SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY AID DEVICE

The present disclosure relates to a sleeve gastrectomy aid device including: a guide configured to be inserted into a stomach of a patient; an expander configured to be disposed outside the guide and have a volume that changes according to an amount of air therein; a first measurer configured to measure a pressure applied to the expander and have a shape that changes in accordance with a change in the volume of the expander; and a monitor configured to be connected to the first measurer and provide resection position information through a value of the pressure measured by the first measurer.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0042250, filed on Mar. 31, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates to a sleeve gastrectomy aid device, and more particularly, to a sleeve gastrectomy aid device inserted into the stomach to aid resection surgery.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, sleeve gastrectomy is a typical surgical method for severe obesity. Sleeve gastrectomy is a laparoscopic surgery in which the stomach is cut using special tools such as a camera for observation, a stapler, and a traction device, leaving only a thin, constant-diameter stomach with a volume of 100 to 150 ml. Unlike other surgeries, sleeve gastrectomy is surgery to simply reduce the size of the stomach and directly accesses the internal organs without an external incision, thus allowing a quick post-surgery recovery. As compared to other surgical methods, sleeve gastrectomy has advantages that the user's burden is low and the complication rate is the lowest. Sleeve gastrectomy is performed by inserting a bougie into the lumen of the stomach through the mouth and cutting the stomach using a stapler and a traction device according to the shape of the bougie.

However, conventional surgical tools for sleeve gastrectomy do not have a means to quantitatively provide necessary information during resection, and thus the process of cutting and pulling the stomach depends on the user's skill without a set standard, and there is a problem that there is a large difference between the shape of the stomach remaining after surgery and the target shape of the stomach. When the volume of the remaining stomach is too small, gastroesophageal reflux occurs as a side effect, and when the volume of the remaining stomach is too large, there is a problem that a patient may fail to reduce weight or the patient's weight may increase again.

The related art of the present disclosure is disclosed in Korean Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-2020-0103489 (Date of Publication: Sep. 2, 2020, Title of Disclosure: Inserting tube for gastric resection guides).

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

The present disclosure is directed to providing a sleeve gastrectomy aid device capable of controlling a volume corresponding to the shape of the remaining stomach.

The present disclosure is also directed to providing a sleeve gastrectomy aid device capable of quantitatively providing information on a resection state.

Technical Solution

The present disclosure provides a sleeve gastrectomy aid device including: a guide configured to be inserted into a stomach of a patient; an expander configured to be disposed outside the guide and have a volume that changes according to an amount of air therein; a first measurer configured to measure a pressure applied to the expander and have a shape that changes in accordance with a change in volume of the expander; and a monitor configured to be connected to the first measurer and provide resection position information through a value of the pressure measured by the first measurer.

Also, the first measurer may include: a plurality of first measuring members configured to be attached to an inner side surface of the expander; and a connector configured to be connected to the first measuring members adjacent to each other and expand and contract according to a distance between the first measuring members adjacent to each other.

Also, the first measurer may extend in a longitudinal direction of the expander and may be provided as a plurality of first measurers, and the plurality of first measurers may be spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the expander.

Also, the plurality of first measuring members provided in each of the first measurers may be disposed to be spaced apart at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the expander.

Also, the first measuring members provided in the first measurers, which are different from each other, may be disposed along the same circumference of the expander.

Also, the connector may extend in a zigzag shape in a longitudinal direction thereof.

Also, the connector may include a plurality of connecting members connected to each other in a lattice form and each having a diameter expanding in a direction parallel to a direction in which an external force is applied.

Also, the connector may be made of a material capable of conducting current.

Also, the resection position information may be information on a distance from the expander to a resection tool.

Also, the monitor may include: a controller configured to determine the resection position information based on the value of the pressure measured by the first measurer; and a display configured to display the information determined by the controller to the outside.

Also, the controller may determine resection position sections according to a magnitude of the value of the pressure measured by the first measurer.

Also, the resection position sections may include: an approach-necessary section indicating a case in which the magnitude of the pressure measured by the first measurer is lower than or equal to a first set pressure; a separation-necessary section indicating a case in which the magnitude of the pressure measured by the first measurer is higher than or equal to a second set pressure; and a resection-possible section indicating that the magnitude of the pressure measured by the first measurer is between the first set pressure and the second set pressure.

Also, the display may display different colors according to the resection position sections.

The present disclosure also provides a sleeve gastrectomy aid device including: a guide configured to be inserted into a stomach of a patient; an expander configured to be disposed outside the guide and have a volume that changes according to an amount of air therein; a second measurer configured to measure an air pressure inside the expander; and a monitor configured to be connected to the second measurer and provide resection position information through a value of the pressure measured by the second measurer.

Also, the second measurer may be connected to an injector configured to inject air into the expander.

Also, the resection position information may be information on a distance from the expander to a resection tool.

Also, the monitor may include: a controller configured to determine the resection position information based on the value of the pressure measured by the second measurer; and a display configured to display the information determined by the controller to the outside.

Also, the controller may determine resection position sections according to a magnitude of the value of the pressure measured by the second measurer.

Also, the resection position sections may include: an approach-necessary section indicating a case in which the magnitude of the pressure measured by the second measurer is lower than or equal to a first set pressure; a separation-necessary section indicating a case in which the magnitude of the pressure measured by the second measurer is higher than or equal to a second set pressure; and a resection-possible section indicating that the magnitude of the pressure measured by the second measurer is between the first set pressure and the second set pressure.

Also, the display may display different colors according to the resection position sections.

Advantageous Effects

In a sleeve gastrectomy aid device according to the present disclosure, since a guide is provided so that its shape can be freely changed, the insertion of the guide into the stomach can be smoothly performed.

Also, in the sleeve gastrectomy aid device according to the present disclosure, since the volume of an expander can be changed according to the shape and size of the stomach, suitable surgery can be performed for each patient.

Also, in the sleeve gastrectomy aid device according to the present disclosure, since the shape of a first measurer can be changed, damage such as breakage due to a change in volume of the expander can be prevented.

Also, in the sleeve gastrectomy aid device according to the present disclosure, since a plurality of first measuring members are provided and can separately measure the pressure applied to each position of the expander, a more accurate pressure value can be measured.

Also, in the sleeve gastrectomy aid device according to the present disclosure, since a second measurer is provided to measure the pressure applied to the expander from outside the expander, the second measurer can be easily installed and managed.

Also, in the sleeve gastrectomy aid device according to the present disclosure, since a controller provides quantitative information through pressure inside the stomach that is measured by the first measurer or the second measurer, an operator can perform surgery in a consistent manner regardless of the operator's skill.

In addition, in the sleeve gastrectomy aid device according to the present disclosure, since a display displays different colors according to a resection position section, resection position information and resection length information can be provided to be more intuitively identifiable.

[Modes of the Invention]

Hereinafter, embodiments of a sleeve gastrectomy aid device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this process, thicknesses of lines or sizes of elements illustrated in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of description. Also, terms used below are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present disclosure and may vary according to an intention or customary practice of a user or an operator. Therefore, the terms should be defined based on the content throughout the specification.

Also, in this specification, when a certain portion is described as being “connected (or linked)” to another portion, this may include not only a case in which the portion is “directly connected (or linked)” to the other portion but also a case in which the portion is “indirectly connected (or linked)” to the other portion while another member is disposed therebetween. In this specification, when a certain portion is described as “including (or having)” a certain element, unless particularly described otherwise, this means that the certain portion may further “include (or have)” other elements instead of excluding other elements.

Also, throughout the specification, like reference numerals may refer to like elements. Even when not mentioned or described with reference to specific drawings, like or similar reference numerals may be described based on other drawings. Also, parts not denoted by reference numerals in specific drawings may be described based on other drawings. Also, the number, shape, and size of specific elements, a relative difference between the sizes of the elements, and the like included in the drawings of the present application are set for convenience of understanding and may be implemented in various other forms while not limiting the embodiments.

FIG.1is an installation state diagram schematically illustrating an installation state of a sleeve gastrectomy aid device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.2is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of the sleeve gastrectomy aid device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.3is a lateral view schematically illustrating the configuration of the sleeve gastrectomy aid device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.1to3, a sleeve gastrectomy aid device1according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a guide100, an expander200, a first measurer300, and a monitor400.

During sleeve gastrectomy, the guide100is inserted into a stomach2via the esophagus through an oral cavity or nasal cavity of a patient. The guide100supports the expander200, which will be described below, and guides insertion of the expander200into the stomach2. The guide100may include a flexible material such as silicone or synthetic resin so that the shape of the guide100may be changed. Accordingly, the insertion of the guide100into the stomach2can be more smoothly performed, and by being bent corresponding to the curvature, shape, or the like of the stomach, the guide100can roughly determine the form of the stomach2remaining after the resection surgery.

The guide100according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is formed to have a tubular shape including a silicone material. A diameter of the guide100may be formed to have a smaller value than a diameter of the patient's esophagus. The length of the guide100may be changed to various other values within the range of length that allows the guide100to be inserted into the stomach2. An end of the guide100is formed to be convex with a predetermined curvature, and thus the insertion of the guide100into the stomach2can be more smoothly performed.

The expander200is installed outside the guide100, and the volume of the expander200changes as the expander200expands or contracts according to the amount of air therein. As the volume of the expander200is controlled so that the expander200has a predetermined volume inside the stomach2, the expander200determines the volume of the stomach2remaining after resection. The expander200may include a natural resin material such as rubber or latex having flexibility or a synthetic resin material such as chloroprene having flexibility. The expander200according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is formed in the form of a cylindrical rubber membrane and disposed to surround an outer peripheral surface of the guide100. Both ends of the expander200are fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the guide100by a ring-shaped fixer. The expander200communicates with an injector10and receives air injected thereinto. As air is injected into the expander200, the volume of the expander200expands outwardly from the guide100. In this case, like a balloon, the expander200expands in a form in which a distance between two points arbitrarily set on a surface between both ends of the expander200, which are in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the guide100, increases.

The injector10is provided to communicate with the expander200and supply air into the expander200or discharge air from inside the expander200. The injector10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a hose member formed to have the shape of a hollow tube and have one side communicating with the inside of the expander200and an injecting member formed in the form of a syringe, an air pump, or the like and connected to the other side of the hose member to inject air into the expander200or discharge air from inside the expander200.

The first measurer300is disposed inside the expander200to measure a value of pressure applied to the expander200. More specifically, the first measurer300measures pressure applied to the expander200from outside the expander200as a resection tool3presses the stomach2during resection surgery. The first measurer300is connected to the monitor400, which will be described below, and transmits a measured pressure value to the monitor400. The first measurer300is provided so that its shape may be changed in accordance with a change in volume of the expander200. Accordingly, through changing of its shape, the first measurer300may absorb an external force, such as tension, applied when the volume of the expander200changes. The first measurer300may be formed in a form that extends in the longitudinal direction of the expander200. The first measurer300may be provided as a plurality of first measurers300, and the plurality of first measurers300may be disposed to be spaced apart at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the expander200. In this case, the first measurers300may extend different lengths.

The first measurer300according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first measuring member310and a connector320.

The first measuring member310is attached to an inner side surface of the expander200to measure the pressure applied to the expander200. The first measuring member310may be provided as a plurality of first measuring members310, and the plurality of first measuring members310may separately measure the pressure applied to the expander200. Accordingly, the first measuring members310may more accurately measure a value of pressure applied to each position of the expander200. The first measuring member310according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed in the form of a contact type pressure sensor such as a load cell configured to output an electrical signal according to a value of pressure applied from outside the expander200. The first measuring member310may be formed in the form of a thin film having flexibility so that the first measuring member310may come in close contact with the inner side surface of the expander200regardless of the curvature or the like of the expander200.

The plurality of first measuring members310provided in each of the first measurers300may be disposed to be spaced apart at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the expander200. In this case, the plurality of first measuring members310provided in each of the first measurers300may be spaced apart at equal intervals, and the first measuring members310provided in different first measurers300may be disposed along the same circumference of the expander200. That is, as illustrated inFIG.3, the plurality of first measuring members300may be disposed to form ring shapes on different circumferences of the expander200that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the expander200. Accordingly, the first measuring members310may allow the monitor400, which will be described below, to determine whether the expander200is in close contact with the inner wall of the stomach2.

The connector320is connected to adjacent first measuring members310. The connector320is made of a material capable of conducting current, such as copper, and electrically connects adjacent first measuring members310and transmits an electrical signal output from the first measuring member310to the monitor400, which will be described below. The connector320is provided as a plurality of connectors320, and the plurality of connectors320sequentially connect the first measuring members310disposed to be spaced apart at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the expander200. More specifically, the connectors320excluding the rearmost connector320have both ends connected to a pair of first measuring members310, and the rearmost connector320has one end connected to the rearmost first measuring member310and the other end connected to the monitor400. The plurality of connectors320may be disposed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the expander200.

The connector320is provided to expand and contract according to a distance between adjacent first measuring members310. More specifically, the connector320is provided to, by expanding and contracting, absorb a change in distance between adjacent first measuring members310caused by a change in volume of the expander200. Accordingly, the connector320may be prevented from breaking due to tension applied as the distance between adjacent first measuring members310increases.

FIGS.4A and4Bare enlarged views schematically illustrating a configuration of a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.4A and4B, the connector320may be formed in the form of a wire extending in a zigzag shape in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, before the volume of the expander200expands, the connector320is compressed in a zigzag shape and pre-accumulates a length to which the connector320can extend, and as the volume of the expander200expands, the connector320extends in a straight line, and the length of the connector320is extended. Accordingly, the connector320may smoothly perform expanding and contracting without occupying an excessive volume.

FIGS.5A and5Bare enlarged views schematically illustrating a configuration of a connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.5A and5B, a connector320according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a connecting member321.

The connecting member321is formed so that a diameter thereof may expand in a direction parallel to a direction in which an external force is applied. The connecting member321is provided as a plurality of connecting members321, and the plurality of connecting members321are connected to each other in a lattice form. The connecting member321according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is formed in the shape of a ring-shaped wire. As the distance between adjacent first measuring members310increases, in a case in which an external force is applied in one direction (the up-down direction based onFIG.5), the diameter of the connecting member321expands in the corresponding direction, and the diameter is reduced in a direction perpendicular to the corresponding direction. The plurality of connecting members321are connected in a shape formed by repetition of a form in which four different connecting members321are entangled at the top, bottom, left, and right based on any one connecting member321. The plurality of connecting members321are electrically connected to each other in order to be able to transmit an electrical signal output from the first measuring member310.

The monitor400is connected to the first measurer300, determines resection position information through a pressure value measured by the first measurer300, and provides the determined resection position information to the user. Here, an example of the resection position information may be information on a distance from the expander200to the resection tool3.

FIG.6is a flowchart schematically illustrating a configuration of a monitor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.6, the monitor400according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a controller410and a display420.

The controller410determines resection position information based on a pressure value measured by the first measurer300. More specifically, the controller410converts the pressure value measured by the first measurer300into information on the distance from the expander200to the resection tool3to determine the resection position information of the resection tool3. That is, by determining resection position sections D according to the magnitude of the pressure value measured by the first measurer300, the controller410determines the resection position information. An example of the controller410according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a microprocessor, a computer, or the like connected to the first measuring member310to receive the measured pressure value from the first measuring member310. The controller410may receive the measured pressure value from the first measuring member310via a wire through the connector320. In this case, the controller410may use an average of pressure values measured by the plurality of first measuring members310to determine the resection position information of the resection tool3.

The resection position sections D refer to sections obtained by dividing pressure values according to the magnitudes thereof, based on a value of an initial pressure P0inside the stomach2that is measured by the first measurer300right after insertion of the guide100. More specifically, the resection position sections D refer to sections between a pair of different pressure values among sections of pressures measured by the first measurer300as the position at which the stomach2is pressed or resected by the resection tool3is changed after the insertion of the guide100.

FIG.7is a view schematically illustrating the resection position sections determined by the controller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.7, the resection position sections D according to one embodiment of the present disclosure include an approach-necessary section D1, a resection-possible section D2, and a separation-necessary section D3.

The approach-necessary section D1indicates a case in which the magnitude of the pressure measured by the first measurer300is the initial pressure P0or higher and a first set pressure P1or lower. Here, the first set pressure P1is a pressure value measured at the maximum distance among distances from the expander200to the resection tool3that allow the user to form the remaining stomach2with a target size. The first set pressure P1may be changed in various ways according to the shape, size, and the like of the stomach2. That is, the approach-necessary section D1corresponds to a section in which the controller410determines, through the pressure value measured by the first measurer300, that the resection tool3is excessively far away from the expander200.

The separation-necessary section D3indicates a case in which the magnitude of the pressure measured by the first measurer300is a second set pressure P2or higher. Here, the second set pressure P2is a pressure value measured at the minimum distance among the distances from the expander200to the resection tool3that allow the user to form the remaining stomach2with a target size. The second set pressure P2may be changed in various ways according to the shape, size, and the like of the stomach2. More specifically, the second set pressure P2indicates a pressure lower than or equal to the maximum pressure that can be measured by the first measurer300or a pressure Pmax at which the mucosa of the stomach2ruptures. That is, the separation-necessary section D3corresponds to a section in which the controller410determines, through the pressure value measured by the first measurer300, that the resection tool3is excessively close to the expander200.

The resection-possible section D2indicates a case in which the magnitude of the pressure measured by the first measurer300is between the first set pressure P1and the second set pressure P2. That is, the resection-possible section D2corresponds to a section in which the controller410determines, through the pressure value measured by the first measurer300, that the resection tool3is positioned at an appropriate distance from the expander200.

In a case in which the length of the patient's stomach is short and a portion of the expander200is not inserted into the stomach2, the controller410excludes the first measuring member310of the first measurer300measuring a pressure value of the corresponding expander200from targets for determination. More specifically, the controller410distinguishes between the first measuring member310disposed inside the stomach2and measuring the same measurement value as the initial pressure P0inside the stomach2and the first measuring member310disposed outside the stomach2and measuring a different measurement value from the initial pressure P0. The controller410determines that the first measurer300measuring the same measurement value as the initial pressure P0inside the stomach2is in the approach-necessary section D1and excludes other first measurers300from targets for determination.

The controller410may, through the measurement values of the plurality of first measuring members310, determine whether the expander200inserted into the stomach2is correctly in close contact with the inner wall of the stomach2. More specifically, in the case in which the expander200is inserted into the stomach, the controller410may compare magnitudes of pressure values separately measured by the plurality of first measuring members310disposed along the same circumference of the expander200to determine whether the expander200inserted into the stomach2is correctly in close contact with the inner wall of the stomach2. That is, in a case in which a difference between measurement values of the first measuring members310in contact with the inner wall of the stomach2among the plurality of first measuring members310disposed along the same circumference of the expander200is within a set magnitude, the controller410determines that the expander200is correctly in close contact with the inner wall of the stomach2, and in a case in which a difference between measurement values measured by any one pair of first measuring members310in contact with the inner wall of the stomach2is the set magnitude or more, the controller410determines that the expander200is not correctly in close contact with the inner wall of the stomach2. Here, the set magnitude of the pressure value may be changed in various ways according to user settings.

The display420visually displays information determined by the controller410to the user. Accordingly, an example of the display420may be a display module or the like configured to output image information. The display420displays different colors according to the type of resection position section D determined by the controller410. As the first measuring member310of the first measurer300is provided as a plurality of first measuring members310, the display420may individually display information about each of the first measuring members310.

The display420according to one embodiment of the present disclosure displays a first color C1for the first measuring members310excluded from the targets for determination by the controller410, displays a second color C2for the first measuring members310determined as being in the approach-necessary section D1by the controller410, displays a third color C3for the first measuring members310determined as being in the separation-necessary section D3by the controller410, and displays a fourth color C4for the first measuring members310determined as being in the resection-possible section D2by the controller410. The first color C1to the fourth color C4may be changed in various ways within the range of the types of colors being distinguishable from each other.

In a case in which the controller410determines that the expander200is not in close contact with the inner wall of the stomach2as will be described below, the display420may generate a warning signal. In this case, examples of the warning signal may be an auditory signal such as an alarm sound or a visual signal of a color different from the first color C1to the fourth color C4.

Hereinafter, the operation of the sleeve gastrectomy aid device1according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

FIGS.8and9are operation diagrams schematically illustrating an operation process of the sleeve gastrectomy aid device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.8and9, the guide100inserted through the oral cavity or nasal cavity of a patient is inserted into the stomach2via the esophagus. The guide100inserted into the stomach2has an end disposed to face the pylorus of the stomach2and disposed close to an inner side surface of the stomach2. In this case, the shape of the guide100may be changed corresponding to the curvature or the like of the stomach2.!

Then, air is injected into the expander200through the injector10to expand the volume of the expander200. In this case, both ends of the expander200are in close contact with and fixed to an outer side surface of the guide100, and an outflow of air from inside the expander200is prevented. Accordingly, the expander200may maintain a state in which the volume thereof is expanded. Like a balloon, the expander200expands in a form in which a distance between two points arbitrarily set on a surface between both ends of the expander200, which are in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the guide100, increases.

In such a process, the shape of the first measurer300is changed in accordance with a change in volume of the expander200.

More specifically, as the volume of the expander200increases, a distance between adjacent first measuring members310increases.

As the distance between the adjacent first measuring members310increases, the pair of first measuring members310generate tension in the connector320.

The connector320is extended as much as an amount of change in the distance between the adjacent first measuring members310in a direction parallel to the tension and offsets the tension applied thereto. Accordingly, the connector320may be prevented from breaking due to tension.

Then, when the volume of the expander200is reduced again and the distance between the first measuring members310decreases, the connector320is restored to its original form due to an elastic restoring force of the expander200.

Through a pressure value measured by the first measurer300, the monitor400provides resection position information to the user.

FIGS.10A and10Bare operation diagrams schematically illustrating operation states of the controller in the process of inserting a guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.10A and10B, first, in the state in which the guide100is inserted into the stomach2, the controller410calculates each of the number of first measuring members310disposed inside the stomach2and measuring the same measurement value as the initial pressure P0inside the stomach2and the number of first measuring members310disposed outside the stomach2and measuring a different measurement value from the initial pressure P0. Then, the controller410determines that the first measuring members310measuring the same measurement value as the initial pressure P0inside the stomach2are in the approach-necessary section D1and excludes other first measuring members310from targets for determination.

The display420displays the information determined by the controller410to the outside. That is, as illustrated inFIG.10, the display420displays the first color C1for the first measuring members310excluded from the targets for determination by the controller410and displays the second color C2for the first measuring members310determined as being in the approach-necessary section D1by the controller410.

FIGS.11A and11Bare operation diagrams schematically illustrating operation states of the controller in an approach-necessary section according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.11A and11B, the controller410determines resection position information of the resection tool3through a change in the pressure value measured by the first measurer300, and the display420displays the determined information to the outside.

More specifically, as illustrated inFIG.11A, in a case in which the resection tool3presses the stomach2in a state in which the resection tool3is further away from the expander200than the distances from the expander200to the resection tool3that allow the user to form the remaining stomach2with a target size, the pressure measured by the first measuring member310is lower than the first set pressure P1.

The controller410determines that the pressure value measured by the first measuring member310is in the approach-necessary section D1and transmits the corresponding information to the display420. In this case, the controller410may use an average of pressure values measured by the remaining first measuring members310not excluded from the targets for determination among the plurality of first measuring members310, that is, the first measuring members310determined to be in the approach-necessary section D1inFIGS.10A and10B.

By displaying the second color C2to the outside, the display420visually provides information indicating that the resection tool3is excessively far away from the expander200and needs to be closer to the expander200.

FIGS.12A and12Bare operation diagrams schematically illustrating operation states of the controller in a separation-necessary section according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.12A and12B, in a case in which the resection tool3presses the stomach2in a state in which the resection tool3is closer to the expander200than the distances from the expander200to the resection tool3that allow the user to form the remaining stomach2with a target size, the pressure measured by the first measuring member310is higher than the second set pressure P2.

The controller410determines that the pressure value measured by the first measuring member310is in the separation-necessary section D3and transmits the corresponding information to the display420.

By displaying the third color C3to the outside, the display420visually provides information indicating that the resection tool3is excessively far away from the expander200and needs to be further from the expander200.

FIGS.13A and13Bare operation diagrams schematically illustrating operation states of the controller in a resection-possible section according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.13A and13B, in a case in which the resection tool3presses the stomach2in a state in which the resection tool3is placed within the range of the distances from the expander200to the resection tool3that allow the user to form the remaining stomach2with a target size, the pressure value measured by the first measuring member310is between the first set pressure P1and the second set pressure P2.

The controller410determines that the pressure value measured by the first measuring member310is in the resection-possible section D2and transmits the corresponding information to the display420.

By displaying the fourth color C4to the outside, the display420visually provides information indicating that the resection tool3is placed at an appropriate distance from the expander200and thus resection may be performed using the resection tool3.

Meanwhile, after the expander200is inserted into the stomach2, the controller410may, through the measurement values of the plurality of first measuring members310disposed along the same circumference of the expander200, determine whether the expander200inserted into the stomach2is correctly in close contact with the inner wall of the stomach2.

FIG.14is a view illustrating a state in which an expander is in close contact with an inner wall of the stomach according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.15is a view illustrating pressure values measured by a plurality of first measuring members disposed along the same circumference of the expander in the state ofFIG.14.

Referring toFIGS.14and15, in a case in which the expander200inserted into the stomach2is completely in close contact with the inner wall of the stomach2, among the plurality of first measuring members310disposed along the same circumference of the expander200, the first measuring members310in contact with the inner wall of the stomach2output measurement values within the set magnitude due to a uniform pressing force, and the controller410determines that the expander200is correctly in close contact with the inner wall of the stomach2.

FIG.16is a view illustrating a state in which the expander is not in close contact with the inner wall of the stomach according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.17is a view illustrating pressure values measured by the plurality of first measuring members disposed along the same circumference of the expander in the state ofFIG.16.

Referring toFIGS.16and17, in a case in which the expander200inserted into the stomach2is not completely in close contact with the inner wall of the stomach2, among the plurality of first measuring members310disposed along the same circumference of the expander200, the first measuring members310in contact with the inner wall of the stomach2output different measurement values due to a non-uniform pressing force.

In a case in which a difference between measurement values measured by any one pair of first measuring members310in contact with the inner wall of the stomach2is the set magnitude or more, the controller410determines that the expander200is not correctly in close contact with the inner wall of the stomach2. In the case in which it is determined by the controller410that the expander200is not correctly in close contact with the inner wall of the stomach2, the display420generates a warning signal to allow the user to recognize that the expander200is not correctly in close contact with the inner wall of the stomach2.

Hereinafter, a configuration of a sleeve gastrectomy aid device1′ according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

In this process, description overlapping with the above description of the sleeve gastrectomy aid device1according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be omitted.

FIG.18is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a sleeve gastrectomy aid device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.18, the sleeve gastrectomy aid device1′ according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a guide100, an expander200, a second measurer500, and a monitor600.

The second measurer500measures the air pressure inside the expander200. More specifically, the second measurer500is provided to measure a value of the air pressure inside the expander200that changes due to pressure applied to the expander200as a resection tool3presses a stomach2during resection surgery. The second measurer500according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed in the form of a pressure sensor connected to an injector10communicating with the expander200and configured to measure the pressure of air injected into the expander200through the injector10. Accordingly, since the second measurer500can measure the pressure applied to the expander200from outside the expander200, the second measurer500may be easily installed and managed. A pressure gauge that can provide a measured pressure value in the form of visual information to the user may be installed in the second measurer500.

The monitor600is connected to the second measurer500, determines resection position information through a pressure value measured by the second measurer500, and provides the determined resection position information to the user. Here, an example of the resection position information may be information on a distance from the expander200to the resection tool3.

FIG.19is a flowchart schematically illustrating a configuration of a monitor according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.19, the monitor600according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a controller610and a display620.

The controller610determines resection position information based on a pressure value measured by the second measurer500. More specifically, the controller610converts the pressure value measured by the second measurer500into information on the distance from the expander200to the resection tool3to determine the resection position information of the resection tool3. That is, by determining resection position sections D according to the magnitude of the pressure value measured by the second measurer500, the controller610determines the resection position information. An example of the controller610according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be a microprocessor, a computer, or the like connected to the second measurer500to receive the measured pressure value from the second measurer500. The controller610may receive the measured pressure value from the second measurer500via a wire through a cable or the like or may receive the measured pressure value from the second measurer500through a separate wireless communication module.

The resection position sections D refer to sections obtained by dividing pressure values according to the sizes thereof, based on a value of an initial pressure P0inside the stomach2that is measured by the second measurer500right after insertion of the guide100. More specifically, the resection position sections D refer to sections between a pair of different pressure values among sections of pressures measured by the second measurer500as the position at which the stomach2is pressed or resected by the resection tool3is changed after the insertion of the guide100.

The resection position sections D include an approach-necessary section D1, a resection-possible section D2, and a separation-necessary section D3.

The approach-necessary section D1indicates a case in which the magnitude of the pressure measured by the second measurer500is the initial pressure P0or higher and a first set pressure P1or lower. Here, the first set pressure P1is a pressure value measured at the maximum distance among distances from the expander200to the resection tool3that allow the user to form the remaining stomach2with a target size. The first set pressure P1may be changed in various ways according to the shape, size, and the like of the stomach2. That is, the approach-necessary section D1corresponds to a section in which the controller410determines, through the pressure value measured by the second measurer500, that the resection tool3is excessively far away from the expander200.

The separation-necessary section D3indicates a case in which the magnitude of the pressure measured by the second measurer500is a second set pressure P2or higher. Here, the second set pressure P2is a pressure value measured at the minimum distance among the distances from the expander200to the resection tool3that allow the user to form the remaining stomach2with a target size. The second set pressure P2may be changed in various ways according to the shape, size, and the like of the stomach2. More specifically, the second set pressure P2indicates a pressure lower than or equal to the maximum pressure that can be measured by the second measurer500or a pressure Pmax at which the mucosa of the stomach2ruptures. That is, the separation-necessary section D3corresponds to a section in which the controller610determines, through the pressure value measured by the second measurer500, that the resection tool3is excessively close to the expander200.

The resection-possible section D2indicates a case in which the magnitude of the pressure measured by the second measurer500is between the first set pressure P1and the second set pressure P2. That is, the resection-possible section D2corresponds to a section in which the controller610determines, through the pressure value measured by the second measurer500, that the resection tool3is positioned at an appropriate distance from the expander200.

The display620visually displays information determined by the controller610to the user. Accordingly, an example of the display620may be a display module or the like configured to output image information. The display620displays different colors according to the type of resection position section D determined by the controller610.

The display620according to another embodiment of the present disclosure displays a second color C2in a case in which the controller610determines that the pressure value measured by the second measurer500is in the approach-necessary section D1, displays a third color C3in a case in which the controller610determines that the pressure value measured by the second measurer500is in the separation-necessary section D3, and displays a fourth color C4in a case in which the controller610determines that the pressure value measured by the second measurer500is in the resection-possible section D2. The second color C2to the fourth color C4may be changed in various ways within the range of the types of colors being distinguishable from each other.

Hereinafter, an operation process of the sleeve gastrectomy aid device4according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

FIGS.20A and20Bare operation diagrams schematically illustrating operation states of a controller in the process of inserting a guide according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.20A and20B, as the second measurer500measures the initial pressure P0inside the stomach2right after the guide100is inserted into the stomach2, the controller610determines that the pressure value measured by the second measurer500is in the approach-necessary section D1, and the display620displays the second color C2.

FIGS.21A and21Bare operation diagrams schematically illustrating operation states of the controller in an approach-necessary section according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.21A and21B, in a case in which the resection tool3presses the stomach2in a state in which the resection tool3is further away from the expander200than the distances from the expander200to the resection tool3that allow the user to form the remaining stomach2with a target size, the pressure measured by the second measurer500is lower than the first set pressure P1.

The controller610determines that the pressure value measured by the second measurer500is in the approach-necessary section D1and transmits the corresponding information to the display620.

By displaying the second color C2to the outside, the display620visually provides information indicating that the resection tool3is excessively far away from the expander200and needs to be closer to the expander200.

FIGS.22A and22Bare operation diagrams schematically illustrating operation states of the controller in a separation-necessary section according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.22A and22B, in a case in which the resection tool3presses the stomach2in a state in which the resection tool3is closer to the expander200than the distances from the expander200to the resection tool3that allow the user to form the remaining stomach2with a target size, the pressure measured by the second measurer500is higher than the second set pressure P2.

The controller610determines that the pressure value measured by the second measurer500is in the separation-necessary section D3and transmits the corresponding information to the display620.

By displaying the third color C3to the outside, the display620visually provides information indicating that the resection tool3is excessively far away from the expander200and needs to be further from the expander200.

FIGS.23A and23Bare operation diagrams schematically illustrating operation states of the controller in a resection-possible section according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.23A and23B, in a case in which the resection tool3presses the stomach2in a state in which the resection tool3is placed within the range of the distances from the expander200to the resection tool3that allow the user to form the remaining stomach2with a target size, the pressure value measured by the second measurer500is between the first set pressure P1and the second set pressure P2.

The controller610determines that the pressure value measured by the second measurer500is in the resection-possible section D2and transmits the corresponding information to the display620.

By displaying the fourth color C4to the outside, the display620visually provides information indicating that the resection tool3is placed at an appropriate distance from the expander200and thus resection may be performed using the resection tool3.

The present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, but the embodiments are merely illustrative, and those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments are possible from the embodiments described herein.

Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure should be defined by the claims below.