DE10024728A1 - Unit cleaning endoscopic instrument window in-situ during intervention, comprises detachable end casing with insufflation- and flushing channels - Google Patents

Abstract

The detachable casing section (2) includes insufflation- (3) and a flushing- (4) channels. The optical unit (22) window (24) can be cleaned using a flow of gas and/or fluid through the respective channels. A deflector (7) directs the flow(s) onto the window (24).

Description

The present invention relates to an optical cleaning device for an endoscopy device, which has a housing and an optical unit arranged at the distal end of the housing, with a sleeve device, an insufflation channel and a irrigation channel, the distal End of the endoscopy device, in particular the image entry surface of the optical unit, by means of a gas flow through the insufflation channel and a liquid flow through the flush channel is cleanable.

It is generally known that an endoscopy device is used for imaging optics unit and a light source, mostly implemented in fiber optic technology, for There is lighting of the object under consideration.

In all laparoscopic interventions, pyrolysis products (Rauch and Aero sole) as well as blood and fat splashes to contaminate the optical unit of the endos copying machines that are inserted into body cavities, for example, through trocars.  

The use of such optical units is for a representation of the Ab to be operated cut on a monitor using light guide and camera. Thus the ent speaking surgery site on the camera connected to the endoscopy device Monitor projects and provides the surgeon with an indispensable aid laparoscopic interventions.

Due to the contamination mentioned above, especially during surgical interventions with energetic therapy devices such as B. in high frequency, laser or ultrasound Surgery, recurrent contamination of the distal surface occurs during the procedure End of the endoscopy devices, in particular the image entry surface of the optical unit.

To remove the dirt on the optical unit, the Op Tikeinheit removed from the corresponding body cavity and extracorporeal with, for example warmed up saline and again into the corresponding body cavity introduced a trocar. This is fundamentally time-consuming and involves an enlarged one Risk of complications as the area of operation is not observed during this time can, the surgical team is additionally burdened and an extension of the operations times arise. This may result in poor surgical outcomes. In It is not uncommon for laparoscopic surgery to be stopped and convened tional method to be operated on through large body sections.

The problem underlying the present invention therefore generally consists in to create an optics cleaning device which the optics unit in the body when needed cleans.

There are some basic approaches to solving this problem in the prior art.

From the document DE 196 37 963 Al an instrument is known which consists of an endosko piegerät and a cladding tube, wherein in the cladding tube an insufflation channel, a flushing / Drying channel of the distal image entry surface of the optics unit and heating the entire instrument are integrated in such a way that a clear endoscopic view during the entire endoscopic intervention is guaranteed.  

DE 43 40 056 A1 also describes a surgical laparoscopic device a protective tube and a handle attached to the rear, in which Protective tube, an axial guide channel and a rinsing or suction channel are provided.

Further solutions are explained in US Pat. No. 5,575,756 and EP 0 664 101 A1, all of them a tube that can be pushed onto the endoscopy devices with integrated cleaning channels.

A disadvantage of the known approaches above has been found to be that the channels or the cleaning streams cannot be set directly on the image entry surface and optimal cleaning of the same is therefore not given.

Furthermore, they are characterized by a different level of design effort and the additional products for the desired cleaning of the optical unit are very expensive intensive.

In addition, these are among the endoscopy devices available in the clinics different shaft lengths, different diameters and inclinations of the optical unit level not compatible. Thus, the existing endoscopy devices would have to be replaced with new endos copy machines with appropriate additives can be replaced. However, this is over understandably difficult to implement due to cost reasons.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of an optical cleaning unit to create for endoscopy devices that have a high quality during the entire duration of the operation literal view guaranteed and is inexpensive to manufacture.

In addition, the optics cleaning attachment on all existing optics units of the Endoscopy devices can be used.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1.

The idea on which the present invention is based is that the optical cleaning device has a detachably attachable shell section ( 2 ) which has an insufflation channel ( 3 ) and a rinsing channel ( 4 ), the image entry surface ( 24 ) of the optical unit ( 22 ) by means of a gas stream through the insufflation channel ( 3 ) and a liquid stream through the flushing channel ( 4 ) can be cleaned, the streams being guided by means of a current deflection device ( 7 ) onto the image entry surface ( 24 ).

Thus, it has the advantage over the known approaches, an optimal one Cleaning of the optical unit is guaranteed because the current deflection function a reflection shield for the gas flowing through the insufflation channel and the through liquid flowing the rinsing channel has on the image entry surface of the optical unit.

In the subclaims there are advantageous further developments and improvements in Claim 1 specified optical cleaning device.

According to a further preferred development, the current deflection device is at the dista len end of the shell section arranged.

According to a further preferred development, the current deflection device is curved trained and arranged with their concave inner profile facing the optical unit without however, restricting the field of vision of this.

According to a further preferred development, the current deflection device is pivotable bar with respect to a perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the endoscopy device Axis arranged on the shell section. Thus, the angle of the current deflection cannot be Direction with respect to the optics level for optimal reflection of the gas and liquid flow can be realized on the image entry surface. This is particularly useful for optics units have a significant advantage with respect to the axis of symmetry of the endoscopy device have a certain inclination.

According to a further preferred development, a fastening device on the Molded shell section. This is intended to achieve an additional clamping effect Avoid slipping of the optical cleaning device on the endoscopy device housing become.  

According to a preferred development, the shell section is made of an elastically ver malleable plastic formed. This results in low manufacturing costs and on the other hand, no major disposal problem. In addition, the optics cleaning device as an attachment to differently dimensioned endoscopy devices, for example with various those diameters, attachable. This allows the existing endoscopes advice continues to be used and high acquisition costs for new endoscopy devices together with optical cleaning devices can be avoided.

According to a further preferred development, the shell section encloses the off Partial circumference of the endoscopy device housing. This depends on the respective Diameter of the corresponding endoscopy devices.

According to a further preferred development, the fastening device is a spring clamp or clip formed.

According to a further preferred development, the two flow channels are in the Integrated shell section. Thus, no additional hoses have to be opened, for example the shell section and the entire arrangement forms a compact part.

According to a further preferred development, the fastening device is an elas table deformable rail formed which can be plugged onto or onto the shell section and can be clamped to the housing. In this mounting rail are the two flow channels integrated. This mounting rail adapts more easily to the housing curve than for example, supply hoses arranged on the housing.

According to a further preferred development, the fastening rail has at the distal Plug connections connected to the end of the flow channels for connection to the Stromumlenkeinrichtung, wherein the Stromumlenkeinrichtung kon to the plug connections has formed through holes and thus a gas and / or liquid flow is guaranteed by the flow channels on the flow deflecting device. This can the shell section together with the current deflection device have a smaller size own and there are no holes in this for the formation of flow channels necessary. The flow is supplied via Ka formed in the mounting rail channels.  

According to a further preferred development, the fastening rail is by fastening supply elements can be mounted on or on the shell section on the endoscopy device housing. These fasteners can consist of plastically deformable clip-on clips be formed, which spaced apart from one another in the axial direction, the fastening rail Flow hoses or the like presses on the housing.

According to a further preferred development, the flow channels are at the proximal end len end of the optical cleaning device supply elements for a supply line of the ent speaking and / or fluid flows connectable.

According to a further preferred development, the gas and / or flow is metered liquid flow can be controlled by means of valve devices in the feed lines. So for example the liquid flow can be regulated and the consumption, for example, of the one used Saline solution reducible.

According to a further preferred development, the shell section and the fasteners device formed from materials approved in laparoscopic medicine.

According to a further preferred development, the shell section and the fasteners The device is sterile packed and made from recyclable material. Since mostly on due to the risk of infection, the corresponding equipment can only be used once, attention should be paid to these circumstances.

According to a further preferred development, the shell section and the fasteners supply device trained for repeated use and accordingly complete dig disinfectable. In particular, edges and smaller recesses should be avoided which contaminants can stick to. Understandably, this is the Significantly reduced costs.

According to a further preferred development, the optical cleaning device has a preferably additional heating device for heating the optical unit of the Endosko pie device on. This means that any fog or drops can form on the optical unit be avoided.  

According to a further preferred development, the gas and / or liquid flows before the supply to a predetermined temperature, in particular to body temperature, heatable. This also prevents fogging of the optical unit.

According to a further preferred development, the optical cleaning device is on the Ge Housing of the endoscopy devices smooth without lateral protrusions for sliding the entire an Order can be assembled in the trocar. Since it is easy to damage with angular projections of the trocar, preferably all devices attached to the housing are provided with curves and due to their plastic deformation optimally on the Housing shape adjusted.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and in the following ing detailed description explained.

Show it:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscopy device with a clamped optical cleaning device and supply hoses according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of a mounting bracket for the supply hoses.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a front portion of an Endoskopiege device with the optical cleaning device clamped according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the front section of the endoscopy device according to the second exemplary embodiment from FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the optical cleaning device according to the second exemplary embodiment from FIGS . 3 and 4;

Figs. 6a and 6b is a perspective view of a front portion of a Endoskopiegerä tes having been pinched optic cleaning device according to a third operation example from the present invention;

FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a front portion of a Endoskopiegerä tes having been pinched optic cleaning device according to a fourth operation example from the present invention;

Fig. 7b is a plan view of the mounting rail according to the fourth embodiment example from Fig. 7a; ,

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a front portion of a Endoskopiegerä tes having been pinched optic cleaning device according to a fifth operation example from the present invention;

Figure 9 is a side view of the front portion of the endoscopic device with attached optic cleaning device according to the fifth embodiment of FIG. 8. FIG. and

Fig. 10a and 10b are front views, partly facilities in section, of differently structured valve.

In the figures, identical reference symbols designate identical or functionally identical components ten.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an endoscopic instrument 20 having been pinched optic cleaning device 1, the endoscope apparatus 20 includes a housing 21 and a proximal end attached to the handle 29 of the housing shaft. On the handle 29 , a light connection 27 is provided for connecting a light source and a monitor connection 28 for connecting a camera or a monitor.

At the distal end of the housing 23 an optical unit 22 is mounted, the exit surface of a Bildein 24 and around the periphery of the image entrance face spaced apart angeord Neten optical fibers 30 is made. The individual optical fibers 30 guide the light fed from the light source at the light connection 27 to the distal end of the housing 23 in order to ensure adequate illumination of the optical unit 22 or the image entry surface 24 during operations in, for example, dark body cavities.

In this first embodiment of the present invention, the Optikreinigungsvor device 1 is formed in one piece with an elastically deformable shell section 2 , advantageously made of an elastic plastic and as a half-shell. On the two longitudinal edges of the shell section 2 , an elastically deformable sparingly curved spring clamp 5 is attached. These terminals 5 can adapt to different housing diameters in a predetermined range and hold the shell section 2 in a force-fitting manner on the housing 21 of the endoscopy device 20 .

In the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as can be seen in FIG. 1, a current deflection device 7 is provided at the distal end 16 of the shell section 2, which projects with a small upper-side section over the optics unit 22 and is formed distally on the shell section 2 as a curved projection.

In the shell section 2 , two flow channels 3 and 4 are formed in the longitudinal direction, an insufflation channel 3 for a gas flow and a flushing channel 4 for a liquid flow. The two channels 3 and 4 have a diameter of about 0.7 mm. However, the diameter is generally chosen so that an adequate gas or liquid supply is ensured. The channels 3 , 4 are advantageously produced in an injection molding process or injected as cannulas.

Thin flexible plastic hoses 25 for supplying the gas or liquid are attached to the openings of the channels 3 , 4 located at the proximal end of the shell section 2 via small connecting hollow pins 31 . The hollow pins 31 can already be fitted in the openings of the shell section 2 or can be plugged in together with the plastic hoses 25 .

The two plastic hoses 25 end in two adapter elements 32 , which have the shape for the needle attachments common today. At this adapter 32 corre sponding hoses of containers can be connected that contain the gas, such as carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), or the liquid, such as table salt (NaCl).

The current deflection device 7 has the function of a reflection profile, through which the gas flow or liquid flow from the openings at the distal end of the shell section 2 is deflected onto the image entry surface 24 of the optical unit 22 . The curved current deflection device 7 is designed and designed such that it does not restrict the field of vision of the optical unit 22 , ie it is not inclined in front of the image entry surface 24 . In order to nevertheless achieve a sufficient reflection angle, the outlet of the channel openings at the distal end can be inclined towards the concave inside 8 of the current deflection device 7 .

The supply tubes 25 are attached by means of fastening clips 14 , as shown in Fig. 2 Darge, to the housing 21 of the endoscopy device 20 . The mounting bracket 14 is made of an elastically deformable material for adaptation to endoscopy housing with different diameters and has two Ausnehmun conditions 15 on the inner circumferential surface of the U-shaped bracket 14 for taking on the two tubes 25 .

Fig. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate a front portion of an endoscopic device 20 with a clamped on optic cleaning device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The optical cleaning device 1 is configured as an elastically deformable shell section 2 and clamped onto the housing 21 of the endoscopy device 20 by means of two clamping clips 5 formed on the longitudinal sides.

The shell section 2 is extended at the distal end 16 beyond the plane of the optical unit 22 and forms a current deflection device 7 . This Stromumlenkeinrichtung 7 be sits the function of a reflection profile, its outer edges are chamfered towards the top of the Umlenkein direction 7 and the inside is optionally concave.

Two flow channels 3 , 4 are formed in the optical cleaning device 1 , the openings of which are arranged in the direction of the inside of the current deflection device 7 , as can be seen in FIG. 4.

For optimal beam shaping of the gas and / or liquid flow, the flow channels 3 , 4 are curved in the end region in the direction of the inside of the deflection device 7 . Thus, an optimum angle of reflection for the reflection of the flows on the inside of Stromumlenkeinrichtung 7 is applied to the image input surface 24 tread surface 24 created without a complicated configuration of the optical cleaning device and without a visual handicap of Bildein.

Fig. 6a and 6b show a housing of an endoscopic instrument with attached optic cleaning constriction device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

According to the exemplary embodiments listed above, the supply hoses 25 run on the housing 21 and are fastened to the housing 21 by means of clips. However, the hoses do not fit optimally on the housing.

In this third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a fastening rail 10 is preferably coupled to the proximal end of the shell section 2 via plug-in connections 11 , as can be seen from FIG. 6b. The fastening rail 10 has two channels 3 , 4 and can be clamped to the housing 21 by means of additional fastening elements 13 , which can be designed, for example, as additional brackets, the rail 10 also being designed as an elastically deformable shell section.

Of course, a one-piece design of rail 10 and sleeve-shaped shell section 2 together with the current deflection device 7 can also be provided.

Analogous to the exemplary embodiments described above, 10 leads 25 are coupled to the proximal end of the rail.

Fig. 7a and 7b show a front portion of an endoscopy device 20 having been pinched optic cleaning device 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the front lying invention.

The optical cleaning device 1 consists of a sleeve-shaped shell section 2 and a fastening rail 10 . The shell section 2 is elastically deformable and preferably approximately 3 cm long and has at the distal end a deflection device 7 which is curved and protrudes beyond the plane of the optical unit 22 at the front end. Furthermore, the shell section 2 at the transition to the deflection device 7 has two symmetrically arranged through holes 12 .

On the housing 21 of the endoscopy device 20 partially enclosing Schalenab section 2 is also an elastically deformable mounting rail 10 is attached, which preferably has approximately the same length in the longitudinal direction as the housing 21 of the endoscopy device 20th In the mounting rail 10 , two channels 3 , 4 are arranged for a feed line of the gas and liquid streams, wherein at the proximal end of the mounting rail 10 two connecting hollow pins 31 are inserted analogously to the first embodiment for connecting the feed hoses 25 into the openings. Thus, there are no two separate supply hoses 25 running on the surface of the housing 21 . Rather, these are covered by the fastening rail 10 and ensure a more optimal adaptation to the shape of the housing. The supply hoses 25 are connected to corresponding supply means analogously to what has already been mentioned above.

At the distal end of the fastening rail 10 there are, as can be seen from FIG. 7b, plug connections 11 for coupling the fastening rail 10 to the distal end of the shell section 2 , the two plug connections 11 being insertable into the conformally designed through holes 12 .

Thus, passage through the two channels 3 , 4 to the inside of the Stromumlenkein direction 7 is guaranteed for a cleaning flow on the image entry surface 24 .

As an additional fastening device, fastening elements 13 can be provided, which can be plugged on via the fastening rail 10 and clamp this on the housing 21 .

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Here, the deflection device 7 is pivotable with respect to an axis oriented perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the endoscopy device 20 on the shell section 2 and is supported via lateral projections 18 outside the image entry surface 24 at an optimal reflection angle.

Thus, an ideal reflection angle for a reflection of the gas and / or liquid flows on the inside of the deflection device 7 on the image entry surface 24 can also be set for such optical units that do not run perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the endoscopy device, but rather certain angles of incidence, as in FIG Fig. 9 indicated by dashed lines.

Thus, the invention provides an optics cleaning device that is universal to existing ones Endoscopy devices can be plugged on and enables optimal cleaning of the image entry area light.

Further modifications of the present invention are conceivable. Thus, FIGS. 10a and 10b, valve means 26, which are integrated into the supply hoses 25 and a control of the flow, for example the flow of liquid used. Here, for example as in Fig. 10a, a lever two-way valve or, as shown in Fig. 10b, a spring-loaded valve can be used.

In addition, all parts of the optical cleaning device used preferably consist of materials approved in laparoscopic medicine, for example silicone, to a Exclude danger to the patient.

Because the used hygienic requirements and reasons of a risk of infection Surgical devices are largely used once, is a manufacture of the Elements made from recyclable and easily degradable materials. However, too repeated use of the optics cleaning device possible, especially if it is completely disinfectable.

In addition to the devices already mentioned above, heating of the optical unit, for example warm air heating, can be provided above the insufflation channel 3 as a further aid for an optimal view. This can possibly reduce or avoid the formation of fog or drops on the image entry surface.

For the same reasons, it is provided that the gas and / or liquid flows before Lead externally to a predetermined temperature, in particular to body temperature heat.

Finally, it should be mentioned that a trocar, in which the endoscopy device is used during an operation handles is easily damaged, if when inserting and executing the Endoscopy device including optic cleaning device angular places an optimal gliding prevent. Thus, the entire arrangement is preferably compact without a lateral front jumps and protruding edges for a damage-free sliding of the entire An order in the trocar.  

Reference list

1

Optical cleaning device

2

Shell section

3rd

Insufflation channel

4

Flushing channel

5

Fastening device

7

Current deflection device

8th

concave inside

9

Spacers

10th

Mounting rail

11

Connectors

12th

Through holes

13

Fasteners

14

Bracket

15

Recess

16

distal end of the sleeve device

17th

proximal end of the optics cleaning device

18th

Molding

20th

Endoscopy device

21

casing

22

Optical unit

23

distal end of the housing

24th

Image entry area

25th

Supply elements

26

Valve devices

27

Light connection

28

Monitor connection

29

Handle

30th

Optical fiber

31

Hollow connection pins

32

Adapter element

Claims (21)

1. Optical cleaning device ( 1 ) for an endoscopy device ( 20 ), which has a housing ( 21 ) and an optical unit ( 22 ) arranged at the distal end of the housing ( 23 ), with a detachably attachable shell section ( 2 ) which has an insufflation channel ( 3 ) and a rinsing channel ( 4 ), wherein the image entry surface ( 24 ) of the optical unit ( 22 ) can be cleaned by means of a gas flow through the insufflation channel ( 3 ) and a liquid flow through the rinsing channel ( 4 ), the streams being deflected by means of a current deflecting device ( 7 ) can be conducted onto the image entry surface ( 24 ). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the Stromumlenkein direction ( 7 ) is arranged at the distal end of the shell section ( 2 ). 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the Stromumlenkein direction ( 7 ) is arched and is arranged with its concave inner profile ( 8 ) to the optical unit ( 22 ) pointing without restriction. 4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the Stromumlenkein direction ( 7 ) is arranged pivotably with respect to an axis perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the Endosko piegerätes ( 20 ) axis on the shell portion ( 2 ). 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fastening device ( 5 ) on the shell portion ( 2 ) is integrally formed. 6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shell section ( 2 ) is formed from an elastically deformable plastic. 7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shell section ( 2 ) partially surrounds the outer circumference of the endoscopy device housing ( 21 ). 8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening device ( 5 ) is designed as a spring clip or clip. 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two channels ( 3 , 4 ) are integrated in the shell section ( 2 ). 10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the fastening device ( 5 ) is designed as an elastically deformable rail ( 10 ) which can be plugged onto or onto the shell section ( 2 ) and clamped onto the housing ( 21 ) . 11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the two channels ( 3 , 4 ) are integrated in the mounting rail ( 10 ). 12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the fastening rail ( 10 ) at the distal end with the channels ( 3 , 4 ) has plug connections ( 11 ) for connection to the current deflection device ( 7 ), the current deflection device ( 7 ) has through holes ( 12 ) conforming to the plug connections ( 11 ) and thus a gas and / or liquid flow through the channels ( 3 , 4 ) to the current deflection device ( 7 ) is ensured. 13. Device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the fastening rail ( 10 ) by fastening elements ( 13 ) on or on the shell section ( 2 ) on the endoscopy device housing ( 21 ) can be mounted. 14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that to the channels ( 3 , 4 ) at the proximal end of the optical cleaning device ( 17 ) supply elements ( 25 ) for supplying the corresponding gas and / or liquid flows can be connected. 15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a metering of the gas and / or liquid flow by means of Ventileinrichtun gene ( 26 ) in the feed lines ( 25 ) is controllable. 16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shell section ( 2 ) and the fastening device ( 5 ) are formed from materials approved in laparoscopic medicine. 17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shell section ( 2 ) and the fastening device ( 5 ) are designed for one-time use, can be packed and recycled accordingly. 18. Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the shell section ( 2 ) and the fastening device ( 5 ) are designed for repeated use, and are accordingly completely disinfectable. 19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a preferably additional heating device for heating the optical unit ( 22 ) of the endoscopy device ( 20 ). 20. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the gas and / or liquid flows before the supply line to a predetermined Temperature, especially to body temperature, can be heated. 21. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical cleaning device ( 1 ) on the housing ( 21 ) of the endoscopy devices ( 20 ) smoothly without lateral projections for sliding the entire arrangement ( 1 ; 20 ) can be mounted in a trocar.