Patent Description:
Chronic sinusitis is a common disease that occurs in <NUM>% of the Korean population. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery performed during the surgical treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis requires general anesthesia in most cases and, although rare, can cause serious complications such as orbital complications and cerebral hemorrhage.

In addition, since it damages the surrounding tissues during surgery, there is pain after surgery and the recovery rate is slow. To solve these problems, a surgical method was developed to open the natural sinus cavity while minimizing damage to the surrounding structures by inserting a small balloon catheter into the nasal cavity. This method has advantages in that it allows local anesthesia, has a short recovery time, has a low complication rate, enables simple postoperative management, etc..

Two main types of devices are currently used for the insertion of the balloon catheter.

One type of device employs a method to use a guide wire provided with a luminescent lamp. Since natural sinus cavities are located being hidden in the uncinate process and the ethmoidal sinus, it is normally not possible to directly check natural cavities using only an upright endoscope. Accordingly, it is required that a guide wire be inserted into the entrance of the sinus under the guidance of an endoscope, and then, the front end of the guide wire be inserted through the natural cavities by repeatedly moving the guide wire forward and backward to the natural cavities, relying on the touch sense without checking with the naked eye considering the anatomical position and direction of the natural cavities. Once it is determined that the front end of the guide wire has been inserted into the natural cavities, it is required to check the luminous position of the guide wire around the opening and outside of the face, and then check whether the guide wire has entered the maxillary sinus or the frontal sinus, and the balloon catheter be inserted thereinto along the guide wire. However, the above method is a method where the guide wire is inserted while only checking the luminous position from the outside without checking the internal structures of the nasal cavity and sinuses, it is possible that the method may damage the surrounding tissues or structures.

The other type of device is a device that indirectly checks whether an invader has been inserted into the sinus using a separate navigation device. This type of device requires expensive navigation device, and it is possible that the device may damage surrounding tissues or structures of the nasal cavities or the sinuses due to errors in the navigation device.

For example, an endoscope according to the preamble of claim <NUM> is disclosed in <CIT>.

An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope which can check in real time the internal images of the nasal cavity and the sinuses and into which applicators such as a guide wire can be inserted.

Additionally, another object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope which can insert a plurality of applicators into a surgical site more easily and rapidly.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other objects not describe will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description shown below.

In order to achieve the above objects, the present invention provides a paranasal sinus entering endoscope having the features of claim <NUM> and an endoscope having the features of claim <NUM>.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the present invention has at least the following effects.

Since applicators such as a guide wire can be inserted while checking in real time the internal images of the nasal cavity and the sinuses, the surgery can be performed more safely.

Since a plurality of applicators can be inserted into the surgical site more easily and rapidly, the convenience of surgery can be improved and the time required for surgery can be reduced.

The effects according to the present invention are not limited by the details illustrated above, and more various effects are included in the present specification.

Advantages and features of the present invention and a method of achieving them will become apparent with reference to embodiments described later in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. Only these embodiments are provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals refer to the same components throughout the specification.

In addition, embodiments described in the present specification will be described with reference to sectional views and/or schematic diagrams which are ideal exemplary diagrams of the present invention. Therefore, the shape of the exemplary diagram may be modified by manufacturing technology and/or permissible errors. In addition, in each of the drawings shown in the present invention, each component may be somewhat enlarged or reduced in consideration of convenience of description. The same reference numerals refer to the same components throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for explaining a treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in <FIG>, the endoscope <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a body <NUM>, an insertion part <NUM>, and an applicator load part <NUM>. The insertion part <NUM> can be extended from the front end of body <NUM>, and the applicator load part <NUM> can be rotatably mounted at the rear end of body <NUM>.

The body <NUM> has a handle <NUM>, an operation unit for selecting an applicator <NUM>, a bending operation part <NUM>, and an operation unit for moving an applicator <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> is a configuration that a user (e.g., a doctor, etc.) who operates the endoscope <NUM> grips by hand.

The operation unit for selecting an applicator <NUM> is configured to operate the applicator load part <NUM>, and can be formed in a structure similar to the trigger in front of the handle <NUM>.

A bending operation part <NUM> is a configuration that operates the bending direction of a flexible part <NUM> of an insertion part <NUM>, and can be disposed on one side of the body <NUM>. The endoscope <NUM> according to the embodiment shown in <FIG> shows a model in which the user can operate the bending operation part <NUM> with the thumb of the right hand while holding the handle <NUM> with the right hand. According to an embodiment, the bending operation part <NUM> may also be configured to be arranged on the opposite side so that the user can operate the bending operation part <NUM> with the thumb of the left hand while holding the handle <NUM> with the left hand.

The movement of the applicator according to the operation of the bending operation part <NUM> will be described later.

The operation unit for moving an applicator <NUM> is a configuration in which the applicators are operated to move forward or backward along the inside of the insertion part <NUM>, and may be disposed on top portion of the body <NUM>. A user can operate the operation unit for moving an applicator <NUM> with the other hand while holding the handle <NUM> with any of the two hands. <FIG> shows a configuration in which the operation unit for moving an applicator <NUM> is disposed above the body <NUM>, but the position of the operation unit for moving an applicator <NUM> may vary according to embodiments. For example, the operation unit for moving an applicator <NUM> may be located in front of or opposite to the bending operation part <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the insertion part <NUM> includes a rigid part <NUM> and a flexible part <NUM>.

The rigid part <NUM> extends forward from the front end of body <NUM>, and the flexible part <NUM> extends from the front end of the rigid part <NUM>.

As described above, the flexible part <NUM> is formed of a structure or material that can easily be bent in at least two directions. In contrast, the rigid part <NUM> is formed of a rigid structure or material that is not easily bent compared to the flexible part <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating a front end of an insertion part of an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in <FIG>, the insertion part <NUM> includes a working channel <NUM> and image acquiring units (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>).

The working channel <NUM> is a channel through which the applicator (a guide wire, a balloon catheter, a stent catheter, a tube, etc.), which enters through the endoscope <NUM>, passes.

The image acquiring units (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) are units that acquire the internal images of the body through the front end of the flexible part <NUM>, and they include a lens <NUM>, a light source <NUM>, and a cable <NUM>.

The lens <NUM> and the light source <NUM> are disposed in front of the flexible part <NUM>. The light source <NUM> provides illumination to the front direction of the flexible part <NUM>, and the cable <NUM> provides the power supplied by the light source <NUM>. The lens <NUM> can prevent the formation of frost on the surface by hydrophobic treatment.

The cable <NUM> and the working channel <NUM> extend through the flexible part <NUM> and the rigid part <NUM> up to the body <NUM>.

Although not shown, the image acquiring units (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) may include an optical cable which extends from the rear end of the lens <NUM> to the outside of the endoscope <NUM>. An image sensor, etc. may come into contact with the end of the optical cable so as to convert optical information transmitted through the optical cable into an image.

Although not shown, the image acquiring units (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) may include a small camera instead of an optical cable. In this case, the image information captured by the small camera may be transmitted to the outside of the endoscope <NUM> as an electrical signal.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing an applicator load part of an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention; and <FIG> is a perspective view showing an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention for explaining the positional relationship between the working channel of the endoscope and the loading hole of the applicator load part.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the applicator load part <NUM> is disposed to be rotatable about the rotation shaft (A1) at the rear end of the body <NUM>.

The applicator load part <NUM> includes a plurality of loading holes (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) arranged radially around the rotation axis (A1). Each of the loading holes (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) may be formed to have the same distance from the rotation shaft A1.

The applicator that will enter the body through an endoscope <NUM> is mounted on each loading hole (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>). Details on this will be described later.

As shown in <FIG>, the working channel <NUM> is extended from the front end of the flexible part <NUM> up to the applicator load part <NUM> through the flexible part <NUM>, the rigid part <NUM>, and the body <NUM>.

Additionally, one of the loading holes (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) of the applicator load part <NUM> is located coaxially with the working channel <NUM>. Accordingly, the applicator coaxially mounted in the loading hole <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) with the working channel <NUM> can enter the working channel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the applicator load part <NUM> may be configured to rotate by a predetermined angle with respect to the rotation shaft (A1) by the operation unit for selecting an applicator <NUM> is pulled.

Therefore, the user can select the applicator to be inserted through the working channel <NUM> by rotating the applicator load part <NUM> by simply pulling the operation unit for selecting an applicator <NUM> while holding the handle <NUM>.

Therefore, when a plurality of applicators are used for surgery, treatment, etc. using the endoscope <NUM>, the user can allow the applicators to be inserted through the working channel <NUM> by pulling the operation unit for selecting an applicator <NUM> so that the required applicator is positioned coaxially with the working channel <NUM>, if necessary, with the plurality of applicators mounted on the loading holes (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) of the applicator load part <NUM>, respectively. Accordingly, the user convenience can be improved, and the time required for the surgery/treatment process can be reduced.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of a bending operation part of an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in <FIG>, the flexible part <NUM> is configured to be bent in a first direction or a second direction as the bending operation part <NUM> rotates clockwise or counterclockwise.

For example, the flexible part <NUM> may be configured so that a clockwise rotation of the bending operation part <NUM> allows the front end of the flexible part <NUM> to be bent to a first direction, whereas a counterclockwise rotation of the bending operation part <NUM> allows the front end of the flexible part <NUM> to be bent to a second direction.

The first direction and the second direction may be horizontal or vertical directions, respectively.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of using an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention for the treatment of sinusitis.

As shown in <FIG>, the endoscope <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention may be used to be inserted into the sinus for the treatment of sinusitis.

Sinus refers to the empty space in the facial bone, which is connected to the nasal cavity <NUM>. The sinus includes a maxillary sinus <NUM> (which is the internal space of both cheeks), an ethmoidal sinus <NUM> (which is the internal space of the nasal bone between the eyes, and a sphenoidal sinus (which is not shown in <FIG>, but is located deep inside both eyes).

Sinusitis refers to the occurrence of inflammation caused by the penetration of bacteria or viruses into the sinuses, and it often occurs in the maxillary sinus <NUM> even within the sinuses.

When the endoscope <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention is used for the treatment of sinusitis, as shown in <FIG>, the user inserts the insertion part <NUM> into the nasal cavity <NUM>.

Since the insertion part <NUM> includes the rigid part <NUM> extending from the front end of body <NUM>, the insertion part <NUM> can easily be inserted a certain depth from the nostril, the entrance of the nasal cavity <NUM>.

The path from the nasal cavity <NUM> to the maxillary sinus <NUM>, the ethmoidal sinus <NUM>, and the frontal sinus <NUM> is not a straight line. Therefore, the rigid part <NUM> can no longer enter, and the flexible part <NUM> must be bent to be inserted into the maxillary sinus <NUM>, the ethmoidal sinus <NUM>, the frontal sinus <NUM>, etc..

Since the endoscope <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention includes image acquiring units (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>), which include a lens <NUM>, a light source <NUM>, etc. on the front end of the flexible part <NUM>, the user should check the image information within the nasal cavity <NUM> and the sinuses being transmitted from image acquiring units (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>), bend the flexible part <NUM> using the bending operation part <NUM>, allow the flexible part <NUM> to advance gradually, and thereby allow the front end of the flexible part <NUM> to be inserted into the internal space of the sinus.

<FIG> shows an example in which the flexible part <NUM> is inserted into the maxillary sinus <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of an operation unit for moving an applicator of the endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in <FIG>, the body <NUM> is configured such that when the operation unit for moving an applicator <NUM> is rotated around the axis of rotation (A2), the applicator <NUM> within the working channel <NUM> moves along the working channel <NUM>.

For example, when the user rotates the operation unit for moving an applicator <NUM> clockwise, the applicator <NUM> advances along the working channel <NUM> and is exposed to the outside through the front end of the flexible part <NUM>, whereas when the user rotates the operation unit for moving an applicator <NUM> counterclockwise, the applicator <NUM> can retreat along the working channel <NUM> and return to the body <NUM>.

The applicator shown in <FIG> may be a guide wire <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the guide wire <NUM> may be used after being mounted on any one of the loading holes (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) of the applicator load part <NUM> or may be used without being mounted on the applicator load part <NUM>.

When the guide wire <NUM> is mounted on the applicator load part <NUM> and used, the guide wire <NUM> can optionally be used with other applicator(s) mounted on the applicator load part <NUM>.

When the guide wire <NUM> is used without being mounted on the applicator load part <NUM>, the guide wire <NUM> can be moved by the operation unit for moving an applicator <NUM> in a state being passed through the body <NUM>. In this case, another applicator can be used with the guide wire.

After the user bends the flexible part <NUM> so that the front end of the flexible part <NUM> is positioned while advancing it toward the space where sinusitis has occurred (e.g., the maxillary sinus <NUM>) or to be positioned within the space, and then, as shown in <FIG>, the user can operate the operation unit for moving an applicator <NUM> to advance the guide wire <NUM> through the working channel <NUM>, thereby allowing part of the guide wire <NUM> to be exposed through the front end of the flexible part <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the path from the nasal cavity <NUM> to enter through the maxillary sinus <NUM>, the ethmoidal sinus <NUM>, and the frontal sinus <NUM> is rather narrow, and when sinusitis occurs, the path becomes narrower.

Therefore, when necessary, a space within the path through which the flexible part <NUM> or the applicator can enter must be provided.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of using a balloon catheter among applicators.

The balloon catheter <NUM> includes an inflatable balloon 42a and a wire 42b, in which a flow path to deliver air with the balloon 42a is formed. The wire 42b may be connected to a pump (not shown) that extends to the outside of the endoscope <NUM> and provides air supplied for the expansion of the balloon 42a.

The balloon catheter <NUM> may be in a state being mounted on any of the loading holes (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) of the applicator load part <NUM>. In this case, the user operates the operation unit for selecting an applicator <NUM> so that the loading holes (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) where the balloon catheter <NUM> is mounted are coaxially located with the working channel <NUM>, and operates the operation unit for moving an applicator <NUM> so that the balloon catheter <NUM> moves to the front end of the flexible part <NUM> through the working channel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the balloon catheter <NUM> may be configured to advance along the guide wire <NUM> within the working channel <NUM>, in a state where the guide wire <NUM> is exposed to the front end of a flexible part <NUM> through the working channel <NUM>.

The user can secure a space in such a manner that the user checks the image information transmitted from the image acquiring units (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>), operates the operation unit for moving an applicator <NUM> so that the balloon 42a of the balloon catheter <NUM> is positioned where a space needs to be secured, and then, allows the balloon 42a to be inflated.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a balloon catheter according to another embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the balloon catheter <NUM>' according to another embodiment may be configured such that the guide wire <NUM> is received in the wire 42b.

In this case, since the balloon catheter <NUM>' can move along the guide wire <NUM> only by the advancement of the balloon catheter <NUM>' by the operation of the operation unit for moving an applicator <NUM>, the balloon catheter <NUM>' can be more easily inserted into the sinuses.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of using a stent catheter among applicators.

The stent catheter <NUM> includes a stent 43a and a stent cable 43b.

The stent 43a may be configured to have an inflatable structure, and the stent cable 43b may be configured to transmit power, signals, etc. to the stent 43a so as to inflate the stent 43a.

For example, the stent 43a may have a structure such that an inflatable balloon is included inside the stent 43a and the stent cable 43b may have a structure such that a flow path that supplies air to the balloon is included inside the stent cable 43b.

The stent catheter <NUM> may be in a state mounted on one of the loading holes (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) of the applicator load part <NUM>. In this case, the user operates the operation unit for selecting an applicator <NUM> so that the loading holes (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>), on which the stent catheter <NUM> is mounted, are coaxially located with the working channel <NUM>, and operates the operation unit for moving an applicator <NUM> and allows the stent catheter <NUM> to move to the front end of the flexible part <NUM> through the working channel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the stent catheter <NUM> may be configured to advance along the guide wire <NUM> within the working channel <NUM> in a state where the guide wire <NUM> is exposed to the front end of the flexible part <NUM> through the working channel <NUM>.

The user can mount the stent 43a in such a manner that the user checks the image information being transmitted from the image acquiring units (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>), operates the operation unit for moving an applicator <NUM> so that the stent 43a of the stent catheter <NUM> is located at the position where the stent 43a is to be mounted, and allows the stent 43a to be inflated.

The stent 43a may be installed to provide a space for the flexible part <NUM> or the applicator to pass through, or may be installed on the area of inflammation in a state where a drug is contained therein.

Although not shown, the stent catheter may also be configured such that the guide wire <NUM> is received within the stent cable 43b similar to the balloon catheter <NUM>' shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of using a tube among applicators.

Tube <NUM> may also be used as an applicator of the endoscope <NUM> according to this embodiment.

The tube <NUM> may be in a state mounted on one of the loading holes (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) of the applicator load part <NUM>. In this case, the user operates the operation unit for selecting an applicator <NUM> so that the loading holes (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>), on which the tube <NUM> is mounted, are coaxially located with the working channel <NUM>, and operates the operation unit for moving an applicator <NUM> and allows the flexible part <NUM> to move to the front end of the flexible part <NUM> through the working channel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the tube <NUM> may be configured to advance along the guide wire <NUM> within the working channel <NUM> in a state where the guide wire <NUM> is exposed to the front end of the flexible part <NUM> through the working channel <NUM>.

The tube <NUM> can be used as a suction tube, a tube for spraying a washing solution/disinfectant/liquid drug, etc.. As shown in <FIG>, the front end of the tube <NUM> is formed sharply like a needle and thus the tube <NUM> may also be used like a syringe.

Although not shown, the tube may also be configured such that the guide wire <NUM> is received within the stent cable 43b similar to the balloon catheter <NUM>' shown in <FIG>.

As described above, the endoscope <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with image acquiring units (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) on the front end of the flexible part <NUM>. Therefore, when a guide wire, a balloon catheter, a stent catheter, a tube, etc. are inserted into the sinuses through the nasal cavity, the applicators can be inserted while visually checking the internal structures of the nasal cavity/sinuses, and thus, it is possible to safely insert the applicators without damaging the surrounding tissues or structures.

In particular, since the applicators are inserted while checking the internal structures of the nasal cavity/sinuses, even a novice can safely perform surgery and treatment.

In addition, the endoscope <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to mount a plurality of applicators required for a treatment process, and the user can select the applicator(s) to be inserted into the working channel <NUM> by simply operating the operation unit for selecting an applicator <NUM> provided in the endoscope <NUM>, it is possible to reduce the user's convenience and the time required for the operation/treatment process.

In particular, in the case of the endoscope <NUM>, where the working channel <NUM> must be composed of only one so as to insert it into a narrow space such as the sinus, the operation of selecting the applicator(s) to be inserted into the working channel <NUM> and the operation to advance and retreat the applicator(s) can both be performed in a state where a plurality of applicators are mounted thereon, the user convenience and the time required for surgery/treatment can be reduced.

The sinus entering endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a body, which includes a plurality of operation parts; an insertion part, which is extending from the front end of the body to be inserted into the sinus through the nasal cavity, and having at least one working channel; and an applicator load part, which is disposed in the body and on which a plurality of applicators, that can selectively enter through the working channel, can be mounted.

The applicator load part can allow any one of a plurality of applicators to be positioned coaxially with the working channel.

The plurality of operation parts may include an operation unit for selecting an applicator, which locates any one of the plurality of applicators to be adjacent to an inlet of the channel by driving the applicator load part by a user's operation.

The applicator load part can allow the plurality of applicators to rotate around the axis of rotation according to the operation of the operation unit for selecting an applicator.

The plurality of operation parts may include an operation unit for moving an applicator, which allows the applicator, that has entered the working channel among the plurality of applicators, to move through the working channel by a user's operation.

The insertion part may include an image acquiring unit, which is disposed on the front end of the insertion part to acquire an image.

The insertion part may include a rigid part, which is extending from the front end of the body; and a flexible part, which is extending from the rigid part and formed to be bent, and wherein the plurality of operation parts include a bending operation part, which allows the flexible part to be bent by a user's operation.

The plurality of applicators may include at least one among a guide wire, a balloon catheter, and a stent catheter.

The sinus entering endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a body, which includes a plurality of operation parts; a rigid part, which is extending from the front end of the body to be inserted into the nasal cavity; a flexible part, which is extending from the rigid part and formed to be bent and inserted into the sinus on the front end; an image acquiring unit, which is disposed at the front end of the flexible part and acquires the image of the front of the flexible part; and a bending operation part, which allows the flexible part to be bent by a user's operation.

Claim 1:
An endoscope (<NUM>), comprising:
a body (<NUM>), which comprises a plurality of operation parts (<NUM>); and
an insertion part (<NUM>), which extends from a front end of the body (<NUM>), is configured to be inserted into the body of a patient, and has at least one working channel (<NUM>);
characterised in that the endoscope further comprises an applicator load part (<NUM>), which is configured to mount a plurality of applicators (<NUM>;<NUM>), is disposed at a rear end of the body (<NUM>) to be able to rotate, and is configured to arrange the mounted plurality of applicators (<NUM>;<NUM>) in the working channel (<NUM>) according to the rotation angle.