees (°). For example, when the angle (ba) between the first body (100) and the second body (200) is maximum (e.g., 270 degrees (°)), the first compression displacement may be substantially equal to the maximum compression displacement of the spring (146). The first cable storage unit (140a) may discharge the first cable (502) by the lengthened first center length (CL1).

[0046] The second center length (CL2) of the second cable (504) may be shorter than the second center length (CL2) when the angle (ba) between the first body (100) and the second body (200) is 180 degrees (°). The second cable (504) may push the second cable storage unit (140b) with a smaller force than when the angle (ba) between the first body (100) and the second body (200) is 180 degrees (°). The second compression displacement may be smaller than when the angle (ba) between the first body (100) and the second body (200) is 180 degrees (°). For example, when the angle (ba) between the first body (100) and the second body (200) is at a maximum (e.g., 270 degrees (°)), the first compression displacement may be substantially equal to the natural length of the spring (146). Accordingly, the second cable storage unit (140b) can accommodate a second cable (504) as long as the shortened second center length (CL2).

[0047] Referring to FIG. 6, the first body (100) may include a rotation hole (150). The rotation hole (150) may be configured to allow a rotation part (300) to be inserted therein, which will be described later. The first body (100) may include protrusions (152) arranged at regular intervals along the periphery of the hole. The protrusions (152) may protrude toward the center of the hole. The rotation hole (150) may be a gear-shaped hole. The area between the protrusions (152) may be referred to as recesses (154).

[0048] Referring back to FIGS. 1 to 3, the second body (200) can be connected to the first body (100). An end of the first body (100) can be inserted into the second body (200), and a rotating member (300) can rotatably couple the second body (200) and the first body (100). The second body (200) can provide an area in which a connecting member (600), a cable (500), and an electrode structure (400) are disposed therein. The connecting member (600) can be fixed to the inside of the second body (200). For example, a fitting groove can be provided in the inner wall of the second body (200), and an edge of the connecting member (600) can be inserted into the fitting groove. The method by which the connecting member (600) is fixed to the second body (200) can be determined as needed. A cable (500) can be connected to one side of the connecting portion (600), and an electrode structure (400) can be connected to the other side.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 7A to 8B, the rotating part (300) may be configured to penetrate the second body (200) and the first body (100). The rotating part (300) may be inserted into the rotating hole (150). The rotating part (300) may include a first operating element (310), a first elastic element (320), and a first engaging element (330). The first operating element (310) may be provided on the second body (200). The first operating element (310) may be a portion that a user of the irreversible electroporation probe (10) presses to adjust the angle of the second body (200).

[0050] A first elastic element (320) may be provided between the first operating element (310) and the second body (200). As illustrated in FIG. 7a, when no pressing force is applied to the first operating element (310), the first operating element (310) may be arranged at a first position. The first position may be an initial position of the first operating element (310). When the first operating element (310) is at the first position, the first elastic element (320) may have a compressed state. The first elastic element (320) may be configured to apply a force to the first operating element (310) in a direction that pushes the first operating element (310) between the first operating element (310) and the second body (200). As illustrated in FIG. 7b, the first engaging element (330) may be configured to fit into a gear shape of the rotation hole (150). The first engaging element (330) may include at least one engaging projection (330a) corresponding to the shape of the concave portion (154) of the rotating hole (150). When the first operating element (310) is in the first position, the at least one engaging projection (330a) may be configured to fit into the concave portion (154) of the rotating hole (150). Accordingly, the angle between the first body (100) and the second body (200) may be fixed.

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 8a, when a force is applied to the first operating element (310) to press the first operating element (310), the first operating element (310) can move to a second position. The second position can be closer to the first body (100) than the first position. For example, the second position can be spaced apart from the first position in a second direction (DR2). The first elastic element (320) can be more compressed than when the first operating element (310) is at the first position. As illustrated in FIG. 8b, the first engaging element (330) can be configured to be disengaged from the gear shape of the rotation hole (150). For example, at least one engaging projection (330a) of the first engaging element (330) can be removed from the recess (154) of the rotation hole (150). Accordingly, the angle between the first body (100) and the second body (200) can be adjusted.

[0052] When the first operating element (310) is pressed, and the force pressing the first operating element (310) is removed or sufficiently reduced, the first elastic element (320) can move the first operating element (310) back to the first position.

[0053] Referring back to FIGS. 1 to 3, the electrode structure (400) may penetrate the second body (200) and extend outside the second body (200). One end of the electrode structure (400) may be fixed to the connecting portion (600), and the other end of the electrode structure (400) may be disposed outside the second body (200). The electrode structure (400) may include an electrode element (410) and an insulating element (420). The electrode element (410) may be electrically connected to a cable (500) and may receive an electrical signal transmitted through the cable (500). For example, the electrode element (410) may be an anode or a cathode. When a plurality of electrode structures (400) are provided, the electrode element of some of the plurality of electrode structures (400) may be an anode, and the electrode element of other some of the plurality of electrode structures (400) may be a cathode. The electrode element (410) may be configured to apply a voltage to perform irreversible electroporation. For example, the electrode element (410) may be configured to apply a desired frequency at which an electric field of a certain strength or greater (about 1.5 kV / cm to 2.5 kV / cm) is required locally to the tumor.

[0054] An insulating element (420) may surround the electrode element (410). The insulating element (420) may be configured to expose an end of the electrode element (410). The insulating element (420) may be penetrated by the electrode element (410). However, the position of the insulating element (420) may be determined as needed. For example, a plurality of insulating elements may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electrode structure (400), thereby exposing a plurality of electrode elements between the plurality of insulating elements. In this case, some of the plurality of electrode elements may be anodes, and other some of the plurality of electrode elements may be cathodes.

[0055] Tumors can develop in various shapes and locations within the body. The more diverse the paths through which the electrode element (410) approaches the tumor, the more effectively irreversible electroporation can be applied to various tumors. Since the angle between the first body (100) and the second body (200) of the present disclosure is adjustable, the irreversible electroporation practitioner can approach the tumor of the subject through various paths with the electrode element (410). For example, when the angle between the first body (100) and the second body (200) is appropriately adjusted, the electrode element (410) can approach the tumor of the subject lying down through a horizontal path. In one embodiment, the second body (200) can be inserted into the body of the subject together with the electrode structure (400).

[0056]

[0057] Figures 9a, 9b, 10a, and 10b are drawings illustrating exemplary rotating parts. For the sake of brevity, differences from those described with reference to Figures 1 to 8b will be emphasized.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 9A to 10B, a first gear (340) fixed to a first body (100) may be provided. The first gear (340) may include teeth (340a) arranged at regular intervals and concave areas (340b) respectively provided between the teeth (340a). A central axis (340a) of the first gear (340) may overlap with the rotational axes of the first body (100) and the second body (200). In other words, an angle between the first body (100) and the second body (200) may be adjusted by the first body (100) and the second body (200) being bent or rotated relative to each other about the central axis (340a) of the first gear (340).

[0059] The rotating member (300) may include a second operating element (312), a second elastic element (322), and a second engaging element (332). The second operating element (312) and the second elastic element (322) may be substantially identical to the first operating element (310) and the first elastic element (320), respectively, described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8B. The second engaging element (332) may include an engaging projection (332a) configured to be fitted onto the first gear (340).

[0060] As illustrated in FIGS. 9a and 9b, when the second operating element (312) is in the first position, the second engaging element (332) may be configured to be fitted into the first gear (340). For example, the engaging projection (332a) of the second engaging element (332) may be inserted into a concave area (340b) between the teeth (340a) of the first gear (340). Accordingly, the angle between the first body (100) and the second body (200) may be fixed.

[0061] As illustrated in FIGS. 10a and 10b, when a force is applied to the second operating element (312) to press the second operating element (312), the second operating element (312) can move to a second position. The second position can be closer to the first body (100) than the first position. For example, the second position can be spaced apart from the first position in the second direction (DR2). The second elastic element (322) can be more compressed than when the second operating element (312) is in the first position. The second engaging element (332) can be configured to disengage from the first gear (340). For example, the engaging projection (332a) of the second engaging element (332) can be removed from the concave area (340b) between the teeth (340a) of the first gear (340). For illustration, the second engaging element (332) is depicted as being spaced apart from the first gear (340) along a first direction (DR1). The second engaging element (332) may be spaced apart from the gear (340) along a second direction (DR2). Accordingly, the angle between the first body (100) and the second body (200) may be adjusted.

[0062] When the second operating element (312) is pressed, and the force pressing the second operating element (312) is removed or sufficiently reduced, the second elastic element (322) can move the second operating element (312) back to the first position.

[0063]

[0064] Figures 11a, 11b, 12a, and 12b are drawings illustrating exemplary rotating parts. For the sake of brevity, differences from those described with reference to Figures 1 to 8b will be emphasized.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 11A to 12B, a second gear (342) may be provided within the first body (100). The second gear (342) may include teeth (342a) arranged at regular intervals and concave areas (342b) provided between the teeth (342a). The second gear (342) may be fixed to the first body (100). The central axis (342a) of the second gear (342) may overlap the rotational axes of the first body (100) and the second body (200). In other words, the angle between the first body (100) and the second body (200) may be adjusted by the first body (100) and the second body (200) bending or rotating with respect to each other about the central axis (342a) of the second gear (342). The first body (100) may include a support area (102) that protrudes into the inner area of ​​the first body (100).

[0066] The rotating part (300) may include a third operating element (314), a third elastic element (324), and a third engaging element (334). The third operating element (314) may be a portion that a user of the irreversible electroporation probe (10) pulls to adjust the angle of the second body (200) while holding the first body (100). The third operating element (314) may be configured to penetrate the second body (200) and the first body (100) and be connected to the third engaging element (334). The third operating element (314) and the third engaging element (334) may form a single structure. For example, the third operating element (314) and the third engaging element (334) may be connected without a boundary surface therebetween.

[0067] The third engaging element (334) is connected to the third operating element (314), and thus may be configured to move together with the third operating element (314). The third engaging element (334) may include a engaging projection (334a) configured to be fitted to the second gear (342). The third engaging element (334) may include a guide projection (334b) configured to penetrate the support area (102). Since the guide projection (334b) is configured to penetrate the support area (102), the third engaging element (334) and the third operating element (314) can stably move along the first direction (DR1).

[0068] A third elastic element (324) may be provided between the third engaging element (334) and the support area (102). As illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B , when no pulling force is applied to the third operating element (314), the third operating element (314) may be arranged in a first position. The first position may be an initial position of the third operating element (314). When the third operating element (314) is in the initial position, the third elastic element (324) may have a compressed state. The third elastic element (324) may be configured to apply a force to the third engaging element (334) in a direction that pushes the third engaging element (334) between the third engaging element (334) and the support area (102).

[0069] When the third operating element (314) is in the first position, the third engaging element (334) may be configured to be fitted into the second gear (342). For example, the engaging projection (334a) of the third engaging element (334) may be configured to be inserted into a concave area (342b) between the teeth (342a) of the second gear (342). Accordingly, the angle between the first body (100) and the second body (200) may be fixed.

[0070] As illustrated in FIG. 12a, when a pulling force is applied to the third operating element (314), the third operating element (314) can be moved to a second position. For example, the first position can be spaced apart from the second position in the first direction (DR1). The third elastic element (324) can be more compressed than when the third operating element (314) is in the first position. As illustrated in FIG. 12b, the third engaging element (334) can be configured to disengage from the second gear (342). For example, the engaging projection (334a) of the third engaging element (334) can be removed from the concave area (342b) between the teeth (342a) of the second gear (342). Accordingly, the angle between the first body (100) and the second body (200) can be adjusted.

[0071] When the third operating element (314) is pulled, and the force pulling the third operating element (314) is removed or sufficiently reduced, the third elastic element (324) can move the third operating element (314) back to the first position.

[0072]

[0073] The above description of embodiments of the technical concept of the present disclosure provides examples for explaining the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and it is clear that many modifications and variations, such as combining and implementing the above embodiments, are possible by those skilled in the art within the technical concept of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. First body; A second body connected to the first body; A rotating part configured to adjust an angle between the first body and the second body; An electrode structure protruding from the second body; and An irreversible electroporation probe comprising a cable electrically connected to the electrode structure.

2. In paragraph 1, The cable has a central length parallel to the extension direction of the first body and the second body, An irreversible electroporation probe wherein the central length of the cable varies depending on the angle between the first body and the second body.

3. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a cable storage unit provided within the first body; An irreversible electroporation probe, wherein the cable storage portion comprises a spring having a compressive displacement that varies depending on the angle between the first body and the second body.

4. In paragraph 1, The above first body includes a rotating hole having a plurality of concave portions, The above rotating part: An operating element configured to be movable; an elastic element configured to move the above operating element to an initial position; and An irreversible electroporation probe comprising a catch element configured to be inserted into or removed from the plurality of recesses depending on the position of the operating element.

5. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a gear fixed to the first body; The above gear wheel includes teeth and concave areas provided between the teeth, respectively, The above rotating part: Operating elements configured to be movable an elastic element configured to move the above operating element to an initial position; and An irreversible electroporation probe comprising a catch element configured to be inserted into or removed from the concave regions depending on the position of the operating element.

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