DE202014010463U1 - Device for treating the human or animal body with mechanical shocks - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for treating the human or animal body with - an applicator (9, 11, 11 ', 16) for placement on the body from the outside, - a housing (1-3) in which the applicator (9, 11, 11' , 16), and - a mechanism (4, 6, 13) for generating shocks of the applicator (9, 11, 11 ', 16) relative to the housing (1-3) in an impact direction so that the shocks when applied to the body, wherein the applicator (9, 11, 11 ', 16) has an oblique front surface portion which is at least 30% of a front surface of the applicator (9, 11, 11', 16) pointing obliquely outward with respect to the impact direction and thereby forming an angle to the impact direction between 30 ° and 60 °, the front front surface of the applicator (9, 11, 16) having a semi-cylindrical shape, the applicator ( 9, 11, 16) in a view opposite to the impact direction has a substantially rectangular base Form, in a first view in a first direction perpendicular to the impact direction of a semicylindrical shape corresponding semicircular shape and in a view in a second direction perpendicular to the thrust direction substantially has a rectangular shape.

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating the human or animal body by exerting impacts on the body surface. For the sake of simplicity, the following is spoken of the body of a patient, who is preferably human.

Various devices of the described basic type are known in the prior art. The DE 197 25 477 C describes, for example, such a device in which a pressure wave is triggered by the collision of a pneumatically accelerated striker or projectile with an initially stationary baffle or applicator, which can be coupled into the body of the patient that an applicator front surface at the time of the collision on the Patient body is hung up. This type of device is derived in its history from Lithotripsiegeräten from where such pressure waves z. B. on a long rod-shaped probe on the front surface of the applicator on a kidney stone or the like can be transferred to disintegrate it.

The focus in the presentation is in any case on the pressure wave generated by the collision, which should more or less resemble an actual shock wave, as they are classic, usually focusing lithotripsy devices z. B. with piezoelectric or inductive actuators and focus on a stone. Such pressure waves may have leading edges with a width in the range of a few μs and an amplitude in the low two-digit MPa range (eg 2 μs and 15 MPa measured 1 cm in front of the front surface). In the cited document, however, it is emphasized that the physically inherently unavoidable macroscopic center of gravity movement of the applicator should be kept as small as possible, because it is regarded as disturbing.

As a second example, the DE 20 2004 011 323 U and, with very similar content, the US 2011/0054367 A1 directed. There, a similar device with respect to the technical structure is described in which, however, inter alia, the elastic suspension of the applicator in the housing is designed for larger center-of-gravity movements of the applicator ("strokes"). There it is emphasized that the therapeutic effect can also be seen, or predominantly in the actual macroscopic shocks (ie as a result of the stroke), which also depends on the indication.

The present invention is generally directed to devices of this type of construction, both in terms of the application of pressure waves and the application of "macroscopic shocks" of the applicator to the body surface.

The invention has the object to further develop such a device with regard to further applications on the patient's body surface.

The object is achieved by a device according to claim 1.

Accordingly, therefore, an inclined surface is provided as an integral part of the front surface of the applicator. In this context, "oblique" means an angle to the impact direction between 30 ° and 60 °, the impact direction, in many practically important cases (eg, for devices in a design corresponding to cited documents), corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the device.

The "front surface" of the applicator is intended to include the forward facing portions of the outer surface which may be seated on the patient's surface, where "forward facing" means that a local surface normal includes a component in the direction of impact (and not opposite thereto or only perpendicular to it). Surfaces lying parallel to the impact direction thus do not belong to the front surface and also not to the rear.

Finally, the oblique surface should account for a substantial portion of the frontal area insofar as it is at least 30% of its areal proportion, with a proportion of (increasingly preferred in the following order) 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%. , 65%, 70% is increasingly preferred. The surfaces are taken into account as they actually exist three-dimensionally, ie not as projection surfaces with a view from the front.

Namely, the inventors have found that it may be convenient to place the applicator obliquely with respect to the impact direction on the patient's body surface. This particularly applies to treatments in which the device is moved on the body surface. Then the device gets better and can be guided over the body surface in a more controllable and comfortable way for the therapist. In particular, tissue sections under the skin can be massaged in parallel and / or pushed to a certain extent in front of the device, whereby they are acted on simultaneously with the shocks and (in a different case by case measure) pressure waves. The conventionally known devices with more or less flat front surfaces of the applicators are relatively poorly suited because they on the skin surface only at more or less vertical position of the Device can be held relative to the body surface.

The mechanism for generating the shocks of the applicator is in this context conceivable in a wide variety of embodiments, in particular by direct application of the applicator by means of an electromagnetic mechanism or a pressure fluid pulse. However, the use of an accelerated projectile for collision with the applicator which is already known from the cited documents is preferred, whereby relatively fast and (in the sense of the applicator speed) rapid impacts can be realized and also the simultaneous or even main use of pressure waves is possible. The projectile, in turn, can also be accelerated in different ways, in particular also electromagnetically, in which case a pneumatic application of the projectile according to the cited documents is also preferred.

Incidentally, the term "applicator" does not necessarily mean an integral part here. It is conceivable and application-dependent also preferred that the projectile z. B. strikes a first part that transmits the shock and / or the pressure wave to a second applicator, which in turn is in contact with the skin of the patient. The prior art also occasionally mentions an intermediate piece between the applicator and the projectile; Here is then spoken of a multi-part applicator, wherein the two Applikatorteile can be firmly connected, but need not be.

As already mentioned, a relatively large stroke of the applicator may well be desired, wherein in the present context, the device is preferably designed so that strokes over 1 mm can be achieved, as already in the US 2011/0054367 A1 executed.

The described oblique surface (in the claims, the oblique front surface portion) is not concave, ie flat or convex (which includes a combined flat-convex case), to allow a good contact with the skin or body surface and a concentrated application of force when placed.

The oblique front surface portion and preferably the entire front surface are edgeless according to a further embodiment. In concrete terms this means that the occurring radii of curvature are at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, 4 mm or even at least 5 mm. This, too, is contrary to an application of the device under the influence of force by the therapist and / or with a sliding movement; the therapist must pay less attention to the posture of the device and / or to possible irritation or injury to the patient due to edges, such as edges on the edge of an applicator surface that is actually to be placed.

Furthermore, the total inclined front surface portion is preferably at least 1.5 cm ^{2 in} size, with the following lower limits being increasingly preferred in the following order: 1.75 cm ² and finally 2.0 cm ² . With increasing surface area, a larger area of tissue can be grasped and the force of the impact and / or the pushing force of the therapist can be distributed more widely. The abovementioned values refer to the entire oblique front surface, whereby depending on the application only a part of it is used, for example, in the case of a front surface distributed essentially on two sides, only half on the side which is just oriented towards the patient.

Furthermore, it is preferred that a large proportion of the oblique front surface portion is relatively flat. This is not about the edge freedom, but about the extent in the surface remaining curvatures. At least 80% of the area fraction should have a radius of curvature of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 6 or even 7 mm. In certain embodiments with practically flat oblique front surface portions, even a lower limit of 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm or even 50 mm is preferred.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the symmetry of the front surface portion relative to the direction of impact (usually also the longitudinal direction of the device). As far as is known, fundamentally rotationally symmetrical applicator geometries are described in the prior art. In the present case, however, not completely rotationally symmetric geometries are preferred. In principle, of course, a certain symmetry, that is, with a limited countability conceivable and, as the embodiments show, quite favorable, but a double counting is preferred. To put it clearly, this means that two diagonally corresponding oblique front surface portions corresponding to one another, ie, by a 180 ° turn, are present in this two-foldness. So there are two inclined surfaces, both of which can be used in the same way.

In a similar sense, it is further preferred that the oblique front surface portion, so to speak, concentrates on a part of a rotation angle about the impact direction. To put it clearly, this means that the oblique front surface portions are not distributed uniformly around the applicator when looking at the applicator opposite to the direction of impact (ie from the front), but rather concentrated on two inclined surfaces.

Previously known applicators were usually made of stainless steel. In the present case, in principle, metals, including stainless steel, into consideration. In addition, aluminum and titanium are to be mentioned as metallic materials, both of which have a relatively low mass density and thus enable relatively light applicators. This can have the advantage of allowing for a given geometry, a greater acceleration and thus larger stroke deflection of the applicator, which may be desired in the present case. Titanium is also characterized by a particularly high mechanical strength, so it is particularly suitable for applications with comparatively high projectile speeds and / or projectile masses. Since titanium also has a particularly good physiological compatibility, it can also be advantageous as an applicator material regardless of the load-bearing capacity.

Also suitable are ceramics, cf. Application number 08 003 840.9 / EP 2 095 843 , and plastics. Compared to stainless steel, these also have the advantage of low mass density. They also have a lower thermal conductivity than metals, so that the patient subjectively perceives the applicator as warmer. This is especially true for plastics. Plastics are also particularly suitable when the coupling of a pressure wave lesser value is placed, because, at least with a greater thickness of the plastic, in comparison to the aforementioned materials slightly larger waveguide losses are to be expected. Same arguments apply to wood.

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment whose individual features within the scope of the current claim 1 may also be independent of the invention and in other combinations essential to the invention.

1 shows a pressure wave device as a first embodiment of the invention with a in 2 closer applicator.

2 shows the front part of the applicator of the device 1 in the same direction as in 1 (but upright) in partial view a, in a sectional view with rotated by 90 ° about the longitudinal axis viewing direction in partial view b, seen in a further illustration c in the longitudinal direction of the device and finally in partial view d in a perspective view.

1 shows a first embodiment of the invention. It is a device for coupling shocks and unfocused (so-called radial) mechanical pressure waves in the human or animal body.

A piece of pipe 1 forms together with a body facing away from the application and with the pipe section 1 integrated Zuluftkappe 2 and a body-facing applicator cap 3 a housing. The supply air cap 2 contains a compressed air connection 4 for a pneumatic supply. In known manner is to this compressed air connection 4 via a pneumatic supply line controlled by a drive unit valve, in particular solenoid valve connected, which couples in a constant iterative cycle between about 1 Hz and 50 Hz compressed air pulses via the compressed air connection. The valve is not shown and may also be installed in the illustrated device itself.

Incidentally, the apparatus is designed as a device to be held by the hand of an operator, which is connected via the aforementioned pneumatic line to a base station, not shown, with the drive unit and the compressor and can be placed on the patient manually. It is used to treat soft tissue, especially muscles and fascia.

In the case is about an insert 5 a guide tube 6 held, whose in the application distal end in the Zuluftkappe 2 ends and there with the compressed air connection 4 communicated. The body-side end of the guide tube in use 6 ends in a part of the mission 5 in the applicator cap 3 protrudes, and shortly before the local end of the mission 5 and an interior 7 in the applicator cap 3 ,

In the interior 7 , which merges into a body-side applicator opening in use, is a first and in 1 hatched part of an applicator 9 added. This is supported by an elastic hose element 10 made of an elastomer on a radial shoulder. A directed to the distal side and containing the impact surface end 15 of the applicator 9 is supported by an O-ring 12 on the insert 5 at an end of the mission already mentioned 5 surrounding end face. This is the O-ring 12 between this end face and a shoulder of the applicator 9 , The applicator opening serves to guide the applicator which can be displaced in the longitudinal direction 9 and fixes this transversely to the longitudinal direction. The Axialverschiebbarkeit is only by the flexibility of the elastomeric element 10 limited and can also be significantly greater than 1 mm for a device operated in air relative to the remaining device.

The applicator 9 has the non-hatched element as the second part 11 which forms the actual applicator to be applied to the skin. The applicator 9 is by unscrewing the applicator cap 3 interchangeable.

In the adjacent area of the guide tube 6 is an in 1 with the applicator 9 in contact projectile 13 used. This fits (with respect to the guide tube and the substantially cylindrical geometry of the projectile 13 ) radially with little play into it. The projectile 13 can by pressure differences of the air column in the guide tube 6 before and behind him (ie in 1 right and left of the projectile 13 ) are reciprocated in the guide tube and in particular on the applicator 9 to be accelerated. For this purpose, it is from a starting position (not shown) in 1 on the left by a blast of compressed air through the compressed air connection 4 accelerates and hits with its applicator 9 facing front surface on the applicator 9 on, on a body-facing baffle 15 from that.

The return movement of the projectile 13 occurs in addition to a rebound after the collision by a backflow of air from a guide tube 6 within the mission 5 surrounding stowage chamber 14 , Into this the air becomes with the acceleration of the projectile 13 towards the baffle 9 displaced and thus compressed there. When the solenoid valve shuts off the pressure and simultaneously vents the space behind the projectile, the projectile becomes 13 thus moved back to the starting position. This can of course also by an additional or alternative pressurization of the stowage chamber 14 or other volume of air on the body side of the projectile 13 respectively. The distal end of the guide tube in the application 6 ends in a magnet holder for the projectile 13 ,

In 1 is the applicator 9 essentially to its radially slimmer in relation to the longitudinal axis of the device part 16 hatched drawn and in the remaining part 11 schraffurfrei. If you look at the hatched part 16 with a slightly convex boundary line, for example, it would form a conventional applicator shape. In this form, the applicator would 9 especially suitable for vertical placement on the body surface of the patient. According to the invention, the applicator 9 now enlarged in the direction of the patient's body, namely around the non-hatched part 11 , This has seen in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in 1 given shape and in the second direction perpendicular to the first in 2 B illustrated form. Here is the applicator 9 in 1 approximately in the correct proportion to the rest of the device shown in 2 but enlarged. Its in terms of 1 Here, by way of example, vertical extent is 30 mm for a length (in the longitudinal direction) of 25 mm and patient-body-side radii of curvature in the transition between the two boundary surfaces in the projection according to FIG 1 of 5 mm. In 2 B on the other hand one recognizes with the same length (in the longitudinal direction) of 25 mm a narrow extension perpendicular to it, namely of 15 mm, and patient body side in the projection of the 2 B a semicircular rounding with a radius of 7.5 mm.

In the third illustration c the 2 you can see on the front part 11 of the applicator 9 in the longitudinal direction and recognizes a rectangular basic shape (with the already mentioned edge lengths of 30 mm or 50 mm), but with rounded corners with a radius of curvature of 5 mm. The fourth illustration d illustrates the applicator form in perspective view.

The front surface of the front part 11 of the applicator 9 So is in the perspective of representation in 2 B semi-cylindrical, but with rounded corners in two projection planes with radii of curvature of 5 mm, cf. the figures. Even without taking account of the additional fillets, this rounded half-cylinder shape accounts for one-third of the respective local areal proportions (or normals) to the longitudinal direction between 30 ° and 60 °; taking into account the further rounding, the proportion is still slightly higher. The corresponding angular sectors and surface areas are indicated by radii and hatching. 2 B already shows that the oblique front surface portion in the specified angle range between 30 ° and 60 ° makes up one-third of the semi-circular front surface in this section. Because the fillets in the front view of the 2c cause it also sideways (in 2c to the left and to the right), the relative proportion is about one third and therefore more than 30%.

It has a twofold symmetry with respect to the longitudinal direction and can be placed on the body surface of the patient with the two 30 mm wide, quarter-cylinder corresponding front surface portions. If approximately an angle of 45 ° is used, then the surface portions with an angle between 30 ° and 60 ° to the longitudinal direction are particularly significant. The relative proportion of these surface portions, in conjunction with the particularly wide version (30 mm) in comparison to the prior art, and the strong rounding make the applicator front surface appear particularly suitable for being moved on the body surface by stroking or pushing. For the same reasons, impacts with relatively large stroke values of more than 1 mm can be coupled into the body comparatively gently and over a large area.

The applicator 9 has a total and especially with its front part 11 a twofold with respect to the longitudinal symmetry (and additionally two mirror symmetries, the planes of symmetry intersecting in the longitudinal direction) and is convex in its entire front surface. All occurring radii of curvature are at least 5 mm and the oblique front surface is about 2.5 cm ^{2 in} total. Since in a typical application only one broad side of the applicator is applied, so for example in 2 B the part of the front surface pointing to the left above is only a part of the skin contact. If you take the rounded side areas (in 2c right and left), which do not rest on the skin, the contact area should be on the order of 1.0 to 1.2 cm ² .

The oblique front surface portion focuses in the direction of the longitudinal direction on the two long sides of the rounded rectangle.

The applicator 9 can z. B. aluminum, titanium, plastic, ceramic or wood.

In terms of its expandability, it makes sense, its constituents 11 and 16 firmly connected to each other, for example by a plug or screw connection. The parts 11 and 16 can be made of different materials.

Alternatively, the front part could be 11 the applicator also on an applicator similar to the representation in 4 the already quoted US 2011/0054367 A1 be provided and correspond here approximately with its widest extent the device diameter. Then it could be pulled forwards through the opening in the applicator cap after it has been loosened and other parts have been removed.

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

• DE 19725477 C [0002]
• DE 202004011323 U [0004]
• US 2011/0054367 A1 [0004, 0014, 0042]
• EP 2095843 [0022]

Claims (8)

Apparatus for treating the human or animal body with - an applicator ( 9 . 11 . 11 ' . 16 ) for placing on the body from the outside, - a housing ( 1 - 3 ), in which the applicator ( 9 . 11 . 11 ' . 16 ), and - a mechanism ( 4 . 6 . 13 ) for generating bumps of the applicator ( 9 . 11 . 11 ' . 16 ) relative to the housing ( 1 - 3 ) in an impact direction, so that the impacts can be coupled into the body when placed on it, wherein the applicator ( 9 . 11 . 11 ' . 16 ) has an oblique front surface portion which is at least 30% of a front surface of the applicator (FIG. 9 . 11 . 11 ' . 16 ), which points obliquely outward with respect to the impact direction and thereby forms an angle to the impact direction between 30 ° and 60 °, wherein the front front surface of the applicator ( 9 . 11 . 16 ) has a semi-cylindrical shape, the applicator ( 9 . 11 . 16 ) in a view opposite to the impact direction has a substantially rectangular basic shape, in a first view in a first direction perpendicular to the impact direction of a semicylindrical shape corresponding semicircular shape and in a view in a second direction perpendicular to the thrust direction substantially has a rectangular shape. Device according to claim 1, in which the mechanism ( 4 . 6 . 13 ) for generating the impacts a projectile ( 13 ) and a facility ( 4 . 13 ) for accelerating the projectile in such a way that the projectile ( 13 ) on the applicator ( 9 . 11 . 11 ' . 16 ) and thereby generates the shock, preferably a pneumatic device for accelerating the projectile ( 13 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the inclined front surface portion, preferably the front surface as a whole, is edgeless in the sense that all occurring radii of curvature are at least 2 mm. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the inclined front surface portion is at least 1.5 cm ^{2 in} total. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inclined front surface portion has a proportion of at least 80% with a radius of curvature of at least 5 mm. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the oblique front surface portion is twice rotationally symmetrical to the impact direction. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the applicator in its laid-out part consists of metal, in particular aluminum or titanium, plastic, ceramic or wood. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, adapted for a stroke of impact in the impact direction relative to the housing of at least 1 mm.

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