DE102011110983A1 - Arrangement for removing tubular blood vessel e.g. vein from human body, has treatment unit equipped with data processing unit in data communication with control unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement has a treatment unit (1) comprising an actuator (5) for enabling a treatment tool (3) to move in a defined movement. A control unit controls the actuator. One end of the treatment tool is provided with a handle (2) facing away from the end provided with a cutting unit (9) for cutting organic tissue. A connection arm (13) is provided between the cutting unit and the handle. The treatment unit is equipped with a data processing unit (12) in data communication with the control unit. An independent claim is included for a method for controlling the arrangement for removing tubular blood vessel.

Description

The invention relates to an arrangement for removing a substantially tubular blood vessel, in particular a varicose vein, a vein or artery, from a particular human body.

A device for removing a varix is from the WO 02/43594 A1 known. This is intended to remove a varicose vein with a probe releasably attached to a handpiece. At the distal end of the probe, a treatment instrument is provided. An electric motor may translate the treatment instrument into rotational and longitudinal motion with respect to the longitudinal axis of the probe. A controller is provided which controls the movement.

Such devices are at least partially introduced into the body, especially the human body. With the aid of a cutting edge, human tissue is then severed so that the varicose veins can be separated from the rest of the human tissue and then removed. The areas of the tool that are inserted into the human body, however, may have only a small spatial cross-sectional propagation in order not to unnecessarily increase the wound resulting from the penetration. At the same time, however, high stability requirements are made, since it is to be avoided that parts of the tool break off in the human body. It is therefore an object of the present invention to minimize the risk of breakage of tool parts of such arrangements, but still to leave the cross-sectional size of the tools and tool parts as low as possible or even reduce.

The object underlying the present invention is achieved by an arrangement for removing a substantially tubular blood vessel, in particular a varicose vein, a vein or artery, from a particular human body. The arrangement comprises a treatment unit with a handle and a treatment tool. Handle and treatment tool are in particular separate and detachable components. The arrangement further comprises an actuator unit, which can put the treatment tool in a defined movement. The actuator unit may be part of the treatment unit, in particular of the handle. A control unit is provided and serves to control the actuator unit. This control unit is preferably arranged separately from the treatment unit. The treatment tool has at least one cutting unit for severing organic tissue at an end facing away from the grip part. Between the cutting unit and the handle unit, a connecting arm is provided. The arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that the treatment tool has a data processing unit which is in data communication with the control unit.

A control unit is essentially understood to mean a device which can deliver at least one control signal for actuating an actuator unit. A data processing unit is in particular a device in which at least one data value is stored, but which preferably can be changed on the basis of an external reason.

The essence of the invention is in particular that the treatment unit is intelligent by the data processing unit and thus can have particular knowledge of the previous or current use. This knowledge can then be transmitted to the control unit. The control unit then serves in particular for the actual activation of the actuator unit. This knowledge about this use can then be evaluated in particular with regard to any risks of wear. Thus, for example, based on the transmitted value, it can at least indirectly be ascertained that extensive use has already taken place, so that wearing out is likely soon. The control unit can then act by keeping the arrangement in a blocking state, so that no release for driving the actuator is given. The arrangement is then not ready. In this respect, such an intelligent treatment unit can contribute to increasing the security against unintentional breaking off of the tool in the human body. The data processing unit preferably has a writable memory unit on which the status value is stored. In contrast to a unit on which only a static, non-modifiable value is stored, the knowledge of previously used uses can then already be stored on the data processing unit. The data processing unit is preferably writable during operation and may preferably be described by an external reason.

The data processing unit is preferably inseparably connected to one of the components of the treatment unit. Inextricably connected means that the connected components can not be separated from one another without destroying them. The data connection is preferably formed wirelessly, in particular by a respective radio or infrared interface; but the data connection can also be wired.

Preferably, the data processing unit is inseparably connected to the treatment tool. The data processing unit is thus in particular an integral part of the treatment tool and can therefore contribute to providing the control unit with important information relating to the treatment tool. Thus, it can preferably be provided that a status value is stored on the data processing unit, which includes information about the completed use of the treatment tool. The status value can thus be a type of usage counter that is inextricably linked to the treatment tool. Each time the treatment tool is used again, the status value can be changed during operation using the data connection, which is especially bidirectional. B. increased by one. If, for example, it should be provided that a treatment instrument should only be used ten times, then the status value would be incremented by one with each individual use; Finally, if the status value has increased to ten, the control unit to which this status value has been transmitted may decide that no further use is made of this treatment instrument. The control unit must then forcibly remain in the locked state until the treatment tool is replaced.

Preferably, it may be provided that a treatment tool can be used only once in total, namely, if only then released by the control unit, if only it is determined that so far no use has been made with the appropriate treatment tool.

The arrangement preferably has an acceleration sensor, which is attached to the treatment unit and can be brought into data connection with at least the control unit or the data processing unit. The acceleration sensor can also be part of the particular data processing unit, which is located at the treatment unit. The acceleration sensor can also be attached in particular insoluble on the treatment tool. By providing the acceleration sensor on the treatment unit, in particular on the treatment tool, acceleration signals and possibly also a movement pattern of the treatment unit, in particular of the treatment tool, can be created. This movement pattern or the acceleration signals can then be easily evaluated in terms of the current use or recording on the use in the past. This knowledge can be transferred to the status value or the status value can be changed depending on the acceleration signals.

In the context of the present invention, an acceleration sensor is understood to mean a device which can measure acceleration in one or more directions. In this case, an inertial force acting on a test mass is preferably determined, so that it can also be determined whether an increase or decrease in speed takes place. The acceleration sensor may include a plurality of sub-sensors, each of which may receive accelerations in different directions or about different axes. Spatial motion patterns can therefore be created with an acceleration sensor. Preferably, the acceleration sensor can thereby measure accelerations of the respective object to which it is attached, which are generated by a manual guidance of the corresponding object by a user. However, the accelerations can also be caused by the intended oscillating movements, which are generated by the actuator.

The invention further relates to a method for controlling an arrangement for removing a substantially tubular blood vessel, in particular a varicose vein, vein or artery from a particular human body. The arrangement includes the above-mentioned device features. The method comprises the following method steps: establishment of a data connection between the control unit and the data processing unit; Querying a status value that includes information about an already-used usage of the associated treatment tool; Evaluation of the status value by the control unit and activation of the actuator unit as a function of the evaluation result.

Preferably, an operation of the actuator unit is prevented, in the event that the evaluation shows that the treatment tool was not less than the predetermined maximum use was used. Preferably, in a defined use of the treatment tool, the status value is changed. In particular, the status value is modified in such a way that the defined use within the status value is taken into account. The change can be caused by the control unit, in particular by means of a data transfer from the control unit to the data processing unit. The change can also be modified accordingly by acceleration signals of the acceleration sensor; Based on the acceleration signals can be determined that a defined use has been made, in particular by determining the device-typical oscillating rotational and / or longitudinal movements.

The status value is preferably stored in particular in the data processing unit and is transmitted from the data processing unit to the control unit.

Preferably, the data connection is bidirectional. The bidirectional data connection is particularly suitable if, depending on the use, the status value in the data processing unit is also to be changed. In this case, the information about the use already made is then stored in the treatment tool itself.

Preferably, the actuator unit is controlled as a function of the acceleration signal of an acceleration sensor. Alternatively or in combination, the status value can be modified as a function of the acceleration signal.

With regard to the method according to the invention, the already mentioned advantages and further design options result.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. Herein shows

1 the treatment tool and the fitting of a treatment unit of an arrangement according to the invention;

2 the handle of the treatment unit of the arrangement according to the invention;

3 the control unit of the inventive arrangement.

The 1 to 3 will be described together below. The arrangement according to the invention comprises a treatment unit 1 which is a handle 2 at which a doctor treating the treatment unit 1 can touch and press. Via a drive shaft 15 , which is also part of a plug connection 10 ' represents is between the handle 2 and a treatment tool 3 a connector 4 intended. The connection piece 4 represents a type of adapter to which the treatment tool 3 via another plug connection 10 '' is attached. On the handle 2 is an actuator unit 5 in the form of an electric motor attached to the drive shaft 15 and the associated connector 4 and the treatment tool 3 in a defined movement, for example, an oscillating rotational movement and / or an oscillating longitudinal movement, can put. On the connector 4 may optionally be waived if the treatment tool 3 directly to the drive shaft 15 can be connected.

The treatment tool 3 includes at its distal end a cutting unit 9 , which is essentially an annular knife, which is attached to a hollow cylinder 16 is arranged. Through the hollow cylinder 16 and the cutting unit 9 The vein or other blood vessels to be removed may be passed through. Side branches of the blood vessel are passed through the cutting unit 9 separated so that the blood vessel can be isolated and then removed. The cutting unit 9 must be introduced relatively far into the human body depending on the application, so that between handle 2 and cutting unit 9 a relatively long connection in the form of the connecting arm 13 is to be provided. The connecting arm 13 is essentially designed as an elongated style and should be as small as possible in cross-section. At its the cutting unit 9 facing end, the connecting arm 13 an angled area 14 on. In particular, the angled area 14 represents a weak point of the connecting arm 13 which can break in case of excessive strain. In that respect, the treatment tool should 3 only a predetermined maximum useful life can be used. In particular, this tool should only be used to remove only a single blood vessel and then disposed of.

For controlling the actuator 5 the arrangement comprises a control unit 11 that have a wired connection 6 with the handle 2 connected is. In this case, an electrical or electronic signal from the control unit 11 to the actuator unit 5 output, whereupon the actuator 5 is turned on and the actuation of the arrangement begins. The control unit has it 11 via input means, such as switches or a foot part, not shown. Before the control unit 11 but an enable signal or other instruction to turn on the actuator 5 outputs, the control unit enters 11 by radio in a data connection 7 with the data processing unit 12 , which is permanently attached to the treatment tool, and inquires one within the data processing unit 12 stored status value 17 from. The data processing unit 12 can be represented by an RFID chip, in which the status value is stored changeable. Depending on the status value 17 then recognizes the control unit 11 whether the tool has already been used. If the evaluation shows that no use has yet been made, the arrangement can be transferred to a release state, in which operation is possible in principle. Then a request to the actuator unit 5 to start the operation and thus begin the treatment with the treatment tool. Furthermore, however, a signal is also delivered to the RFID chip that now a use takes place or has already taken place, so that the status value 17 that's in the RFID chip is stored, is changed accordingly. In particular, the status value 17 represent a kind of usage counter that is incremented by one each time it is reused. Should then with a renewed use of the status value 17 be queried recognizes the control unit 11 that the treatment tool 3 already used. Then no release takes place or the arrangement is transferred to a blocking state in which the operation and the actuation of the actuator unit 5 is prevented. The blocking state can be the default state in which the arrangement z. B. is automatically transferred when switching on.

As an alternative to the single use, it may of course also be provided that a multiple use is possible, wherein the maximum utilization may be limited to a predetermined frequency of use, for example ten times. Should then the status value 17 Accordingly, be "counted up", the re-evaluation of the queried status value will result that no further use is allowed. A transition into the release state will not take place until the treatment tool has been replaced.

Further, an acceleration sensor 8th provided, the z. B. as an acceleration sensor 8th' in the treatment tool 3 or as an acceleration sensor 8th'' in the grip 2 can be arranged. The acceleration sensor 8th depending on the arrangement then the movements of the treatment tool 3 or the handle 2 record and appropriate acceleration signals 18 produce. From the acceleration signals 18 then movement patterns or profiles can be generated, which in particular provide information about an already made use. Depending on these movement profiles or movement patterns, the arrangement can then be transferred to the release state.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

treatment unit

2

grip

3

treatment tool

4

connector

5

actuator

6

cable connection

7

Data Connection

8, 8 ', 8' '

accelerometer

9

cutting unit

10 ', 10' '

connectors

11

control unit

12

Data processing unit

13

connecting arm

14

angled area

15

drive shaft

16

hollow cylinder

17

status value

18

acceleration signal

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 02/43594 A1 [0002]

Claims (11)

Arrangement for removing a substantially tubular blood vessel, in particular a varicose vein, a vein or artery, from a particularly human body, comprising a treatment unit ( 1 ) with a handle ( 2 ) and a treatment tool ( 3 ), an actuator unit ( 5 ), the treatment tool ( 3 ) in a defined movement, a control unit ( 11 ) for controlling the actuator unit ( 5 ), wherein the treatment tool on a handle ( 2 ) facing away from at least one cutting unit ( 9 ) for cutting organic tissue, wherein the treatment tool ( 3 ) between the cutting unit ( 9 ) and the handle ( 2 ) a connecting arm ( 13 ), characterized in that the treatment unit ( 1 ) a data processing unit ( 12 ) in data communication with the control unit ( 11 ). Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the data processing unit ( 12 ) insoluble with the treatment tool ( 3 ) connected is. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the data processing unit ( 12 ) a status value ( 17 ), the status value ( 17 ) Information about the previous use of the treatment tool ( 3 ). Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that on the data processing unit ( 12 ) stored status value ( 17 ) is changeable, in particular during operation and / or at the instigation of the control unit ( 11 ). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement via an acceleration sensor ( 8th ) at the treatment center ( 1 ), the acceleration sensor ( 8th ) with the control unit ( 11 ) or the data processing unit ( 12 ) in data connection ( 7 ) can be brought. Method for controlling an arrangement for removing a substantially tubular blood vessel, in particular a varicose vein, vein or artery, from a human body in particular, the arrangement comprising a treatment unit ( 1 ) with a handle ( 2 ) and a treatment tool ( 3 ), an actuator unit ( 5 ), the treatment tool ( 3 ) in a defined movement, and a control unit ( 11 ) and a data processing unit ( 12 ), comprising the following method steps: establishment of a data connection ( 7 ) between the control unit ( 11 ) and the data processing unit ( 12 ), Querying a status value ( 17 ), which provides information about already used uses of the assigned treatment tool ( 3 ), evaluating the status value ( 17 ) by the control unit ( 12 ), Actuating the actuator unit ( 5 ) depending on the evaluation result. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in the event that the evaluation shows that the treatment tool ( 3 ) was used less than a predetermined maximum utilization, the arrangement is transferred to a release state in which an operation of the actuator unit ( 5 ), and otherwise the arrangement is brought into a blocking state in which an operation of the actuator unit ( 5 ) is prevented. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the arrangement is in the locked state by default. Method according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the status value ( 17 ) is changed depending on use. Method according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the status value ( 17 ) from the data processing unit ( 12 ) to the control unit ( 11 ) is transmitted. Method according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the actuator unit ( 5 ) in response to an acceleration signal ( 18 ) of an acceleration sensor ( 8th ) and / or that the status value ( 17 ) as a function of the acceleration signal ( 18 ) can be changed.

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