JP2005287989A - Body cavity probe with probe opening/closing mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a body cavity probe with a probe opening/closing mechanism, capable of opening/closing a probe nearly in the vertical direction at a measuring position and safely taking out the probe from the body cavity at the time of trouble. <P>SOLUTION: In the body cavity probe 10 with the probe opening/closing mechanism, a center shaft 40 is moved in the direction X by rotating a control dial 30. An opening/closing shaft 50 is disposed in the periphery of the center shaft 40; the probe opening/closing mechanism 70 is operated according to the movement of the opening/closing shaft 50 in the direction X, and the probe 90 is opened nearly in the direction Z. An operation side lock part 46 of the center shaft 40, an opening/closing side lock part 54 of the opening/closing shaft 50, and a spring 56 have the function as cushioning mechanisms. In the normal operation, the motion of the center shaft 40 matches the motion of the opening/closing shaft 50. At the time of trouble, the opening/closing shaft 50 returns to the front side according to the external force applied to the probe 90, and the probe 90 is closed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a body cavity probe, and more particularly, to a body cavity probe with a probe opening / closing mechanism that is inserted into a body cavity and opens / closes a probe at the tip by a hand operating unit.

  A body cavity probe, which is inserted into a body cavity and opens and closes the probe at the tip by the hand operating part, can be inserted into the body cavity from a narrow insertion part, for example, with the probe closed, and into the body cavity. After insertion, it is convenient that the probe can be opened at the operation section at hand and the body cavity tissue can be contacted. As such an opening / closing mechanism for a body cavity probe, a scissors type as described in Patent Document 1 is known. The scissor type is one in which two members open and close around a fulcrum by opening, closing, or pushing and pulling at hand. In addition, a device for developing a scissor type and opening and closing a probe at the tip by a link mechanism is also known.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, a plate spring is attached to a long rod-like probe base along the axial direction, a probe is provided at the tip of the plate spring, and the plate is moved by a sleeve movable along the probe base. A spring pressing or returning configuration is disclosed. In this configuration, the leaf spring can be pressed or returned by moving the sleeve in the axial direction, whereby the probe at the tip of the leaf spring can be opened and closed.

JP 2001-299746 A JP 2003-220038 A

  Although the scissor type mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 1 is simple, it may not be suitable for precisely and reliably performing movement. In the probe for a body cavity with a probe opening / closing mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 2, the probe base is inserted to a desired depth in the body cavity with the probe closed, and then the probe is moved and operated to move the probe. Open and close the tentacles. Therefore, the position of the probe can be controlled to some extent accurately by controlling the movement of the sleeve. However, the trajectory of the opening / closing of the probe draws a substantially arc centering on the attachment portion where the leaf spring is attached to the probe base. Therefore, the position where the probe opens and contacts the body cavity is determined by the depth at which the probe base is inserted and the arc locus in this open state. For example, as an example of a body cavity, when a probe for a body cavity is inserted into a vaginal tube as described in Patent Document 1 and the probe is opened at a depth to be measured, the probe trajectory is the probe base. Draw an arc instead of perpendicular to the axis direction. Therefore, even if the insertion depth of the probe base is the same, the measurement position varies depending on the degree to which the probe is opened, and the corresponding measurement position of the measurement data varies.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to develop a scissor type and use a well-known link mechanism that converts axial motion into motion perpendicular thereto. By using such a link mechanism, it is possible to open and close the probe in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the body cavity probe. However, since the link mechanism is composed of a combination of a plurality of pivotable pivots and a link rod that connects between them, if the link mechanism does not move due to some trouble, it will not open and close, and the thin insertion part will It cannot be taken out. For example, there is a possibility that troubles such as the motor that opens and closes the link mechanism fail to operate or the link mechanism does not move in the body cavity due to deformation or the like.

  In the case of the leaf spring configuration described in Patent Document 2, even in such a case, the leaf spring can be closed along the shape of the body cavity due to its elasticity and pulled out from the insertion portion by being pulled out from the thin insertion portion. However, as described above, the problem remains that the probe opens and closes while drawing an arcuate locus.

  As described above, in the body cavity probe with the probe opening / closing mechanism of the prior art, it may be difficult to open / close the body cavity substantially vertically in the axial direction as it is, or it is safe from the body cavity in case of trouble. It may be insufficient to take out.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a probe for body cavity with a probe opening / closing mechanism having a new configuration that can be safely taken out from the body cavity even in the case of trouble. Another object is to provide a body cavity probe with a probe opening / closing mechanism that can be opened and closed substantially vertically at a measurement position. The invention according to each claim of the present application contributes to at least one of the above objects.

  A probe for body cavity with a probe opening / closing mechanism according to the present invention is a body cavity probe that is inserted into a body cavity and opens / closes a probe at the tip by a hand operating unit. A central shaft that can move straight along the direction, an opening / closing shaft that is arranged in parallel with the central shaft inside the housing, and a probe that is provided at the tip of the housing and that moves according to the axial movement of the opening / closing shaft. A probe opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the child element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing, and a buffer mechanism provided between the center shaft and the opening / closing shaft, the center shaft extending toward the hand side along the axial direction When returning, close the probe by returning the opening / closing shaft to the proximal side, and when the center shaft is advanced toward the tip side along the axial direction, advance the opening / closing shaft toward the tip side to open the probe. Apply external force to the probe from the body cavity side. When you Tsu, characterized in that it comprises closing the probe by opening and closing shaft is returned to the hand side and a buffer mechanism.

  With the above configuration, the buffer mechanism is provided between the central shaft that moves in the axial direction by the operation of the operation unit and the opening and closing shaft that opens and closes the probe opening and closing mechanism. When the central shaft is returned to the proximal side along the axial direction, the buffer mechanism returns the opening / closing shaft to the proximal side to close the probe, and the central shaft is advanced toward the distal end along the axial direction. When the external shaft is applied to the probe from the body cavity side, the open / close shaft returns to the proximal side and the probe is closed. . Therefore, when the probe for body cavity is pulled out from the body cavity, the probe is closed and then pulled out in accordance with the normal operation. However, even if the probe does not close due to operation of the operation unit due to trouble, When the probe is pulled out from the body cavity, the opening / closing shaft returns to the front and closes the probe according to the force from the body cavity tissue with which the probe contacts, so that the body cavity probe can be safely removed from the body cavity. .

  Further, in the probe for body cavity with a probe opening / closing mechanism according to the present invention, the opening / closing shaft is biased with a pressing force toward the distal end side along the axial direction by an elastic body supported at one end by the housing, The buffer mechanism is composed of an operation side locking part provided on the center shaft, a probe side locking part provided on the opening and closing shaft side, and an elastic body, and is operated when the center shaft is returned to the proximal side. The side locking part compresses the elastic body in cooperation with the probe locking part and pushes back the opening / closing shaft while pushing it back to the hand side, and when the center shaft is advanced toward the tip side, the probe is locked. The part follows the operating side locking part by the pressing force of the elastic body and advances the opening / closing shaft to the tip side, and when the external force is applied to the probe from the body cavity side, the opening / closing shaft is at hand due to the elasticity of the elastic body It is preferable to return to the side.

  With the above configuration, when the center shaft is returned to the proximal side, the operating side locking portion cooperates with the probe locking portion to compress the elastic body, and the opening / closing shaft is pressed against the proximal side. It has been brought back. Then, as the central shaft is advanced toward the distal end side, the probe locking portion follows the operation side locking portion by the pressing force of the elastic body and advances the opening / closing shaft toward the distal end side. In this way, during normal operation, the movement of the center shaft coincides with the movement of the opening and closing shaft, and the probe can be opened and closed by operating the center shaft. When an external force is applied to the probe from the body cavity side, the operation side locking portion and the probe locking portion are separated from each other by the elasticity of the elastic body, and the opening / closing shaft is independent of the central shaft. Return to the hand side. Therefore, even in the case of trouble, the body cavity probe can be safely taken out from the body cavity.

  Also, the probe opening / closing mechanism has a probe arm in which one end is rotatably attached to the tip of the opening / closing shaft and a probe is attached to the other end, and one end is rotatably attached to the housing. The other end of the probe arm is pivotally attached at a position substantially intermediate between the one end and the other end of the probe arm, and the length between the one end and the other end is the distance between the one end and the other end of the probe arm. It is preferable that the probe at the tip of the probe arm opens and closes substantially perpendicular to the axial direction as the shaft for opening and closing moves in the axial direction.

  With the above configuration, the other end of the support arm, which is approximately half the length of the probe arm, is pivotally attached to a substantially intermediate position of the probe arm, and one end of the support arm is pivotally attached to the housing. It is done. With such a mechanism, when one end of the probe arm is moved in the axial direction by the opening / closing shaft, that is, toward the housing-side rotation fulcrum of the support arm (the probe that is the other end of the probe arm) − The figure formed by (the support side casing fulcrum of the support arm)-(opening / closing shaft side fulcrum that is one end of the probe arm) remains a substantially right triangle and moves. That is, the axial movement of the opening / closing shaft is converted into the movement of a right-angle probe in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. Therefore, when it is desired to contact the probe to an arbitrary measurement position in the body cavity, if the central probe is advanced or returned in the axial direction by an amount corresponding to the measurement depth by the operation unit, at the measurement position, The probe opens and closes substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, and measurement can be performed at the measurement depth regardless of the distance from the axial center of the body cavity probe to the body cavity tissue.

  The probe has a contact surface that contacts the body tissue of the body cavity and is rotatably attached to the tip of the probe arm, and follows the shape of the body tissue when contacting the body tissue of the body cavity. It is preferable that the contact surface contacts. With the above configuration, the contact state of the probe with the body cavity tissue can be improved.

  Further, it is preferable that a plurality of opening / closing shafts are provided around the central shaft in accordance with the number of probes, and a buffer mechanism is provided independently for each opening / closing shaft. Due to the above configuration, even if troubles such as each open / close mechanism belonging to a plurality of probe systems occur, the buffer mechanism works independently, so even in the case of complicated troubles, the body cavity probe can be safely inserted from inside the body cavity. It can be taken out.

  Further, the body cavity probe with a probe opening / closing mechanism according to the present invention preferably includes a displacement sensor for detecting the displacement of the probe by detecting the amount of axial displacement of the opening / closing shaft. The axial displacement of the open / close shaft corresponds to the measurement depth, which is the position at which the probe opens and closes. With the above configuration, the measurement depth that is the open / close position of the probe can be obtained by the displacement sensor, and accurate measurement can be performed.

  The probe preferably includes a stress detection sensor that detects a stress applied to the living tissue from a reaction force from the living tissue when pressed against the living tissue in the body cavity. With the above configuration, it is possible to obtain data relating to the elasticity of the body tissue of the body cavity. For example, a body cavity probe can be inserted into the vagina of a patient with urinary incontinence, and the elasticity of muscles around the urethra can be evaluated more safely and accurately.

  As described above, the probe for body cavity with the probe opening / closing mechanism according to the present invention can be safely taken out from the body cavity even in the case of trouble. Further, according to the probe for body cavity with a probe opening / closing mechanism according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a probe for body cavity with a probe opening / closing mechanism having a new configuration in which the probe opens and closes substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the probe. it can.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, the probe for a body cavity with a probe opening / closing mechanism is provided with a stress detection sensor at the tip, and is inserted into a woman's vagina and pressed back against tissue around the urethra to evaluate the elasticity of the muscle at that site. Although this will be described as an example, this is an example for explanation, and the probe may be in the body cavity, inserted into the abdomen or the like through a trocar, and inserted from a thin insertion portion. If necessary, a laparotomy may be performed. Further, it may be a living body tube portion other than a woman's vagina, for example, a throat portion, an ear portion, a nose portion, or the like. Further, the probe may be provided with a sensor other than the stress detection, for example, a visual sensor, a contact sensor or the like, or an optical fiber terminal. Moreover, it is good also as what provides the element which performs work, for example, a tissue excision piece, a laser processing element, a processing agent supply element, such as a medicine, etc. instead of a sensor.

  FIG. 1 is an overall external view of a probe 10 for a body cavity with a probe opening / closing mechanism, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view. The probe 10 for body cavity with a probe opening / closing mechanism includes an operation dial 30 on the proximal side of the housing 20, and by rotating the operation dial 30, the probe opening / closing mechanism 70 at the tip is operated to move in the axial direction. 1 is a body cavity probe that can open and close a probe 90 substantially perpendicular to the X direction of FIG. Hereinafter, the probe 10 for body cavity with the probe opening / closing mechanism will be simply referred to as the probe 10 for body cavity unless otherwise specified. This body cavity probe 10 is inserted into the vagina of a woman who has urinary incontinence, presses the probe 90 back to the tissue around the urethra, and is not shown, but by a stress detection sensor provided on the probe 90, It is used to evaluate the elasticity of the muscles at that site. Although not shown, the probe opening / closing mechanism 70 at the tip and the periphery of the probe 90 are made of an elastic thin film so that foreign matter and dirt do not enter the housing 20.

  The internal configuration of the housing 20 will be schematically described with reference to the cross-sectional view of FIG. A central shaft 40 is connected to the operation dial 30. The connection is made by a cam groove 34 provided in the operation dial 30 and a guide pin 44 provided in the operation side portion 42 of the center shaft 40, and the rotation operation of the operation dial 30 is performed in the X direction, which is the axial direction of the center shaft 40. Converted to move. Around the center shaft 40, four open / close shafts 50 are arranged in parallel along the X direction. Further, four probe opening / closing mechanisms 70 are provided at the tip of the housing 20 corresponding to the respective opening / closing shafts 50. Each probe opening / closing mechanism 70 is connected to the tip end portion 52 of the corresponding opening / closing shaft 50. A buffer mechanism is provided between the center shaft 40 and each opening / closing shaft 50, and the contents thereof will be described in detail later.

  The casing 20 has a cylindrical insertion portion 22 with a rounded tip, a flange portion 24 serving as a stopper when inserted into the vagina, and a handle shape so that an operator can easily hold it by hand. A grip 26 and a dial attachment 28 to which the operation dial 30 is attached are included. The grip portion 26 is provided with a hole 27 through which a signal line for taking out a stress detection signal from the probe 90 and a signal from a displacement sensor described later is extracted. The diameter of the insertion portion 22 and the insertion depth up to the flange portion 24 can be prepared with different dimensions depending on the physique of the patient. As a typical dimension range, the diameter of the insertion portion 22 can be 15-30 mm, and the length of the cylindrical portion up to the flange portion 24 can be 5-15 cm. Such a casing 20 can be obtained by using a plastic material that is easily adapted to a living tissue, dividing the whole into several parts, molding the parts, and assembling them.

  The operation dial 30 is a cylindrical dial that is rotatably mounted around a rotation shaft 32 provided on the dial mounting portion 28 of the housing 20. A spiral cam groove 34 is formed on the back side of the operation dial 30, that is, on the surface facing the dial mounting portion 28. Corresponding to the cam groove 34, the guide pin 44 is provided on the operation side portion 42 of the center shaft 40 as described above. The helical cam groove 34 is formed for about 2 rotations at a pitch of about 5 mm per rotation of the operation dial 30. The operation dial 30 can be obtained as a cylindrical plastic molded product having a diameter of about 45 mm and a thickness of about 10 mm. It is preferable that the outer periphery of the operation dial 30 is provided with notches such as irregularities so as to be easily operated, and a mark serving as an operation mark is provided on the front side.

  The center shaft 40 is an axis that can be moved by the operation dial in the X direction shown in FIGS. An operation side portion 42 is provided on the operation dial side of the central shaft 40, and an operation side locking portion 46 that locks with the opening / closing side locking portion 54 of each opening / closing shaft 50 is provided at the tip. The operation-side portion 42 is a member that cooperates with the dial mounting portion 28 of the housing 20 and has a function of causing the central shaft 40 not to rotate around the X axis but only to advance straight in the X direction. For example, a guide guide 29 having a rectangular cross section may be provided inside the dial mounting portion 28 of the housing 20, and the outer shape of the operation side portion 42 of the center shaft 40 may be a rectangular cross section corresponding to the guide guide 29. The operation side portion 42 is provided with the guide pin 44 described above. Therefore, when the operation dial 30 is rotated, the guide pin 44 is moved along the cam groove 34. However, the movement is restricted only in the straight direction in the X direction by the operation side portion 42 and the guide guide 29. Moves in the X direction. That is, the rotational movement of the operation dial 30 is converted into the straight movement of the central shaft 40. In the above example, it is converted into a straight movement of about 5 mm per rotation and about 10 mm for 2 rotations.

  The opening / closing shaft 50 is four independent axes arranged in parallel with each other by 90 degrees around the X axis around the central shaft 40 inside the housing 20. A distal end portion 52 is provided at the distal end of the opening / closing shaft 50, and a sensor mover 58 serving as a mover of the displacement sensor 60 is provided on the opposite side, that is, the side closer to the operation dial 30. A spring 56 is disposed in a portion between the tip portion 52 and the sensor movable element 58. A rotation center 76 connected to the probe opening / closing mechanism 70 is provided on the distal end side of the distal end portion 52, and on the opposite side, that is, the base side, the operation side locking portion 46 of the center shaft 40 is locked. An opening / closing side locking portion 54 is provided. The spring 56 is disposed between the open / close side locking portion 54 and the fixed portion of the insertion portion 22 of the housing 20.

  The operation side locking portion 46 of the center shaft 40, the opening / closing side locking portion 54 of the opening / closing shaft 50, and the spring 56 have a function of a buffer mechanism. Here, the buffer mechanism means that the movements of the center shaft 40 and the opening / closing shaft 50 coincide with each other during normal operation, and a trouble occurs, and the probe opening / closing mechanism 70 does not normally open / close even when the center shaft 40 is operated. In some cases, the movement of the central shaft 40 and the opening / closing shaft 50 is not linked, and the opening / closing shaft 50 is returned to the near side in accordance with an external force applied to the probe 90 to close the probe 90.

  As described above, the opening / closing shaft 50 includes functions related to the buffer mechanism, the probe opening / closing mechanism 70, and the displacement sensor 60. Next, these functions will be described in detail together with their respective configurations. To do.

  FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the buffer mechanism. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the buffer function in the normal operation state, and FIG. 3C illustrates the buffer function in the trouble state. In these drawings, two open / close shafts 50a and 50b are shown as representative of the four open / close shafts, and particularly in FIG. 3C, the open / close shafts 50a and 50b relate to the probe open / close mechanism 70 in which a trouble has occurred. An opening / closing shaft 50a is shown. For comparison, the opening / closing shaft 50b in a normal locking state is shown for reference.

  FIG. 3A is a view showing a state in which the center shaft 40 is returned to the proximal side indicated by the arrow in the drawing by the operation dial 30. In this state, the operation side locking portion 46 of the central shaft 40 is locked with the opening / closing side locking portion 54a of the opening / closing shaft 50a and the opening / closing side locking portion 54b of the opening / closing shaft 50b, and the springs 56a, 56b are engaged. Compressed and returned while pressing the open / close shafts 50a, 50b toward the proximal side.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a state in which the center shaft 40 is advanced toward the distal end side by the operation dial 30 as indicated by an arrow in the drawing. In this state, as the operation side latching portion 46 of the central shaft 40 advances toward the distal end side, the opening / closing side latching portion 54a of the opening / closing shaft 50a and the opening / closing side of the opening / closing shaft 50b are caused by the compressive force of the springs 56a, 56b. The locking portion 54b follows and proceeds in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The opening / closing shafts 50a and 50b are thus advanced toward the distal end side to operate the probe opening / closing mechanism 70 described later, thereby opening the probe 90 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction.

  Thus, in the normal state, the operation side latching portion 46 of the center shaft 40 and the opening / closing side latching portions 54a, 54b of the opening / closing shafts 50a, 50b are in the latching state or following state. And the movement of the opening / closing shafts 50a and 50b coincide with each other.

  FIG. 3C is a diagram for explaining a state in a case where there is a trouble that the center shaft 40 is not returned to the hand side for some reason when the center shaft 40 is returned to the hand side from the state of FIG. At this time, if the opening / closing shaft 50b coincides with the movement of the center shaft 40 as in the state of the opening / closing shaft 50b shown for reference, the opening / closing shaft 50b does not move as long as the center shaft 40 does not move. The state of the probe opening / closing mechanism 70 does not change, and the probe 90 remains open. If the body cavity probe 10 is forcibly pulled out of the patient's vagina in this state, the probe 90 that remains open may damage the living tissue of the patient's vagina. This is a problem of the prior art.

  The movement of the opening / closing shaft 50a in FIG. 3 (c) shows the action of the buffer mechanism. Now, when the body cavity probe 10 is gently pulled out of the patient's vagina, the open probe 90 is moved inside the vagina. The reaction force is brought into contact with the living tissue, and the reaction force is transmitted as an external force in the direction of the arrow shown in the drawing to the distal end portion 52a of the opening / closing shaft 50a through the probe opening / closing mechanism 70. This external force pushes back the distal end portion 52a of the opening / closing shaft 50a against the compressive force of the spring 56a, so that the probe opening / closing mechanism 70 operates in the closing direction and contacts the probe 90. It closes following the living tissue. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3C, the opening / closing side locking portion 54 a of the opening / closing shaft 50 a is separated from the operation side locking portion 46 of the center shaft 40. That is, regardless of the center shaft 40, the opening / closing shaft 50a can be returned to the proximal side by the elasticity of the spring 56a, and the probe 90 can be closed.

  Thus, even if trouble occurs and the probe 90 cannot be closed by operating the operation dial 30, the spring 56 expands and contracts according to the external force applied to the probe 90 by the action of the buffer mechanism. Since the opening / closing shaft 50 can be returned to the proximal side, the body cavity probe 10 can be safely pulled out from the body cavity. Note that four opening / closing shafts 50 are provided, and an operation side locking portion 46 and a spring 56 are respectively provided. Therefore, the operation side locking portion 46 of the center shaft 40 and the opening / closing side locking portion of the opening / closing shaft 50 are provided. The buffer mechanism including the spring 54 and the spring 56 functions independently for each open / close shaft 50.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the operation side locking portion 46 of the center shaft 40 and the opening / closing side locking portion 54 of the opening / closing shaft 50 have been described as a simple one-pressing structure, but other structures are used. However, the central shaft 40 and the opening / closing shaft 50 have the same movement with respect to the movement on one side along the axial direction, and the central shaft 40 and the opening / closing shaft 50 have different movements with respect to the movement on the other side. I just need it. For example, a suitable ratchet structure can be used. Further, although the spring 56 is shown as a coil spring in FIG. 3, any spring may be used as long as it applies an urging force between the housing 20 and the opening / closing shaft 50. For example, an urging force may be applied by a leaf spring, or an appropriate elastic body such as rubber may be used.

  Returning to FIG. 2 again, the probe opening / closing mechanism 70 will be described. The probe opening / closing mechanism 70 has a function of opening and closing the probe 90 provided at the tip thereof in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction, that is, in a substantially Z direction in accordance with the movement of the opening / closing shaft 50 in the X direction. One mechanism is provided for each of the four open / close shafts 50. The probe opening / closing mechanism 70 includes a probe arm 72 to which a probe 90 is attached at the tip, and a support arm 74 having a length approximately half that of the probe arm 72. In the probe arm 72, the probe 90 is rotatably attached to the rotation center 78 at the tip, and the rotation center 76 on the base side is rotatably attached to the tip portion 52 of the opening / closing shaft 50. The distal end side of the support arm 74 is rotatably attached to a rotation center 80 provided substantially at the center in the longitudinal direction of the probe arm 72, and the rotation center 82 on the base side is rotatably attached to the housing 20. .

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the probe opening / closing mechanism 70. The rotation center 82 on the base side of the support arm 74 is provided in the housing 20, and the rotation center 76 on the base side of the probe arm 72 is attached to the distal end portion 52 of the opening / closing shaft 50. When moved in the direction, the probe 90 moves substantially perpendicular to the X direction, that is, substantially in the Z direction. That is, the probe opening / closing mechanism 70 converts the movement of the opening / closing shaft 50 in the X direction into the movement of the probe 90 in the Z direction. This conversion function is determined by the relative positional relationship between the rotation centers 76, 80, 78, and 82 provided on the probe arm 72 and the support arm 74.

  FIG. 5 shows the positional relationship between the rotation centers 76, 80, 78, 82. In this way, the length of (rotation center 76-rotation center 80) = length of (rotation center 80-rotation center 78) = length of (rotation center 80-rotation center 82). The center 76, the center of rotation 80, and the center of rotation 78) are in a straight line. In this case, if the angle formed by (rotation center 82-rotation center 76-rotation center 80) is α, the other angular relationship is as shown in FIG. 5 and is always (rotation center 76-rotation center 82-rotation center 78). ) Is 90 degrees. That is, the rotation center 78 is always located in the Z direction perpendicular to the direction connecting (rotation center 76-rotation center 82), that is, the X direction, when viewed from the rotation center 82. Thus, when the rotation center 76 moves in the X direction, the rotation center 78 to which the probe 90 is attached moves in the Z direction accordingly.

  For example, the length of the probe arm 72 is about 30 mm, the length of the support arm 74 is about 15 mm, and the opening / closing shaft 50 is moved about 10 mm in the X direction. Move in the Z direction. Thus, according to the above configuration, the movement of the opening / closing shaft 50 in the X direction is converted into the movement of the probe 90 in the substantially Z direction.

  The probe 90 includes a stress detection sensor that comes into contact with a living tissue in a body cavity and detects the reaction force as stress. For example, the probe 90 is mounted on a support plate that is rotatably mounted around a rotation center 78. A stress detection sensor can be attached, and a contact ball having a smooth hemispherical shape or the like that can easily come into contact with living tissue can be formed thereon. As the stress detection sensor, for example, a resistance strain gauge, a stress detection type semiconductor resistor, or the like can be used. Since the probe 90 is pivotally attached to the rotation center 78 at the tip of the probe arm 72, the probe 90 can follow the shape of the living tissue in the body cavity in contact with the opening and closing movement in the Z direction. Contact can be maintained. The output of the stress detection sensor of the probe 90 is connected by a signal line to a suitable external measuring device through a hole 27 through which the signal line of the grip portion 26 passes.

  Returning to FIG. 2 again, the relationship between the displacement sensor 60 and the opening / closing shaft 50 will be described. The displacement sensor 60 is a slide volume type displacement detection sensor. That is, using a device that outputs a voltage value according to the amount of movement of the movable element of the sliding resistance, the movable element is connected to the object of displacement measurement, and the displacement of the object is measured by the output voltage. In FIG. 2, a sensor movable element 58 is provided on the side of the opening / closing shaft 50 closer to the operation dial 30, and this sensor movable element 58 is connected to the movable element of the displacement sensor 60. The displacement sensor 60 is provided corresponding to each of the four open / close shafts 50, and the output of each displacement sensor 60 passes through the hole 27 through which the signal line of the gripping portion 26 passes through the signal line, and an appropriate external signal. Connected to various measuring devices. The output of the displacement sensor 60 can be easily converted into the degree of opening of the probe 90, that is, the position in the Z direction, from the dimensions of each part of the probe opening / closing mechanism 70 and the like.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the relationship with the Z-direction force P that appears at the rotation center 78 due to the X-direction force F applied to the rotation center 76. As shown in FIG. 6, when the angle formed by the probe arm 72 with respect to the X direction is α, P = Fsin α cos α. This function form takes a large value as α increases, reaches a maximum when α = 45 degrees, and decreases again when α is larger than that. Here, F is a force generated by the spring 56, and thus changes depending on the position of the opening / closing shaft 50 in the X direction. Therefore, the force in the probe 90 with respect to the position of the opening / closing shaft 50 in the X direction, that is, the force pressing the living tissue is slightly different from the functional form of P = Fsinαcosα, and is as shown by the solid line in FIG. Here, the horizontal axis is the displacement of the opening / closing shaft 50 in the X direction, and the right side is the distal end displacement, that is, the direction in which the probe 90 opens.

  As can be seen from FIG. 7, the force with which the probe 90 presses the living tissue becomes smaller as the probe 90 opens to a certain extent, the more it opens. The shape of this curve can be appropriately designed according to the dimensional relationship of the probe opening / closing mechanism 70, the arrangement relationship of the springs 56, and the like. For example, instead of the characteristics shown in FIG. 7, the pressing force can be designed to increase as the probe 90 is opened, and the pressing force is set so as not to be much related to the degree of opening of the probe 90. It is also possible to do.

  The broken line in FIG. 7 shows the state of the push-back force for pressing the probe 90 and closing it when the probe 90 is open. This pushing back force corresponds to the force applied to the living tissue when the probe 90 closes against the compressive force of the spring described in connection with FIG. In FIG. 7, the solid line and the broken line are different from each other in that the solid line is a force corresponding to the static position of the probe 90, whereas the broken line is the work required to push the probe 90 back to the fully closed state. This is because it represents the maximum power of. The shape and size of the broken line in FIG. 7 can also be designed as appropriate depending on the dimensional relationship of the probe opening / closing mechanism 70 and the arrangement relationship of the springs 56.

  Next, the usage and operation of the body cavity probe 10 having the configuration shown in FIG. 2 will be described. First, the signal line of the displacement sensor 60 coming out of the gripping part 26 is connected to an appropriate displacement meter, and the signal line of the stress detection sensor provided on the probe 90 is connected to an appropriate measuring instrument. Then, the operation dial 30 is operated so that all the probes 90 are closed. The operator holds the grasping portion 26 of the body cavity probe 10 in that state, and inserts the insertion portion 22 into the patient's vagina to a desired measurement depth using the positional relationship between the flange portion 24 and the patient's body surface as a guide. To do. For example, it inserts until the patient's body surface contacts the flange part 24.

  At this measurement depth, the operation dial 30 is operated, the center shaft 40 is advanced in the distal direction while viewing the display of the displacement meter, and the probe 90 is opened in the Z direction. When the probe 90 comes into contact with the living tissue in the vagina, the stress detection sensor outputs a corresponding output, so that the desired measurement is performed by looking at the measuring instrument. Since the probe 90 opens substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the body cavity probe 10, it is possible to prevent the measurement depth from varying depending on the degree of opening, and accurate measurement is possible.

  When the measurement is completed, the operation dial 30 is turned in the direction in which the probe 90 is closed, and the probe 90 is completely closed by looking at the output of the displacement meter. Then, the body cavity probe 10 is gently pulled out.

  If for some reason the displacement-type output does not change sufficiently even when the operation dial 30 is fully returned and the probe 90 may not be closed, the body cavity probe 10 is gently pulled out as it is. That's fine. At this time, due to the action of the buffer mechanism, the spring 56 expands and contracts according to the external force applied to the probe 90 from the living tissue, the opening / closing shaft 50 is returned to the proximal side, the probe 90 closes, and the living tissue Reduce the risk of damage to your body. Thus, the body cavity probe 10 can be used as a safer one.

1 is an overall external view of a probe for body cavity with a probe opening / closing mechanism in an embodiment according to the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the probe for body cavities with a probe opening-and-closing mechanism in embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a figure explaining the effect | action of the buffer mechanism in embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the probe opening / closing mechanism in embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of each rotation center of the probe opening / closing mechanism in embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a figure explaining the relationship with the force P of the Z direction which appears on the probe side by the force F of the X direction applied to one end about the probe opening / closing mechanism in embodiment which concerns on this invention. In embodiment which concerns on this invention, it is a figure which shows the relationship of the force in a probe with respect to the position of the X direction of the opening-and-closing shaft.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Probe for body cavity with probe opening / closing mechanism, 20 housing | casing, 22 insertion part, 24 flange part, 26 grip part, 27 hole for signal lines, 28 dial attachment part, 29 guide guide, 30 operation dial, 32 rotating shaft , 34 Cam groove, 40 Center shaft, 42 Operation side portion, 44 Guide pin, 46 Operation side locking portion, 50, 50a, 50b Opening / closing shaft, 52, 52a Tip portion, 54, 54a, 54b Opening / closing side locking portion , 56, 56a, 56b Spring, 58 sensor movable element, 60 displacement sensor, 70 probe opening / closing mechanism, 72 probe arm, 74 support arm, 76, 80, 78, 82 center of rotation, 90 probe.

Claims (7)

In the body cavity probe that is inserted into the body cavity and opens and closes the probe at the tip by the hand operating part
A central shaft capable of moving straight along the axial direction inside the housing by operating the operation unit;
An opening / closing shaft disposed in parallel with the central shaft inside the housing;
A probe opening / closing mechanism that is provided at the tip of the housing and opens and closes the probe in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing according to the axial movement of the opening / closing shaft;
A buffer mechanism provided between the central shaft and the opening / closing shaft. When the central shaft is returned to the hand side along the axial direction, the opening / closing shaft is returned to the hand side and the probe is closed. Is advanced toward the tip side along the axial direction, the opening / closing shaft is advanced to the tip side to open the probe, and when an external force is applied to the probe from the body cavity side, the opening / closing shaft returns to the proximal side. A buffer mechanism that closes the probe,
A probe for body cavity with a probe opening and closing mechanism. The probe for body cavity with a probe opening and closing mechanism according to claim 1,
The opening / closing shaft is urged by a pressing force toward the distal end side along the axial direction by an elastic body supported at one end by the housing,
The buffer mechanism is composed of an operation side locking part provided on the center shaft, a probe side locking part provided on the opening and closing shaft side, and an elastic body, and is operated when the center shaft is returned to the proximal side. The side locking part compresses the elastic body in cooperation with the probe locking part and pushes back the opening / closing shaft while pushing it back to the hand side, and when the center shaft is advanced toward the tip side, the probe is locked. The part follows the operating side locking part by the pressing force of the elastic body and advances the opening / closing shaft to the tip side, and when the external force is applied to the probe from the body cavity side, the opening / closing shaft is at hand due to the elasticity of the elastic body A probe for body cavity with a probe opening and closing mechanism, characterized by returning to the side. The probe for body cavity with a probe opening / closing mechanism according to claim 2,
The probe opening and closing mechanism
A probe arm having one end rotatably attached to the tip of the opening and closing shaft and a probe attached to the other end;
One end of the probe arm is pivotally attached, and the other end is pivotally attached to a position approximately halfway between the one end and the other end of the probe arm, and the length between the one end and the other end is A support arm that is approximately half the length between one end and the other end of the probe arm;
A probe for a body cavity with a probe opening / closing mechanism, wherein the probe at the tip of the probe arm opens and closes substantially perpendicularly to the axial direction in accordance with the axial movement of the opening / closing shaft. The probe for body cavity with a probe opening and closing mechanism according to claim 3,
The probe has a contact surface that contacts the body tissue of the body cavity and is rotatably attached to the tip of the probe arm, and contacts the body tissue of the body cavity according to the shape of the body tissue. A probe for body cavity with a probe opening and closing mechanism, characterized in that the surfaces come into contact with each other. The probe for body cavity with a probe opening and closing mechanism according to claim 1,
A plurality of opening / closing shafts are provided around the central shaft according to the number of probes, and a buffering mechanism is provided independently for each opening / closing shaft, and a probe opening / closing mechanism is provided. Attachment cavity probe. The probe for body cavity with a probe opening and closing mechanism according to claim 1,
A probe for body cavity with a probe opening / closing mechanism, comprising a displacement sensor for detecting displacement of the probe by detecting an axial displacement amount of the opening / closing shaft. The probe for body cavity with a probe opening and closing mechanism according to claim 1,
A probe for a body cavity with a probe opening / closing mechanism, characterized in that the probe has a stress detection sensor for detecting a stress applied to the living tissue from a reaction force from the living tissue when pressed against the living tissue of the body cavity.

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