Body-insertable microneedle medical device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a body-insertable microneedle medical device and, more specifically, to a technology by which a medical device having a microneedle is inserted into the vagina of a woman to perform various procedures through the microneedle and has a structure for preventing cross-infection between people who have received gynecological treatment. The present invention includes: a handle module shaped to be held by the hand of an operator, the handle module having one side connected to a cable to which external power is supplied, including a driving means installed therein, and having a moving shaft of the driving means, protruding from the side opposite the cable; and a body insertion module detachably coupled to one side of the handle module, the body insertion module receiving the driving force from the driving means while inserted into the body of a patient and allowing a plurality of microneedles to penetrate the body of the patient when exposed externally.

Description

Microneedle medical devices for insertion into the body

[0001] The present invention relates to a microneedle medical device for insertion into the body, and more particularly, to a technology for inserting a medical device equipped with microneedles into a woman's vagina to perform various procedures using microneedles, and having a structure for preventing cross-infection between people who have received gynecological treatment.

[0002]

[0003] As medical technology advances, microneedles measuring tens or hundreds of micrometers in diameter and height are being used to treat various skin diseases, wounds, and aging symptoms. These microneedles are being developed for their superior drug delivery efficiency, with minimal pain and minimal skin damage compared to conventional injection methods. Furthermore, the electrical stimulation delivered through the microneedles further enhances their effectiveness.

[0004]

[0005] These skin diseases and aging issues affect not only the visible skin but also the areas that are not visible. In particular, as women age and experience pregnancy and childbirth, the skin of the vagina, located inside the vulva, also changes.

[0006] As the vaginal mucosa loses elasticity and the vaginal environment becomes drier, various problems can develop, including vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, vaginal relaxation, vaginitis, dyspareunia, and urinary incontinence. These problems can cause physical pain, loss of vitality and confidence, and psychological distress, such as avoidance of others.

[0007]

[0008] In particular, vaginal aging occurs more rapidly than general skin aging, so active management is necessary. If left untreated, it can develop into various diseases and have a negative impact on marital relationships.

[0009]

[0010] As a related prior art, Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0068596 (High-frequency needle device for vaginal treatment) discloses a technology comprising an insertion body that is inserted into the vagina of a subject, a needle module having a plurality of needles that protrude from the inside of the insertion body to the outside so as to invade the vaginal wall tissue, a driving unit that moves the needle module so that the plurality of needles protrude to the outside of the insertion body, and a high-frequency generating unit that uses each of the plurality of needles as an electrode to enable the plurality of needles that have invaded the vaginal wall to transmit high-frequency energy.

[0011]

[0012] Since the above prior art is configured as an integrated part for the part held by the operator and the part inserted into the body of the operator, it requires management such as washing or disinfection after use, has problems such as a high possibility of virus and bacteria transmission, and has problems such as the entire part having to be replaced in the event of a malfunction.

[0013]

[0014] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a microneedle medical device for insertion into the body, which has a structure in which the insertion part of the medical device is inserted into a woman's vagina and the micro needles in the inserted part can move so that they can effectively penetrate the skin layer of the vagina, and which prevents bacterial and viral infection by detaching only the inserted part after a single use.

[0015]

[0016] The present invention is characterized by comprising: a handle module formed in a form that can be held by hand by a practitioner, a cable for supplying external power is connected to one side thereof, a driving means is installed inside, and a moving shaft of the driving means protrudes from the opposite side of the cable; and an insertion module that is detachably coupled to one side of the handle module and receives the driving force of the driving means while inserted into the patient's body so that a plurality of microneedles are exposed to the outside and penetrate the patient's body.

[0017]

[0018] In addition, the driving means of the handle module is applied as a linear actuator, and the moving axis is characterized by being operated in a linear motion.

[0019]

[0020] In addition, the above-mentioned body insertion module is characterized by comprising: a case having a plurality of needle holes formed through the upper portion thereof; a guide integrally formed inside the case; a needle block that is guided by being fitted into the guide and has a plurality of microneedles fixed to the upper portion thereof; and a push bar having one end coupled to the needle block and the other end coupled to a moving shaft to move the needle block by the power of a driving means.

[0021]

[0022] In addition, the micro needles of the needle block are fixed in a diagonal direction inclined at a certain angle, and the guide is formed to match the inclination angle of the micro needles so that the needle block rises according to the inclination angle.

[0023]

[0024] In addition, the push bar coupled to the needle block is characterized in that it is connected through a link bar having a first rotating part and a second rotating part.

[0025]

[0026] In addition, the case is characterized by being applied with a transparent material, and a photographing means equipped with a camera is additionally installed at the bottom of the push bar to monitor the body in real time during the insertion process.

[0027]

[0028] The present invention has an effect of preventing bacterial and viral infections due to repeated use by allowing the body-insertable module and the handle module to be independently configured in a detachable form rather than being integrated, so that the part inserted into the body, i.e. the body-insertable module, is used only once and then discarded, and replaced with a new body-insertable module.

[0029]

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a microneedle medical device for insertion into the body of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the handle module and the body insertion module of the body insertion microneedle medical device of the present invention in an exploded state.

[0032] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the handle module and the body insertion module of the body insertion microneedle medical device of the present invention in an exploded state.

[0033] Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the microneedle medical device for insertion into the body of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of the body insertion module according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 is an exemplary diagram showing an operation example of a microneedle medical device for insertion into the body according to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the main configuration of the body insertion module according to the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing another embodiment of a microneedle medical device for insertion into the body of the present invention.

[0038]

[0039] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0040]

[0041] The microneedle medical device for insertion into the body of the present invention is characterized by comprising a handle module (100) formed in a form that can be held by a practitioner by hand, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, a cable (110) to which external power is supplied is connected on one side, a driving means (120) is installed inside, and a moving shaft (121) of the driving means (120) protrudes on the opposite side of the cable (110), and an insertion module (200) that is detachably coupled to one side of the handle module (100) and receives the driving force of the driving means (120) while inserted into the body of a patient, thereby allowing a plurality of microneedles (201) to be exposed to the outside and penetrate into the body of a patient.

[0042]

[0043] The present invention is a technology that allows a practitioner (doctor) to hold a handle module (100) and insert an insertion module (200) into the body of a subject (patient) to perform various procedures using a micro needle (201) of a medical device.

[0044]

[0045] The characteristic of the present invention is that, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the body insertion module (200) and the handle module (100) are not integrated, but are independently configured and connected in a detachable form so that the body insertion module (200) and the handle module (100) are connected in a horizontal line shape, and the part inserted into the body, i.e. the body insertion module (200), is used only once and discarded, thereby preventing bacterial and viral infections caused by repeated use.

[0046]

[0047] The above handle module (100) is formed in a form that allows the operator to hold it with his / her hand, as the name suggests, and a cable (110) is connected to the rear of the handle module (100). The cable (110) is a cable (110) for power supply and communication. The handle module (100) is integrally connected to the cable (110), and a driving means (120) is installed inside the handle module (100).

[0048] And the moving shaft (121) of the driving means (120) is installed on the opposite side of the cable (110), and the moving shaft (121) protrudes to the outside of the handle module (100). The protruding moving shaft (121) is connected to the body insertion module (200) to transmit power. In addition, the driving means (120) is applied as a linear actuator, so that the moving shaft (121) operates in a linear motion. The linear actuator is classified into mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic types, and in the present invention, it is preferable to apply an electromechanical linear actuator to which an electric motor such as a stepping motor is applied.

[0049]

[0050] In addition, it goes without saying that the handle module (100) has a probe pin (130) formed at a portion that comes into contact with the body insertion module (200) to be electrically connected.

[0051]

[0052] The body insertion module (200) of the present invention is a module inserted into the body of a patient, and is detachably connected to one side of the handle module (100). More precisely, it corresponds to the direction in which the moving axis (121) and the terminal of the handle module (100) are exposed. In addition, the body insertion module (200) has a plurality of microneedles (201) installed, so that when inserted into the body of a patient, the microneedles (201) penetrate into the skin tissue of the patient, thereby performing a medical procedure.

[0053]

[0054] Medical treatment using the above micro needle (201) can be performed by stimulating with a microcurrent while the needle is penetrated or by injecting a small amount of drug. Since the medical treatment method using the micro needle (201) is a known technology, the related content will be omitted in the present invention.

[0055]

[0056] The configuration of the body insertion module (200) of the present invention comprises a case (210) having a plurality of needle holes (211) formed through the upper portion thereof as illustrated in FIG. 4 or 5, a guide (220) integrally formed inside the case (210), a needle block (230) that is guided by being fitted into the guide (220) and has a plurality of microneedles (201) fixed to the upper portion thereof, and a push bar (240) that is coupled to the needle block (230) on one side and coupled to a moving shaft (121) on the other side to move the needle block (230) by the power of the driving means (120).

[0057]

[0058] The above case (210) has a circular or oval horizontal shape that can be smoothly inserted into the body, and has a space formed inside. In addition, a substrate (212) having a through hole (212a) and a contact terminal (212b) formed therein is installed at a portion that comes into contact with the handle module (100), so as to electrically connect with the body insertion module (200) and ensure smooth power transmission.

[0059] In addition, the case (210) is composed of an upper cover (210b) and a lower cover (210a) for manufacturing convenience, as illustrated in FIG. 5. It is preferable that the lower cover (210a) be larger than the upper cover (210b) and not be divided into halves, as illustrated in the drawing, so that the guide (220) can be formed only in the lower cover (210a) and the main components can be installed therein. Furthermore, a plurality of needle holes (211) are formed in the upper cover (210b), so that when the micro needle (201) moves upward, the tip of the needle is exposed to the outside through the needle holes (211).

[0060]

[0061] The above guide (220) is formed integrally within the case (210) as described above, and is configured to guide the needle block (230) to move along a specific path. The above guide (220) is formed on both sides based on the needle block (230).

[0062]

[0063] The above needle block (230) is configured with a plurality of microneedles (201) installed, and guide protrusions (231) are formed protruding on both sides of the needle block (230) and are combined in a form that fits into the guide (220).

[0064]

[0065] A needle block (230) is guided by being fitted into the above guide (220) and has a plurality of micro needles (201) fixed to the upper portion, and the micro needles (201) of the needle block (230) are fixed in a diagonal direction inclined at a certain angle. In addition, the guide (220) is also formed to match the angle of inclination of the micro needles (201), so that the needle block (230) moves while rising according to the angle of inclination. In addition, the needle hole (211) through which the micro needles (201) penetrate must also be formed in a diagonal direction.

[0066] The reason why the micro needle (201) is configured to be inclined in a diagonal direction is that when the surface into which the micro needle (201) is inserted is not uniform, such as inside the vagina, the needle must be inserted in a diagonal direction to enable smoother insertion.

[0067]

[0068] The above push bar (240) is configured such that one side is connected to a needle block (230) and the other side is connected to a moving shaft (121) to move the needle block (230) using the power of the driving means (120). The above push bar (240) is formed in a rod shape as shown in the drawing and is connected to the moving shaft (121).

[0069] The above push bar (240) and the moving shaft (121) can be connected in various ways, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and any method is sufficient as long as power can be transmitted without separation during operation. In addition, it is preferable that the connection be made in a way that does not cause excessive difficulty when separating the handle module (100) and the body insertion module (200). Various configurations are possible, such as a screw connection method, a hole insertion method, or a method that only engages in the direction of movement.

[0070]

[0071] And, as shown in the drawing, the push bar (240) connects the needle block (230) and the push bar (240) by connecting a link bar (250) having a first rotating part (251) and a second rotating part (252) between the needle block (230) and the push bar (240) so that the needle block (230) can move diagonally. As the link bar (250) having two rotating parts is connected, as shown in FIG. 6, even if the push bar (240) moves horizontally, the needle block (230) can move upward in a diagonal direction.

[0072]

[0073] As shown in the drawing, the body insertion module (200) of the present invention is configured such that the case (210) is made of a transparent material, and a photographing means (260) equipped with a camera is further installed at the bottom of the push bar (240), so as to monitor the body in real time during the insertion process. That is, the operator can visually check the body through the photographing means (260) and ensure that the micro needle (201) is accurately penetrated into the area requiring the procedure. In addition to the camera, the photographing means (260) is additionally installed with an LED to make it visible.

[0074] The above-mentioned photographing means (260) is preferably positioned at the bottom of the push bar (240) and is formed in a rod shape so that the camera is installed at the end of the rod. In order to more accurately determine the treatment site of the micro needle (201), it is recommended to install a reflector (213) at an angle in the insertion direction of the micro needle (201) inside the case (210).

[0075]

[0076] The video recorded in this way can be checked through separate monitoring equipment (not shown) via a cable (110).

[0077]

[0078] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, which further comprises a restoration spring (270) having one side fixed to a fixed plate provided inside a case (210) and the other side coupled to a needle block (230) to generate a pulling force toward the handle module (100) of the needle block (230). The restoration spring (270) assists the backward movement of the needle block (230) when the backward movement of the push bar (240) is not smooth when the needle block (230) is restored from a state in which it has been moved forward by the push bar (240).

[0079] That is, in situations where it is difficult to restore the needle block (230) to its original position using only the power of the driving means (120) or when the combination of the moving shaft (121) and the push bar (240) is not properly formed, the needle block (230) is restored to its original position by the restoration spring (270).

[0080]

[0081] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the above embodiments, it is of course possible to make various modifications within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

Claims

1. It is composed of a handle module (100) formed in a form that can be held by hand by a practitioner, a cable (110) supplied with external power is connected to one side, a driving means (120) is installed inside, and a moving shaft (121) of the driving means (120) protrudes from the opposite side of the cable (110), and an insertion module (200) that is detachably coupled to one side of the handle module (100) and receives the driving force of the driving means (120) while inserted into the patient's body, thereby exposing a plurality of microneedles (201) to the outside and penetrating into the patient's body. The above-mentioned body insertion module (200) and handle module (100) are independently configured and connected to each other, and have a structure in which the body insertion module (200) and the handle module (100) are connected in a horizontal line shape. The above body insertion module (200) is; It is composed of a case (210) having a plurality of needle holes (211) formed through the upper portion, a guide (220) integrally formed inside the case (210), a needle block (230) that is guided by being fitted into the guide (220) and has a plurality of micro needles (201) fixed to the upper portion, and a push bar (240) that is coupled to the needle block (230) on one side and coupled to a moving shaft (121) on the other side to move the needle block (230) by the power of the driving means (120). The above case (210) has a horizontal shape in the shape of a line, a space is formed inside, and a substrate (212) having a through hole (212a) and a contact terminal (212b) formed in the part that comes into contact with the handle module (100) is installed to electrically connect with the body insertion module (200) and transmit power. The push bar (240) coupled to the needle block (230) is connected through a link bar (250) having a first rotation part (251) and a second rotation part (252), so that when the push bar (240) moves horizontally, the needle block (230) can move upward in a diagonal direction. The above guide (220) is formed integrally inside the case (210), and is formed on both sides based on the needle block (230), and the needle block (230) is combined in a form in which guide protrusions (231) are formed protruding on both sides and fitted into the guide (220). It further includes a restoration spring (270) which is fixed on one side to a fixed plate provided on the inside of the case (210) and coupled on the other side to a needle block (230) to generate a pulling force on the needle block (230) toward the handle module (100); A micro needle medical device for insertion into the body, characterized in that the micro needle (201) of the above needle block (230) is fixed in a diagonal direction inclined at a certain angle, and the guide (220) is formed to match the angle of inclination of the micro needle (201) so that the needle block (230) rises according to the angle of inclination.

2. In paragraph 1, A micro needle medical device for insertion into the body, characterized in that the case (210) is made of a transparent material, and a photographing means (260) equipped with a camera is further installed at the bottom of the push bar (240), so as to monitor the body in real time during the insertion process.

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