KR102651636B1 - A plasma generating apparatus for cervix - Google Patents

Abstract

It is installed on the probe part that extends from the device body and can enter the inside of the human vagina and the tip of the probe part to generate plasma and concentrate it on both the external and internal cervical canals of the uterine cervix transformation zome, where cervical cancer occurs. A plasma generating device for the cervix is disclosed, including a plasma generating module that supplies the plasma, and having a transformer installed in the device main body to convert power supplied from the outside and supply it to the plasma generating module.

Description

Plasma generator for cervix {A PLASMA GENERATING APPARATUS FOR CERVIX}

The present invention relates to a plasma generator for the cervix, and more specifically, to a plasma generator for the cervix that can generate plasma concentratedly in both the external and internal cervical canals of the uterine cervix transformation zone where precancerous lesions of the cervix occur. It relates to a plasma generator.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common female cancer worldwide. In 2012, more than 500,000 cases of cancer were diagnosed worldwide, and approximately 50% of patients died from the disease.

In the United States, approximately 13,000 cases of invasive cervical cancer and approximately 4,100 cancer-related deaths occur each year.

Cervical cancer is a disease that can be completely cured if detected early because it goes through the precancerous lesion stage for a longer period of time than other cancers, and abnormalities can be detected through simpler tests than diagnostic tests for stomach, lung, colon, and thyroid cancer. Considering this fact, early detection and active treatment of cervical precancerous lesions are important.

In Korea, while the incidence of cervical cancer is continuously decreasing, the overall incidence of cervical precancerous lesions is increasing. In particular, the incidence rate is rapidly increasing among young women of childbearing age due to changes in sexual life patterns, and as a result, the frequency of related medical use is also increasing. is increasing rapidly.

Currently, there is no treatment for these cervical precancerous lesions, and the only treatment is surgical resection. Surgical resection methods include loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), cervical cone biopsy (cervical coniztion), There are laser excision and hysterectomy.

However, such surgical treatment can damage the normal cervix, causing a decrease or loss of female fertility, and even if pregnancy occurs, the risk of premature birth and miscarriage increases, and in the case of babies born as a result of premature birth, cerebral palsy, retinal disorders, and lung disease The risk of childbirth due to reduced maturity increases. In addition, surgical treatment has the problem of a high risk of recurrence because it cannot treat human papillomavirus (HPV), the fundamental cause of cervical cancer.

In this way, the incidence of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions that require treatment is rapidly increasing at a young age, and existing surgical resections can cause decreased fertility and loss of fertility and serious complications related to pregnancy, so considering the current social situation of low birth rate, it is safe and effective. The development of new treatments is urgently needed.

Meanwhile, recently, among the methods for treating cancer cells, various treatment methods other than surgical treatment methods are being actively researched and developed. Among these, plasma treatment is non-invasive and can preserve normal tissue, which can kill cancer cells without causing pain. Technology development is actively progressing.

Atmospheric pressure plasma is an ionized medium containing active ingredients including electrons and ions, free radicals, reactive molecules and photons, and can be classified as thermal plasma or non-thermal plasma.

In particular, non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma is emerging as a new tool in biomedical applications because it can interact with targeted biomaterials without causing thermal damage to surrounding tissues. However, as shown in Korean Patent Nos. 10-1592081 and 10-1248668, there is no published technology for killing cervical cancer cells using low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma, and the killing of cervical cancer cells using low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma is not known. There is no publicly disclosed method, and related technology development is urgently needed.

Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-1592081 Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-1248668

The present invention was created in consideration of the above points, and is a plasma generator for the cervix that can generate plasma by concentrating it into the external and internal cervical canals of the uterine cervix transformation zone where cervical cancer occurs. The purpose is to provide a device.

The plasma generator for the cervix of the present invention to achieve the above object includes: a device body; a probe unit extending from the device body and capable of entering the inside of the human vagina; And a plasma generation module installed at the tip of the probe unit to directly generate plasma in a large area and focus it on the cervix while maintaining a plasma generation space for resonance between the surface of the cervix and the device main body. A transformer is installed to amplify the power supplied from the outside to a high voltage and supply it to the plasma generation module.

As a result, the plasma effect can be improved by directly generating plasma energy close to the external and internal cervical canals of the cervix.

Here, the plasma generation module includes: a module body coupled to an end of the probe unit; a gas supply nozzle coupled to penetrate the module body and supplying atmospheric gas to be moved to the plasma generation space; A dielectric coupled to the outer front of the module body and facing the cervix while maintaining a gap for the plasma generation space therebetween; and an electrode installed between the module body and the dielectric, wherein the dielectric preferably has a gas discharge unit that discharges the gas supplied between the electrode and the module body by the gas supply nozzle into the plasma generation space. do.

As a result, it is possible to provide a plasma generation module with a configuration optimized for the anatomical shape of the cervix and maintain an optimal position and interval to increase the effect of plasma energy.

Additionally, the dielectric may include a cylindrical dielectric body coupled to the module body; a large-area discharge cover portion extending forward of the dielectric body and having a shape corresponding to both the outer cervical canal and the inner cervical canal; A large-area discharge protrusion is formed to protrude outward from the center of the large-area discharge cover unit and enters the endocervix of the cervix to generate plasma, wherein the gas discharge unit supplies the electrode from the outside of the large-area discharge cover unit. It is preferable that it is formed to protrude behind the large-area discharge cover part so as to penetrate through it and communicate with the gas supply nozzle.

As a result, the dielectric can be prepared in a shape corresponding to the ectocervix and the endocervix, so that plasma power generation can be effectively achieved in a large area over the entire area of the cervix.

In addition, the large-area discharge cover part is preferably formed so that the connection part with the dielectric body is rounded, and the connection part is formed to be gradually deepened from the connection part to the large-area discharge protrusion.

As a result, plasma energy can be effectively generated directly across the entire surface of the ectocervix.

In addition, it is preferable that a plurality of protrusions are formed on the outer surface of the large-area discharge cover to maintain a gap when in contact with the ectocervix and to secure the space for generating the plasma.

As a result, it is possible to maintain a constant distance between the dielectric and the external and internal cervical canals so that plasma energy can be effectively generated.

In addition, the plasma generation module further includes a plasma recovery unit for recovering atmospheric gas and plasma between the dielectric and the outer cervical tube and the internal cervical tube to the probe unit, and the plasma recovery unit is located on the outer surface of the module body. A first plasma recovery line is formed and connected to communicate with the inside of the probe unit; and a second plasma recovery line extending from the outer tip of the dielectric to a portion in contact with the module body and connected to the first plasma recovery line.

As a result, the atmospheric gas and plasma remaining inside the vagina can be effectively recovered and treated.

In addition, the module body is located approximately in the center based on the longitudinal direction, and has a central cylinder having a nozzle coupling hole through which the gas supply nozzle penetrates and is coupled, and an electrode pin coupling hole through which an electrode pin in contact with the electrode penetrates and is coupled. wealth; a first coupling portion extending in a cylindrical shape from one end of the central cylindrical portion and coupled to an end of the probe portion; It is preferable to include a second coupling portion that protrudes and extends from the other end of the central cylindrical portion and is coupled to the dielectric.

As a result, the structure of the plasma generation module can be simply configured, manufacturing and assembly can be easy, and productivity can be improved.

In addition, the electrode includes a main electrode portion having a disk shape corresponding to the large-area discharge cover portion and having a through hole through which the gas discharge portion penetrates; and a sub-electrode portion that protrudes from the center of the main electrode portion and enters the interior of the large-area discharge protrusion portion.

As a result, it is possible to effectively generate plasma energy in a large-area direct manner on the surface of the cervix by providing a shape of the electrode that corresponds to the external shape of the cervix.

According to the plasma generator for the cervix of the present invention, plasma energy can be generated over a large area on the surface of the ectocervix and the endocervix of the cervix.

In particular, plasma energy generated directly from the surface of the cervix through DBD discharge can effectively serve the purpose of killing cancer cells in the cervix.

In addition, plasma and atmospheric gas generated in close proximity to the ectocervix and endocervix can be safely recovered so that they do not leak to the outside.

In particular, even if the probe part and the plasma generation module are in close contact with the inside of the vagina, the path of the plasma recovery part can be ensured not to be blocked, so gas and plasma can be safely recovered while maintaining the fine gap between the ectocervix and the plasma generation module. .

In addition, the shape of the electrode and dielectric is configured to correspond to the unique shape of the ectocervix and the endocervix, and provided with a configuration for positioning and a protrusion to maintain the gap, so that plasma energy is transmitted into the ectocervix and intrauterine cervix. It can maintain the optimal conditions that can occur to kill cancer cells in the cervical canal.

1A and 1B are perspective views showing a plasma generator for the cervix according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 2A and 2B are separate perspective views of the plasma generator for the cervix shown in Figure 1A.
Figure 3 is a front view of the plasma generator for the cervix shown in Figure 1a.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the plasma generator for the cervix shown in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 4.
Figure 5b is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 5a.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 4.
FIGS. 7 and 8 are separate perspective views showing the plasma generation module shown in FIG. 1A.
FIGS. 9A and 9B are respectively perspective views showing the gas nozzle shown in FIG. 2A.
Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining a state in which plasma is generated by inserting the plasma generator for the cervix into the vagina according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is an enlarged view of portion B of Figure 10.

Hereinafter, a plasma generator for the cervix according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

1 to 11, the plasma generator for the cervix according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a device body 100 and a probe unit 200 that extends from the device body 100 and can enter the inside of the human vagina. And, a plasma generation module 300 is installed at the tip of the probe unit 200 and generates plasma by concentrating it on the surface of the cervix 10 of the human body.

The device main body 100 includes a main housing 110 in which the transformer 500 is installed, a housing cover 120 coupled to one end of the main housing 110, and a side surface of the main housing 110. It is provided with a cable support member 130 through which the cable module 600 is supported. The main housing 110 is open at both ends, the housing cover 120 is coupled to one end, and the probe unit 200 is coupled to the other end. For this purpose, a probe coupling portion 111 to which the probe portion 200 is tightly coupled is formed at the other end of the device housing 110.

And the transformer 500 is installed inside the main housing 110. The cable support member 130 is coupled to the side of the main housing 110 and has a tubular structure. Therefore, the cable module 600 can pass through and be connected from the outside to the inside of the main housing 110 through the cable support member 130.

Here, the cable module 600 includes a main power cable 610 that supplies power to the transformer 500, and a gas supply hose for supplying atmospheric gas to the plasma generation module 300 via the probe unit 200. It may be provided with 620 and a plasma suction pipe 630 for sucking and recovering the plasma and gas generated and used in the plasma generation module 300 through the probe unit 200. The main power cable 610, gas supply hose 620, and plasma recovery pipe 630 may be provided in a bundle form.

And the power converted by the transformer 500 is provided to the plasma generation module 300 through the electrode pin 340, which will be described later, by the sub power cable 640. The transformer 500 can receive power from the outside, amplify (convert) the power, and directly provide the amplified power to the electrode 350, which will be described later, through the probe unit 200. In this way, when the transformer 500 is installed in the device body 100 installed in the plasma generation module 300, the following advantages can be obtained compared to the conventional technology in which the transformer is installed externally to amplify the voltage and then supply it. . In other words, when a transformer is installed outside the device body 100 of the plasma generator to amplify the voltage and supply it, radiation noise due to high voltage is generated, affecting peripheral devices, and causing irregular power loss depending on external circumstances. You can. For example, if the power cable is twisted into a specific shape, it becomes an antenna structure and generates radiated noise. Additionally, there is a problem in that a strong magnetic field is formed when the power cable is close to the ground wire. Additionally, when using a plasma generator, there is a problem that the output value becomes unstable depending on the usage environment such as the user's movement. To solve this problem, increasing the output value had the disadvantage of worsening the problem of electromagnetic wave radiation.

On the other hand, when the transformer 500 is installed inside the device body 100 as in the case of the present invention, the voltage is amplified inside the device body 100 and provided to the electrode 350 at the shortest distance, thereby reducing the voltage of the wire. By dramatically lowering the radiated power, it is possible to minimize it and ensure that the power is delivered to the source, that is, the electrode 350, without loss of voltage. In particular, within the probe unit 200, the length of the sub power cable 640 connecting the transformer 500 and the electrode pin 340 can be set to the shortest distance, and are not affected by the external environment and cannot be moved or deformed. Since it does not occur, problems such as electromagnetic wave generation and energy radiation can be solved.

The probe unit 200 has a tube structure formed through a penetrating tube from one end to the other end. This probe unit 200 has a tubular probe body 210 with a certain outer diameter, and is formed to expand at one end of the probe body 210, and is in close contact with the probe coupling portion 111 of the main housing 110 to maintain airtightness. It is provided with a coupling flange 220 that is coupled so as to. The probe body 210 has a structure that is open at both ends and is formed to have an appropriate outer diameter and length so that it can be inserted into the human vagina. A coupling flange 220 is integrally formed at one end of the probe body 210 and is tightly coupled to the probe coupling portion 111 of the main housing 110 by a fastening means such as a screw. The plasma generation module 300 is coupled to the other end of the probe body 210. To this end, an inner coupling portion 230 for coupling the plasma generation module 300 is formed on the inner periphery of the other end of the probe body 210, and the inner coupling portion 230 may include a thread.

The plasma generation module 300 includes a module body 310 coupled to the inner coupling portion 230 of the probe body 210, a dielectric 320 coupled to the outer front of the module body 230, and the module. The gas supply nozzle 330 and electrode pin 340 installed in the main body 310, the electrode 350 and dielectric 320 installed between the module main body 310 and the dielectric 320, and the cervix 10. It is provided with a plasma recovery unit that recovers the atmospheric gas supplied between the surfaces and the generated plasma into the probe unit 200.

The module body 310 has a central cylindrical portion 311 located approximately at the center in the longitudinal direction, and extends in a cylindrical shape from one end of the central cylindrical portion 311 to form an inner coupling portion 230 of the probe body 210. It has a first coupling portion 313 coupled to and a second coupling portion 315 that protrudes and extends from the other end of the central cylindrical portion 311 and is coupled to the dielectric 320. The central cylindrical portion 311 has an outer diameter corresponding to that of the probe body 210, and a partition wall 311a is formed therein. This partition 311a is formed to block the interior of the module body 310 between the first and second coupling portions 313 and 315. And a nozzle coupling hole h1 through which the gas supply nozzle 330 passes is formed at the center of the partition wall 311a. In addition, an electrode pin coupling hole (h2) into which the electrode pin 340 is inserted and coupled is formed through the partition wall 311a to communicate with the end of the second coupling portion 314. The first and second coupling portions 313 and 315 have an outer diameter smaller than that of the central cylindrical portion 311. Accordingly, the first coupling portion 313 is inserted into and screwed into the inner coupling portion 230 of the probe body 210, and the dielectric 320 is coupled to the second coupling portion 315. A sealing groove into which a sealing ring is coupled may be formed in an annular shape on the outer periphery of the first coupling portion 313.

In addition, a first inlet groove (g1) is formed concentrically with the nozzle coupling hole (h1) at a predetermined depth from the end of the second coupling portion 315, and the nozzle is coupled at the bottom of the first inlet groove (g1). A second retraction groove (g2) is formed concentrically with the hole (h1). The second inlet groove (g2) communicates with the nozzle coupling hole (h1). The electrode pin coupling hole (h2) is formed to extend through the partition wall (311a) and be exposed to the outside of the first recess (g1). Accordingly, the electrode pin 340 coupled to the electrode pin coupling hole (h2) is mounted to protrude into the first recess (g1).

In addition, a plurality of first plasma recovery paths 316 of the plasma recovery unit are formed on the outer periphery of the central cylindrical portion 311. The first plasma recovery path 316 is formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the central cylindrical portion 311. This first plasma recovery path 316 is connected to a plasma recovery groove 316a formed with a predetermined length on the outer periphery of the central cylindrical portion 311, and at one end of the plasma recovery groove 311a to form a first coupling portion 313. ) has a plasma recovery hole (316b) communicating with the internal space of the. The plasma recovery groove 316a starts from the boundary between the central cylindrical portion 311 and the second coupling portion 315 and extends to a position past the partition wall 311 of the central cylindrical portion 311. The plasma recovery hole 316b is formed to connect the plasma recovery groove 316a and the internal space of the first coupling portion 313, that is, the internal space of the probe body 210.

The dielectric 320 is coupled to the second coupling portion 315 of the module body 310, and plasma is spread over a large area over the surface of the cervix 10, that is, the ectocervix 11 and the endocervix 12. Let it happen by focusing on it.

This dielectric 320 includes a cylindrical dielectric body 321 coupled to the second coupling portion 315, and a large-area discharge cover extending forward of the dielectric body 321 and having a shape corresponding to the external cervix 11. A large-area discharge protrusion 325 and a module that protrude from the center of the large-area discharge cover part 323 to the outside and are positioned toward the endocervical canal 12 of the cervix 10 to generate plasma. A gas discharge unit 327 that moves the atmospheric gas supplied by the gas supply nozzle 330 between the main body 310 and the electrode 350 to the plasma generation space between the large-area discharge cover unit 323 and the cervix 10. ) is provided.

The dielectric body 321 may be formed with a coupling hook 321a protruding inward at its end so that it can be coupled to the outside of the second coupling portion 315 in a so-called one-touch format. For this purpose, it is preferable that a coupling groove into which the coupling hook 321a is coupled is formed in an annular shape on the outer surface of the second coupling portion 315.

The connection portion 324 between the dielectric body 321 and the large-area discharge cover portion 323 is formed in a round shape. The large-area discharge cover portion 323 is formed to be gradually deepened from the connection portion 324 toward the center. Accordingly, the large-area discharge cover unit 323 can be arranged to surround the ectopic cervix 11 while maintaining a certain distance from it, as shown in FIG. 11 . Preferably, a plurality of gap-maintaining protrusions 323a are protruding from the outer surface of the large-area discharge cover part 323. By these gap-maintaining protrusions (323a), the plasma generation space for effectively generating plasma energy between the large-area discharge cover part (323) and the ectocervix (11), that is, the optimal gap, can be maintained, and the fine gap is there. Plasma can be generated in

Additionally, a large-area discharge protrusion 325 is formed to protrude at the center of the large-area discharge cover portion 323. The large-area discharge protrusion 325 has a cone shape whose outer diameter decreases toward the end. And preferably, a gap maintenance rib 325a is formed on the outer surface of the large-area discharge protrusion 325 in the longitudinal direction of the large-area discharge protrusion 325. The gap maintenance ribs 325a are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the large-area discharge protrusion 325 so that plasma can be effectively generated by resonance between the large-area discharge protrusion 325 and the endocervical tube 12. It is possible to maintain the optimal spacing.

The large-area discharge protrusion 325 of this configuration is formed to be located at the entrance of the endocervical canal 12, thereby guiding the dielectric 320 to be positioned accurately at the center of the cervix to maintain a stable posture. In addition, the gap maintenance rib 325a can maintain a gap between the large-area discharge protrusion 325 and the endocervix 12 that can effectively generate plasma by resonance. Therefore, even in the endocervical tube 12, plasma can be generated using the DBD method between the surface of the endocervical tube, which is an object, and the large-area discharge protrusion 325.

The gas discharge portion 327 is disposed in plurality around the large-area discharge protrusion 325. This gas discharge portion 326 is formed to protrude inside the large-area discharge cover portion 323, and preferably passes through the through hole 351b of the electrode 350, which will be described later, to the second coupling portion 315. It is formed to protrude to a length that can enter the inside of the second recess (g2). The gas discharge portion 327 is formed through the boundary between the large-area discharge cover portion 323 and the large-area discharge protrusion 325 and supplies gas to the plasma generation space between the cervix 10 and the dielectric 320. . The end of the gas discharge unit 327 is coupled to the seating groove 331b of the gas supply nozzle 330.

In addition, a second plasma recovery path 328 of the plasma recovery unit is formed on the outer surface of the dielectric 320. The second plasma recovery path 328 preferably includes a slit extending from the outer surface of the large-area discharge cover part 323 to the end of the dielectric body 321. The second plasma recovery path 328 is formed in plural, and is formed at a position connected to the first plasma recovery path 316.

The dielectric 320 having the above-described structure allows space to be secured by maintaining a fine gap between the ectocervixes 11, and gas is supplied to the secured space. Therefore, when power is supplied to the electrode 350 located inside the dielectric 320, plasma can be generated in the best condition in the plasma generation space between the dielectric 320 and the cervix 10, which is the object.

In addition, as described above, plasma and gas generated in the space between the dielectric 320 and the cervix 10 can be recovered by being sucked into the interior of the probe unit 200. Therefore, the plasma generation space can be maintained at a constant distance without being expanded more than necessary by the gas, and the gas can be recovered in real time and heat exchanged to minimize heat generation of the object (cervix) by the plasma.

The gas supply nozzle 330 is used to supply atmospheric gas to the space between the module body 310 and the electrode 350. This gas supply nozzle 330 includes a gas nozzle body 331 mounted on the second inlet groove (g2) of the module body 310, a hose coupling portion 333 protruding from one surface of the gas nozzle body 331, and , It has a gas discharge portion 335 protruding from the other end of the gas nozzle body 331. The gas nozzle body 331 has a disk shape and is inserted and mounted inside the second inlet groove (g2). A hose coupling portion 333 is formed to protrude at the center of one surface of the gas nozzle body 331. The hose coupling portion 333 is formed coaxially with the gas discharge portion 335 protruding toward the center of the other end of the gas nozzle body 331 and shares the nozzle hole 332.

Additionally, a plurality of gas inlet holes 331a are formed on the outer surface of the gas nozzle body 331. It is preferable that a plurality of gas inlet holes 331a be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the gas nozzle body 331 at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. And a seating groove 331b into which the gas discharge portion 327 is coupled is formed on the other side of the gas nozzle body 331. A plurality of the seating grooves 331b are formed to communicate with the gas inlet hole 331a. Accordingly, the gas supplied through the gas supply nozzle 330 may flow into the gas discharge unit 327 and be supplied between the object and the dielectric 320.

The hose coupling portion 333 protrudes from the center of one side of the gas nozzle body 331 to a predetermined length and is located inside the probe portion 200. The gas supply hose 620 is coupled to this hose coupling portion 333. The gas supply hose 620 is included in the cable module 600, enters the inside of the probe unit 200, and is coupled to the hose coupling part 333, thereby enabling supply of atmospheric gas through the gas supply nozzle 330. .

The gas discharge portion 335 is formed to protrude from the other end of the gas nozzle body 331 and discharges atmospheric gas supplied through the gas supply hose 620 coupled to the hose coupling portion 333.

The gas supply nozzle 330 having the above configuration is coupled to the module body 310 so that the hose coupling portion 333 passes through the nozzle coupling hole h1 and protrudes into the inside of the first coupling portion 313.

The electrode pin 340 is coupled to the electrode coupling hole (h2) of the module body 310. This electrode pin 340 includes a pin body 341 that penetrates the electrode coupling hole (h2) and is fixedly coupled to the pin body 341, and a contact pin 343 that is installed to protrude from the tip of the pin body 341 and contacts the electrode 350. And, the contact pin 343 is provided with an elastic member 345 that elastically presses the contact pin 343 to protrude from the tip of the pin body 341. The elastic member 345 is installed inside the pin body 341 and elastically presses the contact pin 343 to stably maintain the state in contact with the electrode 350. These electrode pins 340 are connected to the transformer 500 by the sub power cable 640 and directly receive the amplified power.

The electrode 350 includes a main electrode portion 351 having a disk shape corresponding to the large-area discharge cover portion 323, and a main electrode portion 351 that protrudes from the center of the main electrode portion 351 to form an inner surface of the large-area discharge protrusion 325. It is provided with a sub-electrode portion 353 located at . A depression 351a that is deeper than the edge is formed on the front surface of the main electrode portion 351 in contact with the dielectric 320 and comes into contact with the large-area discharge cover portion 323. Additionally, a through hole 351b is formed in the main electrode portion 351, through which the gas discharge portion 327 is coupled. The sub-electrode portion 353 protrudes from the center of the main electrode portion 351 in a shape corresponding to the large-area discharge protrusion 325. In this way, the sub-electrode portion 353 is formed and coupled to protrude into the large-area discharge protrusion 325, thereby effectively generating plasma by resonance in the space between the large-area discharge protrusion 325 and the endocervix 12. It becomes possible.

The electrode 350 having the above configuration is installed to be interposed between the module body 310 and the dielectric 320 and is maintained in a state of electrical insulation from the outside.

Hereinafter, the effects of the plasma generator for the cervix according to an embodiment of the present invention having the above configuration will be described in detail.

First, it is possible to generate plasma energy in the cervix using a plasma generator for the cervix assembled as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B to provide therapeutic help to patients with precancerous lesions of the cervix. For this purpose, the probe unit 220 is introduced into the vagina of the uterus. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the probe unit 220 sufficiently enters the vagina, the dielectric 320 of the plasma generation module 300 is positioned in close contact with the ectocervix 11. In particular, since the large-area discharge protrusion 325 enters and is positioned at the entrance of the endocervix 12, the position of the dielectric body 320 can be accurately positioned with respect to the extrauterine cervix 11. In addition, the outer shape of the dielectric 320 and the protruding protrusion 323a on the outside prevent the dielectric 320 from coming into close contact with the ectopic cervix 11 and provide an optimal space where plasma energy can be effectively generated and acted upon. can be secured. That is, the plasma generation module 320 of the present invention is a direct DBD large-area discharge method, and the closer the distance to the object is, the easier it is to generate plasma. However, when the object and the dielectric 320 come into complete contact, the resonance area disappears and plasma is generated. The occurrence is suppressed. When the protrusion 323a is formed on the surface of the large-area discharge cover part 323, the distance from the object (cervix) can be maintained at a constant level, preventing contact between the object and the dielectric 320. This allows plasma generation to occur effectively.

In addition, the protrusions 323a provided on the dielectric 320 maintain a gap between the dielectric 320 and the object, thereby supplying gas to ensure plasma discharge stability, and between the small protrusions 323a. By allowing fluid to move quickly, laminar flow on the surface of the object can be suppressed, and heat generation by plasma can be minimized by quickly exchanging heat.

Meanwhile, when the probe unit 200 is introduced into the vagina and the plasma generator is activated, the power amplified and converted by the transformer 500 is supplied to the electrode 350 through the electrode pin 340. And the atmospheric gas is supplied to the gas supply nozzle 330 and the gas discharge unit 327 through the gas supply hose 620 and supplied to the plasma generation space, that is, the microspace between the dielectric 320 and the object (cervix). do. Then, resonance occurs in the plasma generation space and plasma energy is discharged, and the generated plasma energy acts on the surfaces of the external cervical canal 11 and the endocervical canal 120. As a result, plasma energy can effectively kill cancer cells in the ectocervix 11 and the endocervix 120. That is, the dielectric 320 surrounds the surface of the cervix 10 while maintaining a constant distance, and directly generates plasma through resonance in the plasma generation space between them, thereby producing electrical energy, ion energy, optical (physical) effect, and ROS. and RNS can be transmitted efficiently. In this way, if the distance between the dielectric 320 and the cervix 10 is kept constant, a large area of the cervix can be effectively treated with the same voltage and a low flow rate regardless of the treatment area, thereby reducing power consumption. However, the plasma treatment effect can be improved. In addition, this allows plasma generation efficiency and processing efficiency to be increased without increasing the capacity of the transformer 500, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.

In addition, the atmospheric gas and plasma remaining in the plasma generation space of the cervix 10 and the dielectric 320 are inside the probe unit 200 via the second plasma recovery path 328 and the first plasma recovery path 316. It is recovered by inhalation. Therefore, the spacing between the plasma generation spaces can be kept constant, and heat exchange can be performed quickly to minimize heat generation in the cervix 10 by plasma.

The atmospheric gas and plasma sucked into the probe unit 200 can be recovered and processed to the outside through the suction pipe 630. At this time, even though the outer surface of the dielectric 320 is in close contact with the inner vaginal wall, the second plasma recovery path 328 and the first plasma recovery path 316 are formed in a slit structure, preventing clogging of the plasma recovery path and atmospheric gas and Plasma can be recovered effectively.

The plasma generator for the cervix having the above configuration has a configuration optimized for the anatomical structure in the vagina and the unique shape of the cervix. That is, the dielectric 320 of the plasma generation module 300 is configured to maintain an optimal gap for the generation and action of plasma energy in the ectopic canal 11 and the endocervical canal 12 of the cervix 10. By having this, it is possible to effectively generate plasma energy for killing cancer cells in the ectopic canal (11) and the endocervical canal (12) of the cervix.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described and shown above, it is known in the art that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. This is self-evident to those who have it. Accordingly, such modifications or variations should not be understood individually from the technical idea or viewpoint of the present invention, and the modified embodiments should be regarded as falling within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

10..cervix 11..ectocervical canal
12..Endocervix 100..Device body
110..Main housing 120..Housing cover
130..cable support member 200..probe part
210..Probe 220..Coupling flange
230..Inner coupling part 300.Plasma generation module
310..Module body 320..Plasma guide cap
330..Gas nozzle 340..Electrode pin
350..electrode 500..trans
600..cable module

Claims (9)

device body;
a probe unit extending from the device body and capable of entering the inside of the human vagina; and
A plasma generation module installed at the tip of the probe unit to directly generate plasma in a large area and focus it on the cervix while maintaining a plasma generation space for resonance between the surface of the cervix and the cervix,
A transformer is installed in the device main body to amplify the power supplied from the outside to a high voltage and supply it to the plasma generation module,
The plasma generation module is,
a module body coupled to an end of the probe unit;
a gas supply nozzle coupled to penetrate the module body and supplying atmospheric gas to be moved to the plasma generation space;
A dielectric coupled to the outer front of the module body and facing the cervix while maintaining a gap for the plasma generation space therebetween; and
It includes an electrode installed between the module body and the dielectric,
The dielectric has a gas discharge portion that discharges the gas supplied between the electrode and the module body by the gas supply nozzle into the plasma generation space,
The module body is,
A central cylindrical portion located at the center in the longitudinal direction and having a nozzle coupling hole through which the gas supply nozzle penetrates and is coupled, and an electrode pin coupling hole through which an electrode pin in contact with the electrode penetrates and is coupled;
a first coupling portion extending in a cylindrical shape from one end of the central cylindrical portion and coupled to an end of the probe portion;
A plasma generator for the cervix, comprising a second coupling portion that protrudes and extends from the other end of the central cylindrical portion and is coupled to the dielectric. delete The method of claim 1, wherein the dielectric,
A cylindrical dielectric body coupled to the module body;
A large-area discharge cover part extending forward of the dielectric body and having a shape corresponding to the ectopic cervix;
It includes a large-area discharge protrusion that protrudes outward from the center of the large-area discharge cover unit and enters the endocervix of the cervix to generate plasma,
The gas discharge portion is formed to protrude from the outside of the large-area discharge cover to the rear of the large-area discharge cover so as to penetrate the electrode and communicate with the gas supply nozzle. The method of claim 3, wherein the large-area discharge cover unit,
A plasma generator for the cervix, characterized in that the connection portion with the dielectric body is formed to be round, and the connection portion is formed to be gradually deepened from the connection portion to the large-area discharge protrusion. According to paragraph 3,
A plasma generator for the cervix, characterized in that a plurality of protrusions are formed on the outer surface of the large-area discharge cover to secure the plasma generation space by maintaining a gap when in contact with the ectocervix. The method of claim 1, wherein the plasma generation module,
A plasma generator for the cervix, further comprising a plasma recovery unit for recovering atmospheric gas and plasma between the dielectric and the ectocervix to the probe unit. The method of claim 6, wherein the plasma recovery unit,
A first plasma recovery line formed to enter the outer surface of the module body and connected to communicate with the inside of the probe unit; and
A plasma generator for the cervix, comprising a second plasma recovery line that extends from the outer tip of the dielectric to a portion in contact with the module body and is connected to the first plasma recovery line. delete The method of any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the electrode is:
a main electrode portion having a disk shape corresponding to the large-area discharge cover portion and having a through hole through which the gas discharge portion passes; and
A plasma generator for the cervix, characterized in that it has a sub-electrode portion that protrudes from the center of the main electrode portion and enters the interior of the large-area discharge protrusion portion.