RU2678409C2 - Medical diagnostic device with removable distal nozzles - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medical equipment.SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to medical diagnostic devices used in human and veterinary medicine, such as a video endoscope, one of the components of which, in contact with biological tissues, can be made removable and disposable. Removable distal nozzle for medical diagnostic device contains a tubular part located on the distal part of the nozzle, a functional head, a connecting part located on the proximal portion of the nozzle and configured to detachably connect the nozzle to the control unit of the medical diagnostic device, moreover, the connecting part contains at least two arranged in a row of electrical contact elements made with the possibility of contact with the response contact elements of the control unit when connecting the nozzle to the control unit, each subsequent in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle contact element is offset relative to the previous contact element in the radial direction inside the connecting part.EFFECT: invention also relates to an appropriate control unit, diagnostic medical device and method of its use.38 cl, 18 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to medical diagnostic devices used in medicine and veterinary medicine, such as a video endoscope, diaphanoscope, devices for fluorescence endoscopy, ultrasound endoscopy, laser endoscopic surgery, 3d endoscopy and high-frequency surgery, and to multi-component diagnostic devices, one of the components of which contacting with biological tissues, can be made removable and disposable.

State of the art

Medical diagnostic devices are widely used in medicine and clinical practice for intracavitary and external diagnostics. One common type of medical diagnostic device used for non-invasive diagnosis is a video endoscope. A video endoscope usually consists of a rigid or flexible endoscopic nozzle designed to be guided into the patient’s body and equipped with a video camera or photomatrix at its distal end, a handle used to manipulate the endoscope from the doctor’s side, and a display or monitor device used to display the image of the patient’s body part to be examined. .

Most of the known video endoscopes have a rigid nozzle design. Video endoscopes with a flexible, controlled attachment are also known, the shape of which can be adjusted using mechanical controls located in the handle of the video endoscope. However, most of these nozzles are made one-piece. This leads to the fact that in order to provide the doctor with the possibility of a qualitative review of the cavity under study in a wide range of viewing angles, it is necessary to use several different video endoscopes, for example, having different angles and directions of observation.

Video endoscopic systems are also known in which the handle of the endoscope is combined with a display monitor, which is connected by cable to the control panel of the video endoscopic attachment, which in turn is connected to the specified control panel in an integral way.

Known technical endoscopes with an analog composite signal received from a video sensor. To connect the nozzle with the handle of the specified endoscope, RCA coaxial connectors are used, as well as a BNC bayonet connector. The specified connectors transmit an analog signal of PAL, SECAM, etc. Technical endoscopes with a digital coaxial connector with a bayonet connector for a digital signal SDI (Serial Digital Interface) are also known.

The disadvantages of these video interfaces are the need to digitize data for their storage and processing in the form of an analog composite signal and the need to use additional converters for the digital SDI signal to switch to a mass element base containing chips that have interfaces for converting data from a vesensor. This SDI digital signal conversion requires expensive and multi-component solutions. Another drawback of all specialized interfaces using an analog composite signal or a digital SDI signal is the narrow scope due to the transmission of a video signal alone. Moreover, to increase the number of channels, it is necessary to increase the number of contacts placed on the end part of the nozzle of the technical endoscope, which is limited by the diameter of the nozzle itself, which should be very small in case of medical use. Also a disadvantage of these endoscopes is the inability to transmit through coaxial connectors high currents required for some types of medical diagnostics.

US 9,107,573 discloses an endoscope with a removable nozzle comprising a handle, a flexible rod-shaped removable part having a distal end and a proximal end, a connecting mechanism for releasably connecting the handle to the proximal end of the flexible rod-shaped removable part, a light source and an electronic video sensor, such as a CCD a sensor located at the distal end of the flexible rod detachable part and an image pickup unit located in the flexible rod detachable part, the connecting mechanism comprising electrical signals for supplying power to the lighting unit and the image receiving unit, as well as a data channel for transmitting data from the image receiving unit. The proximal half of the flexible removable part is thickened to accommodate, among other things, means for controlling the position of the distal end of the flexible rod part, as well as an air valve and a valve for aspirating various body fluids from the inner part of the working rod.

The known endoscope has a modular design, as a result of which it is possible to pair one flexible removable part with many different handles, each of which may have its own purpose. At the same time, replacing one handle with another requires many operations that cannot be performed with one hand.

On the one hand, the design of the endoscope described above allows individual processing, for example, disinfection, handles and a flexible removable part, which simplifies and speeds up the maintenance of the endoscope. However, the removable part is quite expensive, not disposable, and therefore, along with the handle, is also subject to sterilization before each use.

In addition, the design of such an endoscope is cumbersome, and the scope of the flexible rod removable part is limited. Another disadvantage of this endoscope is the location of the connection area of detachable parts at the grip of the handle of the palm of the hand, which reduces the reliability of such a connection due to exposure to the specified connection point of multidirectional forces during the doctor's diagnostic procedures.

A system for in vivo diagnostic and surgical procedures is known from WO 02055126 A2.

The specified system contains a device configured to diagnose in vivo and containing a removable plug-in part and a handle. The removable plug-in part contains a lens and a sensor for in vivo information. The system also contains a transmitter for transmitting received information located in the inserted part, and a receiver for receiving it, located in the handle or in a separate electronic unit. The device in the known system can also be performed without a video sensor and can be used to perform mechanical influences, such as intubation or suction, for example, with gastric bleeding and gastric emptying.

In the known system, the insertion part can also be controlled by means of wire rods located inside it. At the same time, the controls for the distal end of the inserted part are located in the handle, so that to ensure controllability of the distal end of the inserted part when connecting the inserted part and the handle, it is necessary to ensure mechanical connection of the handle rods and the inserted part. To do this, in the known system, the insertion part and the handle are rotated in opposite directions, thus placing the hooks of the insertion part in the hinges of the handle rods. Then, using the handle located on the handle and connected to the threaded elements, these threads are pulled.

The disadvantages of this system include the impossibility of disconnecting the handle and the flexible insertion part at an arbitrary bending angle of the latter, as well as the need to use a separate mechanism that requires additional operations to prepare the insertion part for work. In addition, the placement of electrical connectors used to transmit the necessary electrical signals between the inserted part and the handle on the connecting interface located on the end surface of the distal end of the handle increases the likelihood of contamination and damage.

A significant advantage of disposable distal nozzles is the elimination of the need for disinfection and sterilization of these distal nozzles, as well as the diagnostic tool as a whole.

Thus, despite the great variety of known systems, the challenge remains to create diagnostic, in particular video endoscopic systems with removable interchangeable functional nozzles with various characteristics (length, diameter, controllability of the distal end, etc.) for diagnostic and surgical procedures that would connect with the control unit of the system in such a way that, on the one hand, a large number of control signals are transmitted, which would ensure a wide the versatility of the system, and on the other hand, would be characterized by the ability to quickly replace the nozzle, including “hot swap” directly during the diagnosis without disconnecting the power source, disposability, low cost, satisfactory hygiene requirements and ease of management.

Disclosure of the invention

According to the general concept of the present invention, the aforementioned problem is solved by creating a medical device for diagnostic and surgical procedures containing a removable distal nozzle and a control unit, the nozzle and the unit being detachable to transmit a large number of signals with compactness and ease of connection. Due to the placement of electronic components for controlling the distal nozzle in the control unit, the nozzle design is facilitated, and its cost is significantly reduced in comparison with the known analogues. The removable, low-cost nozzle can be disposed of after use, avoiding costly sterilization operations.

Providing a cheap disposable nozzle can significantly reduce medical costs and make high-tech diagnostics available to a wide range of patients.

According to the invention, the nozzle and the control unit are connected by means of a connector proposed by the authors of the present invention, the construction of which on the one hand provides the transmission of a large number of signals, and on the other hand, provides quick, reliable and easy connection and disconnection of the nozzle and the control unit by the operator. According to one aspect of the present invention, the aforementioned problem is solved by a removable distal nozzle for a medical diagnostic device containing

a tubular portion located in a distal portion of said nozzle, a functional head,

a connecting part located on the proximal portion of the nozzle and configured to detachably connect the nozzle to the control unit of a medical diagnostic device,

the connecting part contains at least two electrical contact elements arranged in a row, made with the possibility of contact with the mating contact elements of the control unit when connecting the nozzle to the control unit,

each subsequent in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle contact element is offset from the previous contact element in the radial direction inward of the connecting part.

Due to this arrangement of contact elements, in which each subsequent contact element in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle is offset relative to the previous contact element in a radial direction inside the connecting part, a gap is ensured between the respective contact elements of the nozzle and the receiving element of the control unit during their connection, which avoids friction between contact elements, their premature closure in the process of connecting the nozzle and the control unit. In turn, this facilitates the installation of the nozzle in the control unit and their subsequent separation, increases the service life of the reusable control unit.

In addition, this arrangement of contact elements allows to increase their number, which can be provided at a given thickness, for example, at a given diameter, of the connecting part. This is due to the distribution of the contact elements simultaneously in the longitudinal and transverse directions, as opposed to their placement in only one cross section or only in the longitudinal direction. It should be noted that in practice it may be necessary to place up to 40-50 contact elements on the nozzle with a limited diameter of the connecting part of the nozzle.

Due to the above-described construction of the connecting part, the proposed removable distal nozzle for a medical diagnostic device ensures the achievement of a technical result consisting in the simplicity of its attachment and disconnection from the control unit of the diagnostic device and replacement with another, including by manipulating with one hand, since the presence of a gap reduces the force applied by the operator to connect / disconnect the nozzle.

The proposed design of the connector of the diagnostic system, together with the placement of electronic components in the control unit, makes it possible to use nozzles of various sizes and other parameters and to create diagnostic, in particular endoscopic systems with inexpensive removable, including disposable, interchangeable functional nozzles having various characteristics such as length, diameter, controllability of the distal end of the nozzle, etc. for diagnostic and surgical procedures characterized by wide versatility.

The specified location of the contact elements of the connecting part of the nozzle allows you to place a large number of contact elements and ensure the transmission through them of the necessary number of electrical and information signals between the nozzle and the control unit of the diagnostic medical device, including enough for transmitting high-resolution image signals, while maintaining the compactness of the nozzle .

According to one embodiment of the invention, the functional head comprises a radiation source of higher power and / or different radiation ranges and an optoelectronic module with a lens system and a larger diameter photosensitive matrix for receiving and transmitting images with high resolution, in particular equal to or greater than 4K while the functional head is placed in the housing of the connecting part, which is made of a significantly larger diameter than the diameter of the tubular part of the removable distal nozzle, giving anything possible to accommodate the large size and power of the radiation source.

In one embodiment, each subsequent contact element in the proximal direction of the nozzle is offset relative to the previous contact element in a radial direction inward of the connecting part.

In one embodiment, each subsequent contact element in the distal direction of the nozzle is offset relative to the previous contact element in a radial direction inward of the connecting part.

In one embodiment, the tubular part and the connecting part of the nozzle are made in the form of axisymmetric bodies having a common longitudinal axis of symmetry.

In one embodiment, the connecting part comprises a plurality of contact elements arranged in one or several rows that are inclined to the longitudinal axis of the connecting part, or the line connecting the centers of the contact elements of each of these rows is inclined to a common longitudinal axis of symmetry.

The angle of inclination can be selected based on the required number of contact elements that need to be placed at a given diameter of the connecting part.

In various embodiments, the angle of inclination is from 0.05 to 89.5 degrees, from 0.5 to 45 degrees, from 5 to 10 degrees, from 7 to 15 degrees, from 2 to 17 degrees, from 3 to 12 degrees, from 3 to 10 degrees, 5 to 7 degrees, 5 to 25 degrees, 10 to 35 degrees, 15 to 35 degrees, 20 to 40 degrees, 25 to 45 degrees.

In one embodiment, the radial distance between the contact surfaces of each of the rows of contact elements and the longitudinal axis of the nozzle is constantly decreasing as the contact elements approach the proximal end of the nozzle.

In another embodiment, the radial distance between the contact surfaces of each of the rows of contact elements and the longitudinal axis of symmetry is constantly increasing as the contact elements approach the proximal end of the nozzle.

In one embodiment, the contact elements of the nozzle are arranged in a straight line.

In one embodiment, the contact elements of the nozzle are arranged along a curved line.

In one embodiment, the curved line is a helix.

Contact elements are configured to supply power and / or transmit information signals through them between the functional head and the control unit.

In one embodiment, two or more rows of contact elements are arranged on the connecting part, offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the connecting part.

In one embodiment, the nozzle further comprises electrical contact elements located on the end surface of the proximal end of the connecting part.

In one embodiment, the nozzle comprises guiding means defining the orientation of the nozzle, providing substantially equal clearance between the contact elements of the nozzle and the corresponding response contact elements of the control unit when the nozzle is inserted into the control unit. Guide means can be made in the form of a protrusion. In this case, the control unit contains a groove corresponding in shape and size to the protrusion. In another embodiment, the guiding means are in the form of a flat.

In one embodiment, the nozzle comprises a radio frequency identification tag for identifying said removable distal nozzle when it is attached to the control unit.

In one embodiment, the nozzle comprises a locking element for detachably fixing the nozzle in the control unit when it interacts with the fixing means located in said control unit, the fixing element being configured to release the nozzle from the control unit when actuating extraction means located on the control unit block.

In embodiments of the invention, the functional head comprises electronic components, which are one of the following: means for reading information, for example, a video head; radiation generating means, for example, an ultrasonic radiation source, an ultraviolet radiation source, an infrared radiation source, a visible light source, a laser radiation source; or thermal means, such as an electrode.

In one embodiment, the functional head comprises at least one LED to illuminate the examination site.

In one embodiment, at least one of the contact elements provides power to the nozzle, said at least one contact element having a shorter length than the remaining contact elements.

In one embodiment, the functional head is located at the distal end of the tubular portion of the nozzle.

In one embodiment, the connecting part of the nozzle has a housing, and the functional head is located inside the housing and contains at least one light source used to illuminate the studied area, and an optoelectronic module for receiving optical radiation reflected from the studied object, its conversion and formation on its basis of a high-resolution video signal.

In one embodiment, the tubular portion of the nozzle comprises a protective window located at its distal end, and at least two optical channels, one of which is configured to transmit light from said at least one light source to said protective window for lighting through it the studied area, and the second optical channel is configured to transmit light radiation reflected from the studied area and transmitted through the specified protective window from the specified of protective window substantially without distortion to the optoelectronic module.

In one embodiment, the connecting part of the nozzle has a housing, and the functional head is located inside the specified housing and contains an optoelectronic module for receiving optical radiation reflected from the object under study, converting it and generating a high-resolution video signal based on it, and the tubular part of the nozzle contains a protective window and at least one light source for illumination of the investigated area located at its distal end, and at least one optical an analyzer configured to transmit light reflected from the region of interest and transmitted through the specified protective window, from the specified protective window to the optoelectronic module.

According to this embodiment of the invention, it is possible to place in the housing the connecting part of the optoelectronic module with a lens system and a larger diameter photosensitive matrix for receiving and transmitting images with high resolution, in particular equal to or greater than 4K.

In one embodiment, the nozzle is made in the form of essentially axisymmetric bodies having a common longitudinal axis of symmetry.

The above problem is also solved thanks to a controlled removable distal nozzle for a medical diagnostic device containing

a tubular portion located at a distal portion of said nozzle, the tubular portion comprising a controllable portion located at a distal end of the tubular portion,

a functional head located at the distal end of the controlled area,

a connecting part located on the proximal portion of the nozzle and configured to detachably connect the nozzle to the control unit of the medical diagnostic device, and

a control module for said nozzle connected to the tubular part and the connecting part and configured to create controlling mechanical influences for controlling the controlled portion of the tubular part.

At the same time, by connecting the control module to the tubular part and the connecting part of the nozzle, one should understand both the direct connection of these parts to each other and their indirect connection by means of other components of the nozzle.

A controlled removable video endoscopic nozzle according to the present invention provides a technical result consisting in providing a removable distal nozzle with an easy-to-control control module located on the nozzle itself in the immediate vicinity of the handle held by the operator and configured to control a geometric shape, in particular, controlled bending section of the tubular part of the nozzle, simplicity and improving the accuracy of control of the bend of the nozzle, providing the opportunity its use with various medical diagnostic devices and the expansion of their functionality by providing control of the geometric shape of the nozzle. Placing the nozzle controls on the nozzle itself also makes it possible to abandon the use of mechanical controls located in the control unit, simplify its design and thereby increase its compactness, reliability and ease of handling of the controlled distal nozzle. In addition, the nozzle can be compatible with various control units. At the same time, this controlled nozzle can be made disposable, which eliminates the costly operation of sterilizing the nozzle and the entire device, increasing the hygiene of medical diagnostics and reducing operating costs. In addition, the controlled removable nozzle of the present invention allows for the manufacture of controlled nozzles with various nozzle parameters, such as the material and diameter of the tubular part, as well as the size and bending of the controlled area, which can be used with one medical diagnostic device to expand its functionality or with different diagnostic devices to increase the usability of the endoscope in various, for example, planned or emergency situations.

In one embodiment, the control module is located between the tubular part and the connecting part.

In one embodiment, the tubular portion comprises a rigid portion adjacent to the controllable portion and connected to the nozzle control module.

In one embodiment, the control module for a controlled detachable distal nozzle comprises a housing and a control mechanism located inside the housing and configured to mechanically act on the control section to change the geometric shape of the controlled section of the tubular part.

In one embodiment, the housing of the nozzle control module comprises a distal wall and a proximal wall that are secured to the proximal extension of the tubular portion.

In one embodiment, the connecting part adjoins the proximal wall and is fixedly attached to it.

In one embodiment, the control module housing controlled by a removable distal nozzle comprises an operator-controlled control element that encompasses the control mechanism and is configured to transmit mechanical impact to the control mechanism and thereby change the geometric shape of the controlled portion of the tubular part.

In one embodiment, the operator-controlled control is substantially cylindrical.

In one embodiment, the control mechanism comprises at least two rods extending inside the tubular portion, by means of which the nozzle control module is connected to the controlled section.

Due to the fact that the rods and their controls are completely located inside the nozzle, there is no need to transfer control actions from an external control unit to these rods.

In one embodiment, the controllable portion comprises a cable made in the form of a spiral, wherein said rods extend inside said spiral from the cable.

In one embodiment, the cable is configured to supply power and / or transmit information signals through it between the functional head and the control unit.

In one embodiment, the functional head comprises electronic components that are at least one of the following: means for reading information, for example, a video head; radiation generating means, for example, an ultrasonic radiation source, an ultraviolet radiation source, an infrared radiation source, a visible light source, a laser radiation source, or thermal means, for example, an electrode.

In one embodiment, the nozzle also comprises a radio frequency identification tag for identifying said controllable removable distal nozzle when it is attached to the control unit.

In one embodiment, the control mechanism comprises a drum, driven by a control member, at least two rods and a guide for rods, the distal ends of the at least two rods being fixed to the distal end of the controllable portion, and their proximal ends fixed to the drum, moreover, the drum is made with the possibility of winding one rod and at the same time winding the second rod when it is rotated by the specified control to change the geometric shape, in particular bending, directs portion.

In one embodiment, by winding one rod and simultaneously winding the second rod during rotation of the drum, an increase in the bend of the controlled portion of the tubular part to one side or a decrease in its bend in the other direction is provided depending on the direction of rotation of the drum, and the characteristic of said control is linear.

In one embodiment, the control mechanism of the nozzle control module also includes a shape-locking mechanism for the controllable portion, comprising a spring, a fixed friction element and at least one rotary friction element configured to interact with the stationary friction element by means of said spring to prevent the drum from turning to fixing the required bend of the controlled area.

In one embodiment, the mechanism for fixing the shape of the controllable section is configured to remove the rotary friction element from interaction with the stationary friction element by longitudinally moving the control to provide free rotation of the cylindrical control to change the bend of the controlled section.

In one embodiment, the connecting part comprises at least two electrical contact elements configured to contact the mating contact elements of the control unit when attaching the nozzle to the control unit.

In one embodiment, the contact elements are made in the form of spring-loaded contact elements, the height of which in the free state is greater than in the state of contact with the contact elements of the control unit after attaching the nozzle to the control unit.

In one embodiment, said electrical contact elements are arranged in one or more rows on the connecting part, with each subsequent contact element of each row in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle being offset inward from the previous contact element in a radial direction.

In one embodiment, at least one of said contact elements provides power through it to the nozzle, said at least one contact element having a shorter length than the remaining contact elements.

These signs provide the ability to quickly replace the nozzle, including its "hot swap" directly during the diagnosis without disconnecting the power source, due to the fact that the closure of the contacts to which power is supplied last occurs when all other contacts are closed. Similarly, when disconnected, the contacts to which power is supplied are disconnected first.

The present invention also relates to a control unit for a removable distal nozzle of a medical diagnostic device, comprising

the receiving part for attaching a removable distal nozzle to the control unit,

an electronic unit for controlling the electronic components of the distal nozzle and

at least two electrical contact elements that are responsive to the electrical contact elements of the removable distal nozzle located in a row on the specified receiving part and configured to contact the contact elements of the removable distal nozzle when it is connected to the control unit,

moreover, each subsequent in the longitudinal direction of the receiving part of the response contact element is offset relative to the previous contact element in the radial direction inward of the receiving part.

In one embodiment, each subsequent contact element in the proximal direction of the receiving part is offset relative to the previous contact element in a radial direction inward of the receiving part.

In one embodiment, each subsequent contact in the distal direction of the receiving part of the contact element is offset from the previous contact element in a radial direction inward of the receiving part.

In one embodiment, the receiving part comprises a plurality of reciprocal contact elements arranged in one or more rows extending in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the line connecting the centers of the reciprocal contact elements of each of these rows is located at an angle to the common longitudinal axis of symmetry of the receiving part.

In various embodiments, the angle of inclination of the indicated row or rows is selected from the following intervals: from 0.05 to 89.5 degrees, from 0.5 to 45 degrees, from 5 to 10 degrees, from 7 to 15 degrees, from 10 to 15 degrees, from 10 to 20 degrees, from 5 to 25 degrees, from 10 to 35 degrees, from 15 to 35 degrees, from 20 to 40 degrees, from 25 to 45 degrees.

In one embodiment, the radial distance between the contact surfaces of each of the rows of contact elements and the longitudinal axis of the receiving part decreases continuously as the contact elements approach the proximal end of the receiving part.

In another embodiment, the radial distance between the contact surfaces of each of the rows of contact elements and the longitudinal axis of the receiving part is constantly increasing as the contact elements approach the proximal end of the receiving part.

As a result of experimental tests in the process of creating the invention, it was found that the combination of these features allows, firstly, to place a large number of contact elements with a limited diameter of the connector formed by the receiving part and the connecting part, which is usually from 10 to 15 mm, and -second, to ensure ease of connection, reduce friction and eliminate or reduce the likelihood of unauthorized accidental closure of pairs of contact elements of the nozzle and the handle in the process Settings nozzle into the handle.

The preferred interval of the angle of inclination was established experimentally, on the one hand, eliminating or reducing the likelihood of unauthorized accidental closure of pairs of contact elements of the connector, reducing friction, and ease of connection, and on the other hand, ensuring the compactness of the connecting part of the nozzle and, accordingly, the receiving part handles, as well as a comfortable amount of effort exerted by a specialist when connecting the connector, installing the connecting part in the handle and disconnecting us DKI and the handle at the end of work. in one embodiment, the response contact elements are arranged in a straight line.

In one embodiment, the response contact elements are arranged along a curved line, wherein said curved line may be a helical line or a spiral line, for example, in the case of a conical shape of the connecting and receiving parts.

In one embodiment, the response contact elements are configured to supply power and / or transmit information signals through them between the control unit and the removable distal nozzle.

In one embodiment, two or more rows of contact elements are disposed on the receiving part, arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction of the receiving part and configured to contact the respective rows of contact elements of the nozzle.

In one embodiment, the control unit further comprises electrical contact elements configured to interact with end contact elements of the nozzle.

In one embodiment, the control unit also comprises guiding means providing, when the nozzle is inserted into the control unit, a unique orientation of the nozzle relative to the receiving part, providing a substantially equal gap between the contact elements of the nozzle and their corresponding contact elements of the control unit.

In one embodiment, the response contact elements are made in the form of spring-loaded contact elements, the height of which in the free state is greater than in the state of contact with the contact elements of the nozzle after it is attached to the control unit.

In one embodiment, the control unit also comprises fixation means configured to interact with fixation means located on the removable distal nozzle to fix the removable distal nozzle in the control unit after it is attached, wherein the fixation means of the control unit are configured to release the removable distal nozzle by actuating the extraction means located on the control unit.

In one embodiment, the extraction means is implemented as a push button.

In one embodiment, the control unit also comprises a handle for gripping it by the operator when handling the nozzle.

The present invention also relates to a control unit for a controllable removable distal nozzle of a medical diagnostic device, comprising a receiving part configured to attach the inventive controllable removable distal nozzle.

In one embodiment, the control unit further comprises an electronic unit for generating control signals for controlling the electronic components of the nozzle, and

at least two electrical contact elements that are responsive to the electrical contact elements of the controlled removable distal nozzle and are configured to contact the contact elements of the controlled removable distal nozzle when it is connected to the control unit.

In one embodiment, the control unit further comprises fixation means configured to interact with fixation means located on the controllable removable distal nozzle to fix the distal nozzle in the control unit after it is attached, the fixation means of the control unit being configured to release the distal nozzle by actuating the extraction means located on the control unit.

In one embodiment, the extraction means is in the form of a push button.

In one embodiment, the control unit comprises a handle for gripping it by the operator when manipulating a controllable removable distal nozzle.

The present invention also relates to a medical diagnostic device comprising

a control unit for a removable distal nozzle for a medical diagnostic device and a removable distal nozzle, wherein

the nozzle and the control unit are connected by means of a connector made in the form of connecting elements inserted one into another, on the outer surface of one of which and on the inner surface of the other there are rows of contact elements extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the connector at an angle to the specified axis.

In one embodiment, each subsequent contact element in the distal direction of the nozzle is offset relative to the previous contact element in a radial direction inside the connector.

In one embodiment, the connector is made in the form of axisymmetric bodies having a common longitudinal axis of symmetry.

In one embodiment, a connector comprises a plurality of contact elements located on the outer surface of one connecting element and on the inner surface of another connecting element in one or more rows extending obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the connector.

The angle of inclination can be selected based on the required number of contact elements that need to be placed at a given diameter of the connecting part.

In various embodiments, the angle of inclination is from 0.05 to 89.5 degrees, from 0.5 to 45 degrees, from 5 to 10 degrees, from 7 to 15 degrees, from 2 to 17 degrees, from 3 to 12 degrees, from 3 to 10 degrees, 5 to 7 degrees, 5 to 25 degrees, 10 to 35 degrees, 15 to 35 degrees, 20 to 40 degrees, 25 to 45 degrees.

In one embodiment, the radial distance between the contact surfaces of each of the rows of contact elements and the longitudinal axis of the connector decreases continuously as the contact elements approach the tip of the connector.

In another embodiment, the radial distance between the contact surfaces of each of the rows of contact elements and the longitudinal axis of symmetry is constantly increasing as it approaches the tip of the connector.

In various embodiments, the contact elements are arranged in a straight line, in a curved line, for example, in a helical line.

Contact elements are configured to supply power and / or transmit information signals through them between the functional head and the control unit.

In one embodiment, the contact elements are arranged in two or more rows offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the connector.

The present invention also relates to a medical diagnostic device comprising

claimed control unit for a removable distal nozzle for a medical diagnostic device, and

declared removable distal nozzle.

The present invention also relates to a medical diagnostic device comprising

the claimed control unit for a controlled removable distal nozzle for a medical diagnostic device, and

declared controlled removable distal nozzle.

In one embodiment, the medical diagnostic device further comprises a display device configured to connect to said control unit to output an image perceived by a removable distal nozzle.

The present invention also relates to a connector for a medical diagnostic device containing contact elements for supplying power and / or transmitting information signals through them,

moreover, the specified connector contains inserted one into the other connecting and receiving parts, while on the outer surface of the connecting part and on the inner surface of the receiving part are mutually corresponding rows of at least two contact elements in each of the connecting and receiving parts, passing in the direction of the longitudinal axis the connector at an angle to the specified axis, so that each subsequent in the longitudinal direction of the connector contact element is offset relative to the previous contact element in the radial Mr towards the inside of the connecting portion and the outward receiving the connector.

According to the invention, the connector can be used to receive and / or transmit multiple signals to / from the nozzle from / to the control unit according to the present invention.

In specific embodiments of the connector, the inclination angle of the indicated row or rows is selected from the following intervals: from 0.05 to 89.5 degrees, from 0.5 to 45 degrees, from 5 to 25 degrees, from 4 to 7 degrees, from 5 to 10 degrees, from 7 to 15 degrees, from 10 to 15 degrees, from 10 to 20 degrees, from 10 to 35 degrees, from 15 to 35 degrees, from 20 to 40 degrees, from 25 to 45 degrees.

In one embodiment, the radial distance between the contact surfaces of each of the contact elements and the longitudinal axis of the connecting part of the connector is constantly decreasing, and the radial distance between the contact surfaces of each of the contact elements and the longitudinal axis of the receiving part of the connector is constantly increasing as the contact elements approach the tip of the connector .

In one embodiment of the connector, the contact surfaces of the contact elements are located in a plane extending obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the connector.

In specific implementations, a number of contact elements of the connector is made in the form of a straight line, a curved line, a zigzag line, a helical line, a spiral line.

In one embodiment, two or more rows of contact elements are arranged on each of the connecting and receiving parts of the connector, offset from each other in the circumferential direction.

In one embodiment, the connector further comprises electrical contact elements located on the end surface of the connecting part and mating contact elements located on the inner end surface of the receiving part.

In one embodiment, the number of pairs of contact elements in the connector is from 2 to 40 or more, preferably from 4 to 12, from 10 to 20, from 16 to 24, from 20 to 40 pairs of contact elements.

In one embodiment of the connector, the contacts of the receiving part are made in the form of spring-loaded contacts, and the contacts of the connecting part are in the form of flat plates, or vice versa.

In one embodiment of the connector, the connecting part is in the form of a cylinder, cone, pyramid, truncated cone, truncated pyramid, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the connector also includes guiding means providing substantially equal clearance between the contact elements of the connecting part of the nozzle and the corresponding reciprocal contact elements of the receiving part of the control unit when the nozzle is inserted into the control unit.

In one embodiment, the connector also includes a radio frequency identification tag for identifying said removable distal nozzle when it is attached to the control unit.

In one embodiment, the connector also includes a locking element for releasably fixing the nozzle in the control unit when it interacts with the fixing means located in the specified control unit, the locking element being configured to release the nozzle from the control unit when the extraction means located on control unit.

The present invention also relates to a method for using the claimed medical diagnostic device, according to which:

- attach the claimed removable distal nozzle to the claimed control unit through the connector described above;

- supply power to the control unit;

- introduce a removable distal nozzle into the examined area of the patient's body;

- carry out diagnostics, determined by the type of attached removable distal nozzle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The description of the present invention is accompanied by drawings, which depict:

in FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medical diagnostic device consisting of a control unit made in the form of a handle with a removable distal nozzle attached according to one embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a control unit made in the form of a handle, according to one embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a removable video endoscopic distal nozzle according to one embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a removable distal nozzle with an antenna and electronic components of an RF tag placed on it according to one embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a proximal contact group of a removable video endoscopic distal nozzle and a mechanism 5 for fixing a removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 in the handle 1;

in FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a distal contact group of a control unit according to one embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 7 shows contact groups of a video endoscopic distal nozzle and a control unit in a connected state according to one embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 8 shows a view of two adjacent contacts of a video endoscopic distal nozzle and a control unit at the time of their initial joint contact and in a closed state according to one embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a removable video endoscopic distal nozzle according to one embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 10 shows contact groups of a video endoscopic distal nozzle and a control unit in a connected state according to one embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 11 shows the proximal part of the optical system of the video endoscopic distal nozzle according to one embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 12 shows the distal part of the optical system of the video endoscopic distal nozzle according to one embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a removable controllable video endoscopic distal nozzle according to one embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a control mechanism of a removable controllable video endoscopic distal nozzle according to one embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a control mechanism of a removable controllable video endoscopic distal nozzle according to one embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a controllable portion of a removable video endoscopic distal nozzle according to one embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a controlled area without a cylindrical body, a tubular shell, and a video head according to one embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 18A, 18B, a perspective view of a controlled area without a cylindrical body, a tubular sheath, a flexible ribbon cable and a video head according to one embodiment of the invention is shown.

The implementation of the invention

The following is a description of a medical diagnostic device using the example of a multi-component video endoscopic system with removable video endoscopic distal nozzles.

By a distal nozzle is meant a functional element of a medical diagnostic device, for example, a video endoscopic system, connected to the control unit of a medical diagnostic device and containing on its distal section a tubular part or body inserted into the studied area of the patient’s body for diagnostics, as well as a functional head located in the tubular body or on the proximal portion of the nozzle and containing optical and electronic components designed to form light or other effects used in the diagnosis of the studied area of the patient, as well as the reception and conversion of the signal reflected from the studied area and its transmission to the display device of the medical diagnostic device.

In one embodiment of the invention, the medical diagnostic device is a video endoscopic system, also called a video endoscope below, with removable video endoscopic distal nozzles shown in FIG. 1, which comprises: a control unit made in the form of a handle 1, which is shown in more detail in FIG. 2 and comprises a receiving part for connecting a video endoscopic distal nozzle to a control unit; a set of removable disposable video endoscopic distal nozzles 2, one of which, when the video endoscope is working, is placed in the opening of the receiving part of the handle 1; and a video signal display device 100 having an electrical connection via a connecting cable 3 to a video endoscope handle 1 and intended for processing, output, storage and transmission to external information systems or image data storage systems perceived by a removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2.

Further in the description, the terms “handle” and “control unit” are used interchangeably.

In one embodiment, the handle 1 is made in the form of a hollow plastic housing containing a tubular part located in its upper part and including a receiving part located in the distal portion 38 of the handle 1 in the form of an opening 400 for attaching a removable nozzle 2, and a lower part, designed to grip and hold the handle with 1 hand during its use. In one embodiment of the invention, the handle 1 comprises electric control buttons 6, an electronic unit 8 and a contact block 4 of the control unit containing spring-loaded contact elements 12, which are reciprocal contact elements designed to interact with contact elements of a removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2. At the proximal section 39 of the handle 1 is a button 7 for removing inserted into the handle 1 of a removable distal nozzle 2, described in more detail below.

Along with an embodiment in which the receiving part of the control unit covers the connecting part of the nozzle 2 when it is connected to the control unit, an alternative embodiment is possible in which the nozzle 2 has a receiving hole located on the connecting part of the nozzle and the control unit has a protruding receiving part, covered by the receiving hole of the connecting part of the nozzle 2. Moreover, an embodiment in which the receiving part of the control unit covers the connecting part of the nozzle 2, S THE preferable because in this case is provided by a high protection of the receiving opening, in particular, response of contact elements of the control unit from contamination, especially due to the possible penetration of body fluids.

In one embodiment of the invention, the electronic unit 8 of the handle 1 shown in FIG. 2, is made in the form of an electronic board with electronic components and is connected to the video signal processing and display device 100 via cable 3, as well as to the distal contact group 4 of the handle 1 and control buttons 6. In one embodiment of the invention, the electronic unit 8 contains a microprocessor for processing video signals received from the functional head, in particular the video head 17, a removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 (see Fig. 3), and to generate control electrical signals that control the electronic components of the nozzle 2, in particular, by the video sensor of the video head 17, as well as other electronic components of the functional head, such as lighting LEDs, functional diagnostic modules etc. if available. The electronic components of the electronic unit 8 implement the necessary input interfaces, for example, MIPI CSI, to receive data from the video sensor and other functional elements, process this data and transmit the processed signal through the output interfaces via the connecting cable 3 to the video signal display device 100. The output interfaces of the electronic unit 8 should provide sufficient bandwidth and signal transmission to the required distance. For the output interfaces of the electronic unit 8, for example, HDMI DisplayPort and / or Thunderbolt, USB 3 can be used. When using a video sensor with an output interface not supported by the electronic module 8, electronic components can be located in the removable distal nozzle 2 for matching the video sensor interfaces and electronic unit 8. The need for additional electronic components is determined at the stage of engineering implementation of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, the NFC controller is implemented in the electronic unit 8, and its antenna is located in the handle 1. Processing of these data by electronic unit 8 allows the use of software, such as a driver, for the correct operation of the video sensor in electronic unit 8. In addition, in one embodiment of the invention, the electronic unit 8 implements physical or logical interfaces for exchanging commands with the video signal display device 100. The choice of data transmission interfaces and commands is carried out during the engineering implementation of the invention.

In one embodiment of the invention, the electric control buttons 6 are located on the handle body 1 in a place convenient for use by an operator or a doctor during a video endoscopic examination. The electric control buttons 6 are electrically connected to the electronic unit 8. In one embodiment of the invention, the user, when pressing the button 6, can, for example, save frames of the video image and / or stop / start recording the video image.

In one embodiment, the video display device 100 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a display device, for example, a TFT matrix display, a device for matching the output signal formats of the electronic unit 8 and the input signal of the display device, such as a matrix controller, for example, with an HDMI input and LVDS or eDP output. In addition, the video display device 100 may include electronic components for storing frames of video images and / or all or part of the video signal and recording them on external media, such as flash memory, and / or transferring them to external, including remote, recording and storage devices. Further, the video signal display device 100 is not considered in detail in the invention, and its composition and capabilities are determined at the stage of engineering implementation of the invention.

In one embodiment of the invention, the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 shown in FIG. 3 is made in the form of a combination of essentially cylindrical bodies of revolution and / or cone-shaped bodies of various diameters, shapes and different degrees of rigidity, including a cylindrical tubular part 16 having a longitudinal axis of symmetry L0, a protective cap 15, the longitudinal axis of which coincides with the longitudinal axis L0 of the tubular part 16, and a substantially cylindrical or cone-shaped connecting part 50, made with zhnosti releasable connection to the handle video endoscope 1, i.e. which is a means of detachable connection of the nozzle 2 with the control unit of the medical diagnostic device, and having a longitudinal axis L1 coinciding in this embodiment with the longitudinal axis L0 of the cylindrical tubular part 16 and the protective cap 15, defining together the longitudinal axis of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2. In one of of embodiments, the connecting part 50 can also be made in the form of a truncated cone, tapering in the proximal direction of the nozzle 2 and having a longitudinal smiling L1. The connecting part 50 may also be in the form of a body, the covering surface of which is in the form of a cylinder, cone, pyramid, or a combination thereof, having mainly an axis or plane of symmetry.

In one embodiment of the invention, the nozzle 2 is made in the form of essentially axisymmetric bodies, i.e. bodies having a spatial axis of symmetry, and the axes of these bodies coincide. With this embodiment, all external forces acting on the nozzle are directed mainly along its longitudinal axis, and external forces acting on the components of the nozzle during attachment and detachment of the nozzle 2 from the handle 1, as well as during its use during diagnostics, are summarized by substantially minimized by minimizing possible torques acting on the components of the nozzle.

The removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 has a distal end 40, which is adjacent to the distal portion 42 of the nozzle, intended for manipulation in the patient’s body, and the opposite proximal end 41, to which the proximal portion 43 of the nozzle adjoins, on which the nozzle is attached to the handle 1. On in its distal section 42, the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 contains an uncontrolled insertion part made in the form of a tubular part 16, and a functional head containing a video head 17, p memory location within the tubular portion 16 at its distal end. At the proximal end of the tubular part 16, a protective cap 15 is adjacent to it to protect the handle 1 and to facilitate handling of the nozzle 2 when it is attached to the handle 1. The length of the protective cap along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle can be from 20 to 40 mm in a practical embodiment. At its proximal section 43, the nozzle 2 contains a connecting part 50 adjacent to the protective cap 15 with electrical contact elements disposed thereon, by means of which the nozzle is connected to the receiving element of the handle 1. The location of the tubular part 16 on the distal portion 42 of the nozzle means that it is distal, those. from the side of the distal end 40 of the specified nozzle, which is located closer to the patient than the proximal end 41 of the specified nozzle. Moreover, the specified tubular part 16 of the nozzle 2, directly intended for its introduction into the studied area of the patient’s body, can constitute a significant part of the length of the distal nozzle 2, in particular, more than 50% of the total length of the nozzle 2.

In one embodiment of the invention, the video head 17 comprises light sources, for example LEDs, and an optoelectronic module comprising a video sensor and a lens system for receiving, processing and transmitting signals reflected from the examined area, in particular video images, to electronic unit 8. LEDs and the video sensor are electrically connected to contact elements located on a printed circuit board or boards located on the connecting part 50 on the proximal portion 43 of the video endoscopic distal 2 minutes and the nozzle 13 containing a number or series of electrical contact elements for signal communication with the electronic control unit 8. Next, the video head 17 according to the invention are not discussed in more detail, and its composition and the possibilities determined in step engineering of the invention.

In one embodiment of the invention, the protective cap 15 is also a protective case for electronic components located in the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2. In addition, it is designed to protect the control unit from the ingress of physiological fluids during diagnosis, as well as to provide the required ergonomic characteristics when manipulations with the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2, performed by a doctor, for example, its removal from the handle 1 and connection with it. The protective cap can be made in one piece with one of the components of the nozzle, for example by injection molding, but can also be made in the form of a separate element, mounted on the tubular part 16 during the assembly of the nozzle 2.

In one embodiment of the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 shown in FIG. 4, the latter contains a radio frequency identification tag and electronic components for radio frequency identification, for example, an NFC antenna 18 and necessary electronic components located on a printed circuit board 19 located under the protective cap 15. The identification tag may contain information about the type of video sensor and its unique identification code. Reading the indicated information by the electronic control unit of the control unit allows you to configure the control unit to use removable nozzles with various types of video sensors. The presence of a unique identifier for the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 also allows you to keep track of the operational load on the specified nozzle. For example, the information contained in the identification tag can be used to control the shelf life of the nozzle in a sterile package and whether this video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 was previously used or not, which can prevent the reuse of an already used removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2.

In another embodiment of the invention, additional electronic components (not shown) necessary for the proper functioning of the video sensor chip, for example, smd resistors or capacitors, may be located in the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2. The need for these additional elements and their composition are determined by the manufacturer of the video sensor.

The tubular part 16 of the nozzle 2 serves to introduce the video head 17 into the patient’s body and bring the area examined by the doctor, and the diameter of the tubular part 16 and its length is determined by the anatomical features and location of this area, as well as the type of diagnosis. For example, for examining nasal cavities, the length of the tubular part 16 is about 16-18 cm, and its diameter is about 4 mm, and for examining the organs of hearing, the length of the tubular part 16 is 3-5 cm with a diameter of about 2-3 mm. The tubular part 16 can be made in the form of a monolithic or hollow cylindrical body of rigid materials, such as, for example, stainless steel, or elastic materials, such as, for example, silicone rubber. In one embodiment, the tubular portion 16 has a circular cross-section to minimize its invasive effects during diagnosis. However, the cross section of the tubular portion 16 of the nozzle 2 may also have a shape other than round, for example an ellipse shape. In most cases, the use of a removable distal nozzle 2, the diameter of the tubular part 16 is from 2 to 10 mm, most often about 4 mm, and the diameter of the connecting part is from 10 to 60 mm.

The connecting portion 50 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 shown in FIG. 3-5, is located on the proximal portion 43 of the indicated video endoscopic distal nozzle 2. In this embodiment, the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2 is made in the form of a substantially cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis of symmetry L1 and contains two linear rows 13, 14 located on its surface electrical contact elements. In other embodiments, the connecting portion 50 may have a cross-sectional shape other than round, such as oval, rectangular, trapezoidal, and other suitable shapes. The contact elements of the nozzle 2 are arranged in two rows 13 and 14 on printed circuit boards arranged essentially along the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2 at an angle of 5 degrees to the specified axis and are mirrored relative to the specified axis, so that the contact elements in each row approach the longitudinal axis of the nozzle in the proximal direction of the nozzle, i.e. each subsequent in the proximal direction of the nozzle direction of the contact element is offset from the previous contact element in the radial direction inward of the connecting part 50.

The location of the contact elements in a row means that the line connecting the centers of the contact elements and, accordingly, their contact surfaces, forms a straight or curved line. In this embodiment, the connecting part 50 and the tubular part 16 of the distal nozzle 2 are aligned, so that their longitudinal axes L0 and L1 coincide. However, in the General case, the longitudinal axis L0 of the tubular part 16 and the longitudinal axis L1 of its connecting part 50 may not coincide, in particular, they can be parallel or at an angle to each other.

In other embodiments of the invention, the contact elements of the nozzle 2 may be arranged along a curved line, for example, along a helical line. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2 may have more than two rows of electrical contact elements arranged offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the connecting part 50 with substantially the same angle of inclination of said rows of contact elements to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 2 In yet another embodiment, a series or rows of contact elements may be arranged on a single circuit board in a straight and / or curve, in particular a helix. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the contact elements may be further located on the end surface of the proximal end 41 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2.

Contact elements that are responsive to contact elements of the connecting part of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 are located in the receiving element of the tubular part of the handle 1 and will be described in detail below.

In an alternative embodiment, in which the nozzle 2 has a receiving hole located on the connecting part 50 of the nozzle, and the control unit or handle 1 has a protruding receiving part, covered by the receiving hole of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle, printed circuit boards of rows 13, 14 of the contact elements of the nozzle and response contact elements of the control unit will have the opposite location. That is, the printed circuit boards on the nozzles 2, on which two rows 13, 14 of contact elements are located, will be inclined to the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the distal nozzle 2 with the contact elements moving away from the specified axis in the direction of the proximal end of the nozzle 2, t. e. their radial displacement, i.e. the radial distance between the contact surfaces of the contact elements of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 located in rows 13, 14 of the contact elements and the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 will increase as they approach along the longitudinal axis L1 to the proximal end 41 of the specified nozzle 2, i.e. each subsequent contact element will be offset relative to the previous contact element in a radial direction inward in the distal direction of the nozzle.

The contact elements of the nozzle 2 can be made by any known method, for example, in the form of contact pads etched on rigid or semi-rigid printed circuit boards, for example, round or rectangular in shape and subsequently coated with wear-resistant material.

The contact elements of the control unit, which are reciprocal contact elements for the contact elements of the nozzle 2, in one embodiment of the invention are spring-loaded contacts or pogo pin, the contact surface of which is a hemisphere or round surface with rounded corners with a diameter of about 1 mm ± 0.5 mm, their length in the free (not pressed) state is from 3 to 5 mm, and the maximum stroke of the rod between the not pressed and fully pressed state is from 0.1 to 0.6 mm. In one embodiment, the diameter of the spring-loaded contacts is from 0.8 to 1.2 mm. However, in other embodiments, the spring-loaded contacts may have a different design of elastic contacts. The use of spring-loaded contacts also ensures the density of the connection of the nozzle 2 and the handle 1 due to the elastic effect of a plurality of spring-loaded contacts, providing a clamping of the nozzle 2 in the receiving element of the handle 1.

In one embodiment, the width of the platform of the contact elements of the nozzle 2 along the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle corresponds to the projection size of the spring-loaded mating contact element (pogopine) of the handle 1. For example, if the pogopin has a diameter of 1.5 mm, then the width of the platform in the longitudinal direction the nozzle has a size of not more than 1.5 mm, and its length, measured in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, is determined by the permissible dimensions of the connecting part of the nozzle 2 and can be from 1.5 to 5 mm. The step size between the contact elements is determined by the diameter of the pogopin and the minimum required distance between them and can be from 0.1 to 2 mm. For example, if the diameter of the pogopin is 1.5 mm and the distance between adjacent pogopins is 0.1 mm, the step of the contact elements, i.e. the distance between the centers of adjacent contact elements of the nozzle 2 and the handle 1 will be 1.6 mm

The contact elements of the nozzle 2 are placed on the printed circuit boards, and are also electrically connected to the outputs of the video sensor and LEDs located in the video head 17 of the removable distal video endoscopic nozzle 2. In one embodiment, we implement an embodiment of the printed circuit boards on which the rows of 13 and 14 contact elements of the removable video endoscopic distal nozzles 2 are located at an angle to the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the video endoscopic distal nozzles 2 with their approach to the specified axis in the direction and the proximal end of the nozzle and have an angle of inclination formed between the line passing through the centers of the contact surfaces of the contact elements and the longitudinal axis of the connecting part of the distal nozzle 2, which in the general case is greater than 0 and less than 90 degrees. In other words, the radial distance between the contact surfaces of the contact elements of the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 located in two rows 13 and 14 of contact elements and the longitudinal axis of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 is constantly decreasing as the contact elements approach the proximal end of the nozzle, i.e. each subsequent in the proximal direction of the nozzle 2, the contact element is offset relative to the previous contact element in the radial direction inward. The resulting angle of inclination of the rows 13 and 14 of the contact elements to the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 is greater than 0 and less than 90 degrees. By monotonous or constant change, in particular a constant decrease or constant increase, in the context of the present application is understood a constant decrease or, accordingly, a constant increase in the corresponding value by any positive value, i.e. a change in one direction, while the specified change can be either uniform or uneven.

To ensure the compact size of the nozzle 2, in particular its connecting part 50, the angle of inclination of the rows 13, 14 of contact elements to the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2 is from more than 0 to about 45 degrees, in one embodiment, it is from more than 0 to about 30 degrees, more in one embodiment, a value from more than 0 to about 20 degrees, and most in one embodiment, a value from more than 0 to 10 degrees. If it is necessary to further increase the number of electric pairs of the contact elements of the nozzle 2 and the control unit, the angle of inclination of the rows 13, 14 of contact elements in a practical embodiment may be from 0.5 to 5 degrees. According to other implementation examples, the angle of inclination can be selected from the following intervals: from 5 to 15 degrees, from 10 to 15, from 10 to 20 degrees, from 5 to 25, from 10 to 35, from 15 to 35, from 20 to 40 , 25 to 45 degrees.

The proposed technical solution allows you to place from 1 to 40 or more contact elements with a diameter of the connecting part from 10 to 15 mm.

Thus, in the removable distal nozzle of the present invention, each of the contact elements arranged in rows 13, 14 is offset relative to the adjacent contact element in the longitudinal, in particular proximal, direction of the nozzle 2, while the radial distance between one of the two adjacent contact elements, located in the longitudinal direction closer to the proximal end 41 of the nozzle 2, and the longitudinal axis L0, L1 of the specified nozzle 2 is less than the radial distance between the other of the two adjacent contact elements and the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 2. In other words, the radial distance between the contact elements and the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 2 is constantly decreasing towards the proximal end 41 of the nozzle, i.e. when these contact elements approach each of the rows 13, 14 of contact elements to the proximal end 41 of said nozzle 2, so that each subsequent contact element in the proximal direction of nozzle 2 is offset inward from the previous contact element in a radial direction.

In particular, the contact elements in the rows 13, 14 of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2 are arranged so that the longitudinal axis of the rows 13, 14 of contact elements coincide with the generators of the straight circular cone, the axis of which coincides with the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2, and its the vertex is located proximally relative to the indicated row of contact elements. Moreover, the solid angles at the vertices of the cones constructed for each of the rows 13, 14 of the contact elements do not have to be equal, and the vertices do not have to match. Thus, linear displacement of different rows of contact elements along the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2 is allowed, and the inclination of one row of contact elements relative to the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2 may not be equal to the inclination of another row of contact elements.

As seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, due to the inclination of the rows 13, 14 of contact elements to the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2, the radial distance between their contact surfaces is constant, and in this case evenly, decreases in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle 2. That is, when these contact elements approach to the proximal end 41 of the nozzle 2, the radial distance between the line passing through the centers of their contact surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2 to the specified axis is uniformly reduced. In this case, in this embodiment, the contact elements located in the rows 13, 14 of contact elements in FIG. 1 are farthest from the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2. 5 to the left are placed at a distance from the specified axis of approximately 4-5 mm, and the contact elements closest to it, located in rows 13, 14 of FIG. 5 to the right are placed at a distance of about 1-2 mm from the indicated axis. Moreover, the angle of inclination of the rows 13, 14 of the contact elements to the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2 in this embodiment is from 5 to 15 degrees. At small angles of inclination of the printed circuit boards of the contact elements, it is possible to arrange in a row a sufficiently large number of contact elements without significantly increasing the dimensions of the nozzle 2, i.e. ensuring its compactness even in the case of placement on the nozzle 2 and handle 1 of a significant number of contact elements.

Due to the arrangement of the contact elements of the nozzle 2 of the present invention, a compact embodiment of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2 is provided, the diameter of which in this case is equal to essentially twice the radial distance of the farthest contact element from the longitudinal axis L1 of the nozzle 2, which in this embodiment is 8-12 mm , the length of the connecting part is 15-30 mm, which also provides a compact size of the receiving part of the handle 1, covering the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2, including It reduces the diameter of the distal part of the handle 1, ensuring its high ergonomics, which is important, for example, for endoscopic endoscopes, as well as the ease and convenience of controlling the nozzle 2 during the diagnosis with one hand of the doctor holding the handle 1. The indicated diameter and length of the connecting part 50 nozzles 2 make it possible to produce removable distal nozzles that have the required minimum diameter of the tubular part of the nozzle introduced into the patient’s body, as well as the compact dimensions of the connecting part, n heavy weight, low cost, simple and easy to use, provides easy connection and disconnection of the nozzle 2 from the handle 1, and thus provide a reliable transmission of the desired number of electrical and data signals between the nozzle 2 and the handle 1, a diagnostic medical device. Moreover, the distal nozzle according to the invention can be made removable and disposable, which eliminates the need for sterilization before each use and increases the hygiene of diagnosis. In addition, in the case of a nozzle in the form of a combination of essentially rotation bodies or axisymmetric bodies having a common longitudinal axis of symmetry, the attachment of the nozzle 2 and its detachment from the handle 1 is as intuitive as possible, simple and reliable along the longitudinal axis of the tubular part 16 of the nozzle 2 and can carried out, including, with one hand of a doctor holding the handle 1 of a medical diagnostic device without the risk of damage to the nozzle due to the occurrence of external torques.

In one embodiment of the invention, the handle 1 also contains fixation means (see FIG. 5), which are a mechanism 5 for fixing the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 in the handle 1, and a mechanical button 7 for removing the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 (see FIG. 2). In one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism 5 of the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 comprises a spring-loaded latch comprising a latch protrusion 404 and a latch spring 405. In one embodiment of the invention, the fixing means of the handle 1 are configured to interact with the fixing means of the removable distal nozzle 2, which is a recess 403 located at the proximal end of the connecting part 50 of the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2. When connecting the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 to the handle 1 the spring-loaded latch is aligned with the recess 403. Then, under the action of the latch spring 405, the latch protrusion 404 enters the recess 403 at the proximal end of the joint the body part 50 of the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and, thus, fixes the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 in the position inserted into the handle 1, preventing its axial movement and ensuring reliable contact of the pairs of electrical contact elements of the nozzle 2 and the handle 1 when the doctor conducts video endoscopic examinations .

In one embodiment of the invention, a spring-loaded mechanical push button 7 (see FIG. 2) used as a nozzle extraction means 2 is located at the proximal end 39 of the handle 1 and is connected to a rod 406, the other end of which is connected to the spring-loaded latch of the locking mechanism 5 . The mechanical button 7 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 is located in a place convenient for pressing it with one of the fingers of the hand holding the specified video endoscopic distal nozzle 2. When the mechanical button 7 is pressed by the user holding the handle 1, it deflects the tab 404 of the latch from the fixing nozzle 2 through the rod 406 position, thereby releasing the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 for its removal from the handle 1. Alternatively, the extraction means can be made in the form of a rotary growl ha, sliding element, etc. In an alternative embodiment, the latch and the recess of the fixation means of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and the handle 1 can be interchanged.

Additionally, the handle 1 may have a pressure spring loaded when the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 is inserted into the handle 1 and contributing to the ejection of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 when it is released from the handle 1 using the extraction means. Thus, it is possible to replace the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 with one hand holding the handle 1, including in the "hot swap" mode, i.e. without disconnecting the power supply voltage of the distal nozzle 2 from the side of the control unit or handle 1 of the diagnostic tool. Thus, the second free hand of the doctor can be used for other manipulations.

The dimensions of the opening 400 of the handle 1 and the connecting part 50 of the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 are such that it is possible to insert the connecting part 50 of the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 into the opening 400 of the handle 1 with a minimum clearance between the outer surface of the connecting part 50 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and the inner surface holes 400 of the handle 1. Thus, the directional introduction of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 into the control unit with providing a substantially equal gap between each of the contact elements of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and the corresponding response contact element of the control unit, in particular the handle 1, when inserting a removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 into the handle 1.

In one embodiment of the invention, the contact group 4 of the handle 1 shown in FIG. 6, is located in the opening 400 of the receiving part located at the distal end of the tubular part of the handle 1. The opening of the receiving part of the handle 1 in the embodiment of the invention is made in the form of a cylindrical hole or a hole having the shape of a truncated cone, essentially complementary in shape to the geometric shape of the connecting part 50 nozzles 2 and having a longitudinal axis L2. In one embodiment of the invention, the contact group 4 comprises two rows of 9 and 10 spring-loaded contact elements symmetrically located along the longitudinal axis L2 of the tubular part of the handle 1 and configured to connect with two rows of 13 contact elements of the connecting part of the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 when insert it into the handle 1.

In the present embodiment, the contact elements of the nozzle 2 are located on two printed circuit boards located in opposite directions and containing rows of 13, 14 contacts, each consisting of twelve contact elements, respectively, arranged in a row in a straight line passing obliquely relative to the longitudinal direction of the distal nozzles 2. The specified arrangement of the rows 13, 14 of the contact elements can also be characterized as an offset of one row relative to another row by 180 radii in the circumferential direction of the connecting part of the nozzle 2. The number of reciprocal contact elements of each of the rows 9, 10 of the handle 1 coincides with the number of contact elements of the corresponding rows 13, 14 of the nozzle 2. Thus, in the indicated embodiment, the nozzle 2 and the receiving part of the handle 1 contain 24 contact elements.

Each of the rows 9 and 10 of spring-loaded contact elements contains a printed circuit board 11 and twelve spring-loaded contact elements 12 located on it, located on the printed circuit board 11 and having an electrical connection with it. In this case, the printed circuit boards 11 are inclined to the longitudinal axis L2 of the receiving part of the tubular part of the handle 1 with a distance from the specified axis in the direction of the distal end of the tubular part, so that the radial distance between the contact surfaces of the spring-loaded contact elements 12 and the longitudinal axis L2 of the tubular part of the handle 1 increases in the distal direction of the handle 1.

Thus, each subsequent of the contact elements located in rows 9, 10 is offset relative to the reciprocal contact element of the receiving part of the handle 1 adjacent to it in the longitudinal direction both in the longitudinal direction of the handle 1 and in the radial direction inward, so that the radial distance between one of two adjacent reciprocal contact elements located in the longitudinal direction closer to the distal end 38 of the handle 1, and the longitudinal axis L2 of the receiving part of the tubular part of the handle 1 is larger than the radial race standing between the other of the two adjacent mating contact elements and the longitudinal axis L2 of the receiving part. In other words, the radial distance between the mating contact elements and the longitudinal axis of the receiving part is constantly increasing in the distal direction of the handle 1, i.e. when approaching the mating contact elements to the distal end 38 of the handle 1.

Each printed circuit board 11 of the handle 1 is electrically connected by means of a flexible ribbon cable (not shown) with the electronic unit 8 (see Fig. 2) of the handle 1. The total number of contact contact elements 12 is determined during the engineering implementation of the invention and mainly depends on the type of output interface , resolution and / or maximum bit depth of the data bus of the video sensors used in the video endoscopic distal nozzles 2, as well as additional electrical elements located on the functional head, such as LEDs, etc. The most advanced models of modern video endoscopic distal nozzles produce a video signal with a resolution of 13 megapixels, and budget versions with a resolution of 0.3 megapixels, while the miniature versions of the OV6211 sensors have a resolution of 400 × 400 pixels. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, when using the OmniVision video sensor OV7699, the total number of contact elements 12 in contact group 4 is 16 (14 for the video sensor and 2 for powering the LEDs), and when using the Ov5670 video sensor, 44 (42 contacts for the video sensor and 2 pins for powering the LEDs).

In general, the minimum number of contact elements of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and the handle 1, i.e. their total minimum number of contact pairs is equal to two, with which it is possible to supply power, for example, to a light source in the case of using a removable distal nozzle 2 for diaphanoscopy. The maximum number of contact pairs that can be implemented on the connecting part of the nozzle of the present invention is virtually unlimited. In practice, as noted above, the total number of contact pairs is determined by the resolution of the sensor, the type of its interface and the presence of additional functional elements. Obviously, in practical implementation, the sensor with the maximum number of contacts is taken into account, which, together with the required number of additional contacts on the lighting elements and additional elements, determines the required number of contact pairs of the nozzle 2 and the handle 1.

The number of rows 9 and 10 of the contact elements 12 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 6. In other embodiments of the invention, the contact group 4 may contain one or more rows of contact elements 12 arranged in a row at an angle to the longitudinal axis L2 of the tubular part of the handle 1, comprising a value greater than 0 and less than 90 degrees. In this case, double rows of contact elements, i.e. contact elements located on one printed circuit board in two predominantly parallel rows.

For example, if it is necessary to place 40 contact elements on the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and handle 1, they can be placed on two printed circuit boards in single rows of 20 contacts each, or in double rows on each of two printed circuit boards with 10 contacts in each row .

In one embodiment, the number of printed circuit boards of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 corresponds to the number of printed circuit boards of the handle 1, and the inclination of the printed circuit boards of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 corresponds to the inclination of the printed circuit boards of the handle 1. Thus, when connecting the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 to the handle 1 by inserting the specified video endoscopic the distal nozzle 2 into the hole 400 of the receiving part of the control unit, each of the contact surfaces of the rows 13, 14 of contact elements p the printed circuit boards of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 comes into contact with the corresponding spring-loaded contact element 12 of the contact group 4 of the handle 1. The contact elements 12 of the contact group 4 of the handle 1 are arranged in a line corresponding to the shape of the line of contact elements of the printed circuit boards of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2. In other words, the radial distance between the contact surfaces of the contact elements of the handle 1 and the longitudinal axis of the tubular part of the handle 1 increases or decreases The distance between the contact surfaces of the contact elements of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and the longitudinal axis of the nozzle in the proximal direction of the nozzle 2. In other words, each subsequent contact element of the handle 1 in the distal direction of the receiving part offset relative to the previous contact element in the radial direction outward or inward, depending on whether inward or outward in the radial each subsequent contact element in the proximal direction of the nozzle is offset relative to the previous contact element of the nozzle 2.

The response contact elements 12 of the control unit shown in FIG. 6 are arranged in such a way that the axis of the rows of 11 reciprocal contact elements 12 in this embodiment also coincide with the generators of a straight circular cone, the axis of which coincides with the longitudinal axis of the receiving part of the control unit, and its vertex is located proximally relative to the number of reciprocal contact elements 12. In this case, the solid angles at the vertices of the cones constructed for each of the rows 13, 14 of contact elements and reciprocal contact elements 12 should be equal to ensure optimal electrical contact between I wait for all the corresponding contact elements of the nozzle 2 and the control unit.

If the contact elements of the nozzle 2 are arranged along a helical line, it can also pass along the surface of a circular cone, i.e. with a constant approach of each of the rows of contact elements to the axis of the nozzle 2 in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle 2. In this case, the response contact elements 12 of the control unit also pass along a helix, which is complementary to the helix of the rows 13, 14 of the contact elements of the nozzle 2.

In the case of the arrangement of rows of contact elements on the surface of an imaginary circular cone, in particular, in the case of coincidence of the rows of contacting contact elements with the generators of a straight circular cone, it is easy to attach the nozzle 2 to the control unit, ensuring reliable contacting of the contact elements of the nozzle 2 and the control unit. Using the interacting contact elements of the nozzle 2 and the handle 1 to the nozzle 2, control signals can be transmitted from the control unit to control the electronic components of the specified nozzle 2, in particular, the electronic components of the functional head, as well as information signals, for example, video signals received and generated by the video head 17 of the nozzle 2 between the nozzle 2 and the control unit, for example, for their subsequent transmission to the video display device 100 for visual display, the result in diagnostics.

Moreover, with small values of the solid angles of the circular cone, it is possible to arrange in a row a sufficiently large number of contact elements without significantly increasing the dimensions of the nozzle 2, in particular the diameter of the nozzle 2.

In addition, the placement of contact elements on the surface of the circular cone allows for the attachment of the nozzle 2 to the control unit of the medical diagnostic device, as well as disconnection from it by a simple linear movement (insert) of the nozzle 2 in the receiving part of the control unit due to the absence of undercuts, as well as to prevent stray circuit contact elements during insertion of nozzle 2, since in this case, when inserting nozzle 2 into the control unit, the corresponding contact elements of nozzle 2 and from the contact elements of the control unit move linearly towards each other in parallel lines along the longitudinal axes of the nozzle 2, as well as along the axis of the receiving part of the control unit, as shown below in FIG. 8. Thus, each of the contact elements of the nozzle 2 is closed only with the response contact element 12 of the control unit intended for it, and the possibility of their inadvertent contact with other response contact elements during insertion of the nozzle 2 into the control unit is excluded.

The linearity of the movement of the nozzle 2 when it is attached to the control unit with the simultaneous closure of all available pairs of contact elements necessary for transferring control actions from the control unit to the nozzle 2 to ensure control of the electronic components of the nozzle 2, allows its insertion into the control unit by a simple and linear operator movement , including with one hand, which allows you to free the second hand of the operator for other manipulations. In addition, if the contact element of the nozzle 2 used to supply power to the nozzle 2 is made shorter than the rest of the contact elements, as will be described in more detail below, it may be possible to “hot swap” the nozzle, i.e. replacing one diagnostic distal nozzle with another without disconnecting the power supply from the control unit of the diagnostic tool.

In this case, the technical result is achieved by placing the top of the circular cone on either side of the rows 13, 14 of contact elements, since the principle is the inclination of the rows 13, 14 of the contact elements of the nozzle 2 relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 2, i.e. the displacement of each subsequent in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle 2 of the contact element relative to the previous contact element in the radial direction inward.

In FIG. 7 shows a video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and a handle 1 in a connected state according to one embodiment of the invention. Each of the contact elements of the two rows 9 and 10 of the distal part of the handle 1 is connected to the corresponding contact element of the rows 13, 14 of the contact elements of the printed circuit boards of the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2. The inclined position of the contact elements allows, firstly, to increase the number of contact elements with a smaller outer diameter video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 compared with the location of the contact group perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the video endoscopic distal adki 2, secondly, avoids unwanted breakage of electrical connections and the spring loaded contact elements when connecting video endoscopic distal head 2 to the handle 1, comprising a parallel arrangement of rows 9 and 10 of the contact elements.

In one embodiment of the invention, the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 comprises guiding means comprising a protrusion 402 extending along the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 and configured to guide the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 when connected to a handle 1, in which response guiding means provided in the form of a response groove 401 interacting with the specified protrusion 402 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 so that the protrusion 402 of the connecting part of the nozzle goes into the response groove 401 of the handle when it is inserted into the handle 1. Due to the interaction of the groove 401 and the protrusion 402 when connecting the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 to the handle 1, the rows of contact elements of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and the handle 1 are uniquely oriented opposite each other, as well as compliance essentially equal clearance between the corresponding contact elements of the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and the contact elements of the handle 1 when attaching a video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 to the handle 1 to ensure uniform contact and closure of the contact elements of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and the handle 1 when inserting the connecting part 50 of the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 into the hole 400 of the handle 1. In one embodiment of the invention, the protrusion 401 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 is located between the rows 13 and 14 of the contact elements of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and extends along the entire length of the connecting part of the video endoscopic oh distal nozzle 2, and the opening 400 of the handle 1 comprises a groove 402 positioned on the inner surface of the opening 400 and extending on the connecting part of the nozzle length 2.

The guiding means of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and the response guiding means of the handle 1 in one embodiment of the invention can also be provided by performing at least part of the cross-section of the connecting part 50 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 complementary to at least part of the cross-section of the opening 400 of the receiving part of the handle 1, for example, in the form of a polygon or section of any other shape other than a circle that will uniquely determine the correct orientation of the nozzle 2 when it is inserted into the handle 1. In particular, these guide means can be implemented in the form of a flat 503 made on the circumferential surface of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2, as shown in FIG. 9, and a complementary in shape to the receiving part of the handle 1, providing the only possible angular orientation of the nozzle relative to the receiving part 400 when inserting the nozzle 2 into the handle 1.

The geometric dimensions, in particular, the length and angular position of the printed circuit boards, as well as the longitudinal displacement of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 until it is fixed by the handle latch 1, are selected according to the results of the experiments so that the spring of each contact element 12 of the handle 1 is compressed when connected and fixing the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 in the handle 1 to an extent sufficient for reliable electrical connection, compensation for possible backlashes and elimination of bounce stroke elements. As shown in FIG. 8, the indicated amount of preload, i.e. the amount of movement of the movable part of the spring-loaded response contact elements 12 along the axis k0, k1 between their resting state to the state of spring-loaded contact with the contact elements of the nozzle 2 with the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 fully inserted, determined by the length of the segments B ₁₁ A ₂₁ , B ₁₀ A ₂₀ , is in a practical embodiment, the value is about 0.1-0.2 mm. It should be noted that the amount of preload of each of the response contact elements directly affects the amount of force required to install the nozzle in the handle, which in turn also depends on the angle of the contact elements relative to the axis of the connecting part of the nozzle. With an increase in the angle of inclination, the magnitude of the effort for installing the nozzle in the handle increases for a given amount of compression of the reciprocal contact elements.

In addition, the size of the contact surfaces and the order of switching of the power and signal lines are chosen so as to ensure the connection of the power lines, i.e. power supply lines to the video endoscopic distal nozzle, last but not least, i.e. after connecting all the signal lines, which provides the ability to "hot swap" one nozzle for another without powering down the control unit of the diagnostic tool. For this, the contact surfaces of the contact elements of the power supply lines on the printed circuit boards of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 are shortened in comparison with the contact surfaces of the remaining contact elements, in particular, the contact elements of the signal lines.

When connecting a removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 to the handle 1, the contact elements of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 move along the longitudinal axes L0, L1 of the tubular part 16 and the connecting part 50 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and, accordingly, the longitudinal axis L2 of the receiving part of the handle 1 towards the contact elements 12 of the handle 1. at time T ₁ (see. FIG. 8) all of the contact elements 450 'nozzle 2 except proximal contact elements 451', simultaneously come into contact with the holes tnym contact elements 12 of the handle 1 at points B ₁₁ to ensure the closure of signal lines for transmitting information signals. Due to the shortened contact surface of the power contact elements 451 'of the power of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2, the power contact elements 451' of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 will come into contact with the power contact elements 451 'of the handle 1 only after all the information contact elements 450' come into contact video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 with all the response information contact elements 450 of the handle 1. That is no power will be supplied to the nozzle 2 until the point B _{10 of the} proximal mating contact elements 12 of the handle 1 touches the proximal contact elements 451 'of the nozzle 2, while at the indicated moment of touching the point B _{11 the} other mating contact elements 12 of the handle 1 will already be in reliable contact with other contact elements 450 'nozzles 2.

The connection at time T ₁ is unreliable due to possible tolerances in the manufacture of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and the handle 1. With further axial movement of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and the handle 1, the spring-loaded contact elements are pressed by a value of B ₁₀ A ₂₀ , while the connection point contact elements moves along the contact surface along the segment B ₂₀ A ₂₀ . At time T ₂ , which characterizes the operational state of the connection of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and the handle 1, in which the nozzle 2 is fixed in the handle 1 by the fixing mechanism 5, the amount of preload of the spring-loaded contact elements 12 is greater than the possible irregularities, which ensures a reliable electrical connection.

Thus, the shortened contact surface of the power spring-loaded contact elements 451 ′ and 451 provides a power supply with some delay after connecting all the information contact elements 450 ′ and 450, which allows you to remove the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and attach it to the handle 1 without disconnecting the power supply to the control unit medical diagnostic device.

In the case of using spring-loaded reciprocal contact elements in the receiving part of the handle 1, depending on the working size of the stroke of the rod or the amount of preload of the spring-loaded contact elements 12 along the axis k0, k1 between the unloaded state and the contact state with the contact elements of the nozzle 2, corresponding to the value of the segment B ₁₁ - A ₂₁ in FIG. 8, as well as the step size of the contact elements, the size and shape of their contact surfaces, the minimum angle α of inclination between the line passing through the centers of the contact surfaces of the contact elements and the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 can be calculated, in which undesirable contacts of contact elements not intended for contacting each other when inserting nozzle 2 into the control unit. Reducing the size of the contact surfaces of the contact elements of the nozzle 2 and the diameter of the contact elements of the control unit, as well as increasing the accuracy of the manufacture of the contact elements of the nozzle 2 and the control unit will help to reduce the specified minimum angle and the inclination of the contact elements to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 2, further reduce the size and increase the compactness of the nozzle 2.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 shown in FIG. 9, contains an uncontrolled insertion part designed for manipulation in the patient’s body, made in the form of a tubular part 501 located on the distal portion 42 of the nozzle 2 and containing a protective window 500 at its distal end, a protective cap 45 and a connecting part 50 containing a connecting housing 502 parts, two printed circuit boards 504 and 514 (not shown), with contact elements 450 ', located on the proximal portion of the housing 502. The housing of the connecting part is made in the form of a substantially axisymmetric body having rodolnuyu axis L1 and a horizontal symmetry plane.

As shown in more detail in FIG. 10, the contact elements 450 'of the detachable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 are located on two printed circuit boards 504, 514 located opposite to each other symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 and at an angle to the indicated axis L1 so that the plane of the printed circuit boards 504 , 514 intersect the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2 at one point located on the proximal extension of the axis L1 (to the right of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2 shown in Fig. 9). Each of these printed circuit boards 504, 514 contains two parallel rows of contact elements 450 ', and each of the rows consists of ten contact elements arranged in a straight line and passes obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2, corresponding the inclination of the printed circuit boards 504, 514 relative to the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50. Thus, the radial distance between the contact elements 450 'and the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2 is constant decreases in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle 2, i.e. each subsequent in the proximal direction of the nozzle 2, the contact element is offset relative to the previous contact element in the radial direction inward. The longitudinal direction of the nozzle 2 in this case coincides with the longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50.

The total number of contact elements located on the connecting part 50 of the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 in this embodiment is 40. The contact elements of the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 are configured to contact the mating contact elements 510, 515 of the control unit or handle 1 located therein printed circuit boards 509, 516. Moreover, the surfaces of the extreme contact elements 451 'on the printed circuit boards 509, 516 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2, which are used for supplying power lines through them, they are shortened in comparison with the contact surfaces of the remaining contact elements that are used to transmit signals. Due to this, as explained above, when inserting the nozzle 2 into the handle 1, power can be supplied to the electronic components of the nozzle 2 after connecting (closing) all the contact pairs of the signal lines and, thus, it can be possible to "hot" replace one distal nozzles 2 to another.

In one embodiment of the invention, the housing 502 of the connecting part 50 in its distal portion is made in the form of a circular cylinder with a longitudinal axis L1 of the connecting part 50, on the circumferential surface of which the flat 503 is made, and the cross section of the receiving part of the handle 1 is made complementary in shape to the cross section of the distal end the connecting part 50 at the location of the flat 503, which is designed to provide a unique angular orientation of the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 when it is inserted into the handle 1. On the proximal section of the housing 502 of the connecting part 50, a cavity 505 is also formed, extending from the end surface of the proximal end of the housing 502 into the housing 502 along its parallel axis L1 or parallel to it and designed to accommodate the protrusion 512 of the spring-loaded latch of the handle 1, intended for fixing the distal nozzle 2 when it is attached to the handle 1.

To this end, in a housing 502, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity 505, in one embodiment, there is a cylindrical locking element 511 designed to engage the protrusion 512 of the spring-loaded latch of the handle 1. The element 511 is offset in the perpendicular direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the cavity 505 so that the protrusion 512 of the latch in a state rotated relative to the working position, it is made with the possibility of unimpeded movement along the longitudinal axis of the cavity 505, thus providing the possibility of extraction removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 from the handle 1. Removing the nozzle 2 from the handle 1 is carried out by actuating the extraction means (not shown) located on the handle 1, in order to transmit in a known manner a mechanical action on the protrusion 512 of the latch for its deviation from the working (fixing ) the position and release, therefore, of the nozzle 2 for its removal from the handle 1.

The shape and dimensions of the protrusion 512 of the latch of the handle 1 and the fixing element 511 of the nozzle 2 are selected such that, in the state of fixation of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2 in the receiving hole of the handle 1, reliable contact between the contact elements 450 of the nozzle 2 and the mating contact elements 510, 515 of the handle 1 sec providing the necessary amount of preload B ₁₁ -A _{21 of the} rods of the spring-loaded contact elements 12, as shown in FIG. 8.

The housing 502 of the connecting portion 50 comprises a functional head comprising an optical electronic module 506, which is electrically connected through a flexible ribbon cable 507 to a printed circuit board 508 containing electronic components necessary for the optical electronic module 506 to function correctly, and through flexible ribbon cables 513 connected to printed circuit boards 504 and 514. The functional head also contains radiation sources 520 located in close proximity to the optoelectronic module 506 and intended for uu optical radiation used to illuminate the study area. The opto-electronic module 506 of the functional head is designed to receive optical radiation or a signal reflected from the object under investigation, convert it and form a high-resolution video signal on its basis, as well as transmitting the specified high-resolution video signal to the video signal display device 100 of the medical diagnostic device.

In addition, elements of a two-channel optical system of a removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2, shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12.

The first channel of the optical system of the distal nozzle 2 is a lighting channel, which is a fiber 521 and designed to transmit light of a certain part or parts of the visible spectrum, and for some types of endoscopic examinations, also to transmit infrared and / or ultraviolet radiation from radiation sources 520 located in the housing 502 of the connecting part 50 of the nozzle 2, to the protective window 500 located at the distal end of the tubular part 501 of the nozzle 2, for illuminating the studied area through it . The protective window can be a flat element that does not refract light radiation, and there it can also be an optical lens. The spectral composition of the radiation transmitted through the first channel depends on the specifics of the endoscopic examination. At the proximal end of the first channel there is a printed circuit board 519 with radiation sources 520 located on it, in particular light, which is electrically connected to a printed circuit board 508 on which electronic components, such as LED drivers, are necessary for the operation of radiation sources 520. As light sources in one embodiment, LEDs are used. The light is transmitted from the radiation sources 520 to the distal end of the tubular part 501 through the optical fiber 521, which, in one embodiment, uses an optical fiber or a light guide. For optical matching (docking) of radiation sources 520 and fiber 521, a matching optical element (connector) 518 is used, for example, focusing gradients are used. The number and type of optical fibers 521, radiation sources 520 and connectors 518, as well as their physical parameters, is determined at the stage of engineering implementation of the invention and depends on the specifics of endoscopic examination, for which a removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 is intended.

The second channel of the optical system of the distal nozzle 2 is an optical information channel 517 and is designed to transmit light reflected by the examined object through a protective window 500 located at the distal end of the tubular part 501, from the protective window 500 to the light radiation receiver and the optoelectronic module 506, housed in the housing 502. The technical implementation of the optical information channel is known and determined mainly by the diameter and length of the tubular part 501 and can be carried out, for example, using the use of lens (wrapping) systems, gradient rod lenses, also called gradans, GRIN lenses, a single-core fiber, a fiber guide with regular fiber splicing, or a combination of the above components, or in another way known at the time of the invention.

At the distal end (lens) of the information channel 517 and the lighting channel, consisting of optical fibers 521, in one embodiment, lens elements, gradient optical elements and / or prisms are placed that convert the light reflected from the studied region to provide the necessary viewing angles and directions. In one embodiment, the protective window 500 itself can perform the function of the lens, which can be made of any light transmission, in particular polymeric material.

Due to the location of the functional head in the housing 502 of the connecting part 50, which has a significantly larger diameter than the diameter of the tubular part 501 of the distal nozzle 2, it is possible to place higher power sources or different spectral composition and an optoelectronic module with a lens system and a photosensitive in the indicated connecting part Larger-diameter matrices for receiving and transmitting high-resolution images, in particular equal to or greater than 4K, allowing for mapping study area with a resolution of 4096 × 3072 pixels and higher.

When the functional head with the optoelectronic module is placed directly on the distal end of the tubular part 501 of the distal nozzle 2, for example, in the embodiment of the nozzle 2 shown in FIG. 3, the diameter of the lenses placed in it is limited by its diameter, which is determined by the anatomical features of the examined region of the patient’s body, and which for some studies should not exceed 2 mm. In contrast, the diameter of the connecting part can have a value of from 10 to 20 mm, in one embodiment, from 10 to 15 mm, which makes it possible to accommodate larger power sources and a larger diameter photosensitive matrix in said connecting part.

In FIG. 13 depicts a controllable removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 of the present invention, which, in contrast to the above-described embodiments, has a control module 21 located on it, allowing the creation of controlling mechanical influences to control the geometric shape, in particular, the bending of the controlled section 20 of the tubular portion 16 of the nozzle.

In this embodiment, the controllable removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 is made in the form of a combination of essentially cylindrical bodies of various diameters and degrees of rigidity and a connecting part 50 configured to detachably connect the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 to the video endoscope handle 1 and having a common longitudinal axis of symmetry L3.

In one embodiment of the invention, the controllable removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 comprises a connecting part 50 located on the proximal portion 43 of said video endoscopic distal nozzle 2, an uncontrolled tubular portion made in the form of a rigid tubular portion 16 located on the distal portion 42 of the nozzle 2, controlled flexible a distal portion 20 located at the distal end of the tubular portion 16, a functional head representing a video head 17, and a manipulator or mode only 21 control removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2, connected to the tubular part 16 and the connecting part, and configured to control the controlled portion 20. The tubular part 16 can be made as rigid, for example, metal, and elastic, for example, silicone rubber . The connecting part comprises a printed circuit board 13 with contact elements disposed thereon for connecting to the response contact elements of the video endoscope handle 1 and described in more detail above with respect to the embodiments of the removable nozzle 2 shown in FIG. 1-12.

In one embodiment of the controllable removable distal nozzle of the medical diagnostic device of the present invention, the video endoscopic distal nozzle control module 21 shown in FIG. 14, comprises a housing containing a control member 24 and a control mechanism located inside the housing, wherein said control mechanism is configured to mechanically impact the controlled portion 20 to change the geometric shape of the controlled portion 20 by transmitting mechanical stress from the control 24 to the specified mechanism management. The control body 24 in this embodiment has a substantially cylindrical shape with longitudinal recesses located on its peripheral surface, which facilitate the capture and rotation of the operator control body 24 when controlling the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2. In other embodiments, the control body 24 may have a shape other than cylindrical , for example, may have a polygon shape in cross section, providing ease of rotation of the operator control body 24 when controlling the geometric shape of adjustable section 20 video endoscopic distal nozzle 2.

The control module 21 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 is mechanically connected to the controlled section 20 so that when its body or controls rotate, the controlled section 20 of the tubular part 16 changes its geometric shape, i.e. bends in one plane in one direction or another, depending on the direction of rotation of the cylindrical control 24. The maximum bending angle and the direction of bending of the controlled section 20 is determined by the specifics of medical examinations, which are carried out using a video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 of this type.

In one embodiment of the invention, the housing of the control mechanism of the control module 21 of the removable controlled video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 comprises a distal wall 22 of the housing of the module 21 of the control of the distal nozzle, the proximal wall 23 of the housing of the module 21 of the control of the distal nozzle 2, the bend control rod 204, 205 of the controlled section 20, drum 25 for rods, a stationary guide 27 for rods, a mechanism for fixing the shape of the controlled section 20, containing a spring 28, the first rotary friction element 29, the second rotation ny friction element 30 and a stationary friction element 31, the key 32 for transmitting the rotation of the cylindrical body 24 controls the drum 25, the key 33 for transmitting the linear movement of the cylindrical body 24 to control the first rotary friction element 29 fixing portion 20 forms managed.

The distal wall 22 and the proximal wall 23 are fixedly mounted on the proximal extension of the tubular part 16. The connecting part 50 is adjacent to the proximal wall 23 and fixedly attached thereto, designed to connect the removable guided video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 to the control unit or handle of the medical diagnostic device. Thus, the tubular portion 16, the distal wall 22 and the proximal wall 23 form an integral rigid body. Between the distal wall 22 and the proximal wall 23 there is a hollow cylindrical control 24, which is made with the possibility of rotation around the longitudinal axis L3 of the controlled video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and movement along this axis. A first rotary friction element 29 is rigidly connected to the cylindrical control body 24 via a key 33, which simultaneously with the cylindrical control 24 can rotate around the longitudinal axis L3 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and move axially along the proximal extension of the tubular part 16. In the first rotary friction element 29 has through cuts through which rods 204, 205 pass from a controlled section 20 to a drum 25 rotatably rotated around the axial axis L3 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2. The size of the cuts is selected so that during its rotation the first rotary friction element 29 does not interfere with the movement of the rods 204, 205. In particular, the rods 204, 205 are located with a gap relative to the inner surface of the cutouts of the first rotary friction element 29. From the distal side, the second rotary friction element 30 is fixedly attached to the first rotary friction element 29 so that if the user does not hold the cylindrical control 24, then the second rotary friction element 30 under the action of the spring 28 is pressed against the stationary friction element 31, which is fixedly mounted on the distal wall 22. In the second rotary friction element 30 and the stationary friction element 31, through cutouts (not shown) are made for rods 204, 205. Thus Thus, the cylindrical control 24, the key 33, the first rotary friction element 29 and the second rotary friction element 30 are rigidly connected, perform simultaneous movement and rotation, and are under compressive force ruzyne 28. When finding the cylindrical body 24 to control the free state, i.e., in the absence of control by the user, due to friction between the second rotary friction element 30 and the stationary friction element 31, these elements prevent rotation of the cylindrical control 24 about its longitudinal axis.

Through the key 32, the rotation of the cylindrical control body 24 is transmitted to the drum 25, on which the proximal ends of the two rods 204, 205 are fixed. When the drum 25 is rotated, one of the rods is wound on the surface of the drum, and the second, respectively, is wound, i.e. freed up. When the direction of rotation of the drum 25 changes, the direction of movement of both rods 204, 205 also changes. Due to the grooves in the cylindrical control body 24, the movement of the cylindrical control body 24 along its axis is not transmitted to the drum 25. The presence of the drum provides a linear relationship between the angle of rotation and the magnitude of the movement of the rods 204, 205.

The user controls the shape or bend of the controlled portion 20 of the removable guided video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 as follows: first, he moves the cylindrical control 24 in the proximal direction of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2, bringing the second rotary friction element 30 out of contact with the stationary friction element 31. Then, holding the cylindrical control body 24 in a displaced state, it rotates the cylindrical control body 24, while the rotation p is transmitted through the key 32 to the drum 25, and the rods 204, 205 are driven. After reaching the required position, i.e. bending the controlled portion 20 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 to the desired angle in the desired direction, the user releases the cylindrical control member 24, and under the action of the spring 28, it moves in the distal direction, while the second rotary friction element 30 comes into contact with the stationary friction element 31, preventing unwanted rotation of the cylindrical control body 24 due to the tension of the rods 204, 205, caused by the elastic forces of the controlled section 20.

In one embodiment, the controllable removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 may include an RFID tag and the necessary electronic components (not shown) for RF identification, such as an NFC antenna, which are located on the tubular portion 16 under the distal wall 22 similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. . four.

In another embodiment, the control mechanism of the control module of the removable guided video endoscopic distal nozzle shown in FIG. 15, comprises a distal wall 22 of the housing of the distal nozzle control module, a proximal wall 23 of the housing of the distal nozzle control module, a cylindrical hollow member 134 with two threaded portions with left and right threads, a cylindrical nut 135 with a protrusion (not shown) and a right thread, a cylindrical nut 136 with a protrusion 139 and a left-hand thread, a disk 138 for transmitting rotation from a cylindrical control member 24 to a cylindrical hollow member 134, a key 137 connecting a cylindrical control 24 to a disc 138, two rods, one of which it is indicated by 140, and the second rod, symmetrical to the rod 140 and located on the opposite side of the cylindrical hollow element 134, is not displayed, the fixed cylindrical element 141 with cutouts for the protrusions of the nuts 135 and 136 serving as guides, and the fixed guide disk 142 with holes for rods.

The distal wall 22 and the proximal wall 23 are fixedly mounted on the proximal extension of the tubular part 16. A connecting part 50 adjacent to the proximal wall 23 is adjacent and fixedly attached thereto, located on the proximal section 43 of the controlled video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and containing a printed circuit board with contact elements. Thus, the tubular portion 16, the distal wall 22 and the proximal wall 23 form an integral rigid body. Between the distal wall 22 and the proximal wall 23 there is a hollow cylindrical control body 24, which is made with the possibility of rotation around its longitudinal axis. On the continuation of the tubular part 16 in the proximal direction coaxially with it is placed a cylindrical hollow element 134 with two threaded sections with left and right threads. The cylindrical hollow element 134 is configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis L3 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2. A disk 138 is rigidly attached to the cylindrical hollow element 134, which is rigidly connected to the cylindrical control body 24 via a key 137.

Thus, the cylindrical control body 24, the disk 138 and the threaded cylindrical hollow element 134 form a rigidly connected composite body and can rotate at the same time.

On the threaded portions of the cylindrical hollow element 134, nuts 136 and 135 are placed with left and right threads, respectively. The nuts 135 and 136 have rectangular protrusions protruding into the cutouts of the stationary cylindrical element 141. Thus, the rotation of the cylindrical hollow element 134 leads to the movement of the nuts 135 and 136, which are prevented from turning by the corresponding protrusions, and the cylindrical element 141 in the axial direction. The proximal ends of the rod 140 and its symmetrical rod located on the opposite side of the cylindrical hollow element 134 are attached to the protrusions of the nuts 136 and 135. Through the holes in the fixed guide disk 142, the links are connected to the controlled section 20.

The user controls the controlled area 20 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 as follows: first, he rotates the cylindrical control 24. Simultaneously with the rotation of the cylindrical control body 24, the cylindrical hollow element 134 rotates, and the nuts 135 and 136 move in the axial direction, which leads to the tension of one of the rods and the weakening of the other. Changing the direction of rotation of the cylindrical control body 24 changes the direction of movement of the rods to the opposite.

The length of the threaded part of the cylindrical hollow element 134 determines the amplitude of movement of the controlled section 20, and the thread pitch determines the sensitivity of the control of the controlled section 20. In addition, the thread pitch is selected so as to ensure irreversibility, i.e. the impossibility of the reverse rotation of the cylindrical hollow element 134 under the action of the elastic forces of the controlled section 20.

In one embodiment, the controllable portion 20 of the removable controllable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 shown in FIG. 16, comprises a fastener 203, a first rod 204, a second rod 205, a stiffener 206, a flexible ribbon cable 207 extending to the video head, a cylindrical body 208, and a tubular sheath 209.

On the distal part of the controlled portion 20 of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 is a video head 17 of the functional head. In one embodiment of the invention, the video head 17 comprises a protective window 201, a housing 200 of the video head 17, and an optoelectronic module 202 comprising a video sensor and other electronic components, such as lighting LEDs and optical elements. The composition and arrangement of the elements of the optoelectronic module is determined at the stage of engineering implementation of the invention.

The cylindrical body 208 is made monolithic of an elastic material, such as silicone rubber. The longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body 208 coincides with the longitudinal axis of the controlled portion 20. To the distal end of the cylindrical body 208, made flat, is adjacent a rigid essentially cylindrical fastening element 203, in which a groove is made for the passage of conductive elements, such as wires or a flexible printed circuit board, from a flexible cable 207 to the optoelectronic module 202 of the functional head.

Attached to the fastener 203 are the distal ends of the rods 204 and 205 and the distal end of the stiffener 206. Thus, the fastener 203 with its proximal end adjoins the distal flat end of the cylindrical body 208 and mechanically connects the rods 204, 205 and the stiffener 206. The proximal ends of the rods 204 and 205 are connected to the drum 25 of the control module 21. Rods 204 and 205 are located in the bend plane of the controllable portion 20.

A flexible ribbon cable 207 provides power to the optoelectronic module 202 and provides information exchange, for example, the exchange of information and / or control signals between the electronic unit and the optoelectronic module 202. The proximal end of the flexible ribbon cable 207 is connected to the contact elements of the PCB of the video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 or, if necessary, with a printed circuit board with additional electronic components (not shown). The free proximal end of the stiffener is located in the connection zone of the tubular part 16 and the controlled section 20.

Rods 204 and 205 are placed as close as possible to the outer surface of the cylindrical body 208, in which longitudinal recesses (not shown) of an appropriate size are made for their placement.

The flexible ribbon cable 207 is bent in a spiral around a cylindrical body 208 along its longitudinal axis and placed on its outer surface so that the flexible ribbon cable 207 holds the rods 204 and 205 in the longitudinal recesses of the cylindrical body 208, but does not prevent their longitudinal movement. Thus, the walls of the longitudinal recesses of the cylindrical body 208, in which the rods 204 and 205 and the flexible ribbon cable 207 are placed, limit the lateral movement of the rods, but do not interfere with their longitudinal movement, thus forming guides for the longitudinal movement of the rods 204, 205.

On the outside of the cylindrical body 208 with a flexible ribbon cable placed on it is a tubular elastic sheath 209, which is hermetically connected to the body 200 of the video head and the tubular part 16.

In FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a controlled portion without a cylindrical body, a tubular shell, and a video head housing 17, and FIG. 18A, 18B are a perspective view of a controlled portion without a cylindrical body, a tubular sheath, a flexible ribbon cable and a video head 17, which depicts a fastener 203 with distal ends of the rods 204 and 205 attached to it and a distal end of a stiffener 206 surrounded by a flexible ribbon cable 207 .

In one embodiment of the invention, the rods 204 and 205 are made of soft material, for example a polymer thread, so that when the controlled section 20 is bent, only one rod deforms it, and the second is in a free state.

In one embodiment of the invention, the tubular sheath 209 does not have a rigid connection with the cylindrical body 208 and the flexible ribbon cable 207. Thus, when the controlled portion 20 is bent, the tubular sheath 209 can stretch and contract.

In one embodiment of the invention, the tubular shell 209 is fixedly connected to the cylindrical body 208 and the flexible ribbon cable 207, for example by means of adhesive compositions or during the manufacture of elastic elements of the controlled portion 20, such as the tubular shell 209 and the cylindrical body 208, in the form of one monolithic body, for example during their simultaneous manufacture, for example, casting from silicone.

The preferred method of connecting the cylindrical body 208 and the tubular shell 209 is determined by the diameter and length of the desired controlled section 20, the properties of the materials from which they are made, for example, their rigidity, compressibility and tension, and is selected when implementing the invention.

Management of the controlled area 20 of the removable controlled video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 is as follows. To bend the controlled section 20, the user with the help of a cylindrical control body 24 moves one of the rods, "loaded" in the longitudinal direction, reducing its working length. The second thrust “free” is freed, and its length increases. As a result of reducing the length of the “loaded” rod through the fastener 203, a compression force acts on one side of the cylindrical body 208, which leads to its deformation (bending) in the direction of the “loaded” rod. If the "free" thrust is made of hard material, depending on the embodiment of the invention, then one of the sides of the cylindrical body 208 is additionally affected by tensile force. Rotating the cylindrical control 24 in different directions, the user selects the direction and bending value of the controlled section 20.

When the cylindrical body 208 is bent, the “loaded” rod tends to go beyond the surface of the controlled section 20, taking a position in a straight line connecting the distal and proximal ends of the controlled section 20, which can lead to a violation of the integrity of the tubular shell and failure of the endoscope. This is prevented by a spiral flexible ribbon cable 207 located on the outer surface of the cylindrical body 208, restricting the movement of the rods in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L3 of the distal nozzle.

To prevent deviation of the curved controllable portion 20 not in the control plane, a stiffening rib 206 is used, which is a plate of elastic material for which the torsion resistance force is significantly higher than the bending resistance force.

Despite the fact that the removable video endoscopic distal nozzle 2 and the medical diagnostic device of the present invention have been described using an example of a video endoscope with a removable nozzle containing a video head, the present invention can also be used for various types of medical diagnostic devices, for example, a diaphanoscope, devices for fluorescence endoscopy , ultrasound endoscopy, 3D endoscopy, laser endoscopic surgery and high-frequency surgery.

In the case of application for high-frequency surgery, the functional head of the distal nozzle may contain an electrode of an electrosurgical instrument. In one embodiment, the functional head may comprise a video sensor and an electrode of an electrosurgical instrument to provide visual endoscopic control during surgery.

When used for laser endoscopic surgery, the functional head may comprise a laser source.

If ultrasonic endoscopy is used for the device, the functional head of the distal nozzle may contain an ultrasonic emitter.

In the case of application for various special video endoscopic examinations, such as, for example, IR video endoscopy, fluorescence diagnostics or narrow-spectrum endoscopy (Narrow Band Imaging, NBI), the functional head of the distal nozzle 2 may contain in various combinations sources of infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation and / or radiation of blue, green and / or other colors. The composition of the radiation sources is determined by the realized distal nozzle 2 by the method of endoscopic diagnosis.

In the case of application for diaphanoscopy, the functional head of the distal nozzle 2 may contain only a visible light source.

In the case of application for a 3d video endoscope, the functional head of the distal nozzle may contain two video sensors.

In the present description, the invention has been described by way of example implementations, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. For a specialist it is obvious that changes and modifications of the claimed subject matter of inventions are possible without going beyond the scope and scope of the present invention, which is determined by the attached claims. As noted above, the removable distal nozzle, the control unit and the medical diagnostic device of the present invention, as well as the method of using such a device can be successfully used in various fields, such as diaphanoscopy, fluorescence endoscopy, ultrasound endoscopy, laser endoscopic surgery, 3d- endoscopy and high-frequency surgery.

In particular, the present invention can be used to create medical diagnostic systems, which include one handle or control unit and several removable disposable distal nozzles with the same or different characteristics, such as controllability, stiffness and geometric dimensions of the part of the distal nozzle introduced into the body cavity , the presence of controls for the distal end, resolution and viewing angle of the video sensor, etc.

Claims (53)

1. A removable distal nozzle for a medical endoscopic device for diagnostic and / or surgical procedures, containing the tubular portion located in the distal portion of the nozzle, functional head a connecting part located on the proximal section of the nozzle and configured to detachably connect the nozzle to the control unit of the medical endoscopic device, moreover, the connecting part contains at least one row of two or more electrical contact elements made with the possibility of contact with the mating contact elements of the control unit when attaching the nozzle to the control unit, each subsequent towards the end of the connecting part of the nozzle, the contact element of each row is offset relative to the previous contact element of the specified row in the radial direction inward of the connecting part. 2. The nozzle according to claim 1, in which the connecting part is made in the form of a body, the covering surface of which is in the form of a cylinder, cone, pyramid, or a combination thereof, having an axis or plane of symmetry. 3. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein said row or rows are inclined to the longitudinal axis of the connecting part. 4. The nozzle according to claim 1, in which the connecting part of the nozzle has a housing, and the functional head is located inside the housing and contains at least one light source and an optoelectronic module. 5. The nozzle according to claim 4, in which the tubular part of the nozzle contains a protective window located at its distal end, and at least two optical channels, one of which is configured to transmit light radiation from the specified at least one light source to the specified protective window for illuminating the studied region through it, and the second optical channel is adapted to transmit light radiation reflected from the studied region, transmitted through the specified protective window, from the specified deleterious window to the optoelectronic module. 6. The nozzle according to claim 1, in which the connecting part of the nozzle has a housing, and the functional head is located inside the specified housing and contains an optoelectronic module, and the tubular part of the nozzle contains a protective window and at least one light source to illuminate the studied area, located at the distal end of the tubular part of the nozzle, and at least one optical channel made with the possibility of transmitting light reflected from the studied area, transmitted through the specified protective window, from the specified protective window to the optoelectronic module. 7. The nozzle according to claim 1, in which the tubular part and the connecting part are made in the form of axisymmetric bodies having a common longitudinal axis of symmetry. 8. The nozzle according to claim 7, in which the line connecting the centers of the contact surfaces of the contact elements of each of these rows is inclined to a common longitudinal axis of symmetry of the connecting part. 9. The nozzle according to claim 3 or 8, in which the angle of inclination of the specified row or rows is selected from the following intervals: from 0.05 to 89.5 degrees, from 0.5 to 45 degrees, from 5 to 10 degrees, from 7 to 15 degrees, 10 to 15 degrees, 10 to 20 degrees, 5 to 25 degrees, 10 to 35 degrees, 15 to 35 degrees, 20 to 40 degrees, 25 to 45 degrees. 10. The nozzle according to claim 9, in which the radial distance between the contact surfaces of each of the rows of contact elements and the longitudinal axis of the connecting part is constantly reduced as the contact elements approach the end of the connecting part of the nozzle. 11. The nozzle according to claim 10, in which the contact elements of the nozzle are located in a straight line, a curved line, a zigzag line, a spiral line, a helix. 12. The nozzle according to one of paragraphs. 1-11, in which the contact elements are configured to supply through them power and / or transmit information signals between the functional head and the control unit. 13. The nozzle according to claim 10, in which two or more rows of contact elements are arranged on the connecting part offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the connecting part. 14. Nozzle according to any one of paragraphs. 1-13, which further comprises electrical contact elements located on the end surface of the proximal end of the connecting part. 15. The nozzle according to claim 1, in which the connecting part contains from 1 to 50 or more, from 2 to 40, from 2 to 12, from 4 to 28, from 10 to 20, from 16 to 24, from 20 to 40 contact elements. 16. The nozzle according to claim 1, which also contains guide means defining the orientation of the nozzle, providing essentially equal clearance between the contact elements of the connecting part of the nozzle and the corresponding contact elements of the receiving part of the control unit when inserting the nozzle into the control unit. 17. The nozzle according to claim 1, which also contains a radio frequency identification tag for identifying the removable distal nozzle when it is connected to the control unit. 18. The nozzle according to claim 1, which also contains a locking element for detachably fixing the nozzle in the control unit when it interacts with the fixing means located in the specified control unit, and the fixing element is configured to release the nozzle from the control unit when the extraction means is actuated located on the control unit. 19. The nozzle according to claim 1, in which the functional head contains electronic components, which are at least one of the following: a video head, an ultrasonic radiation source, an ultraviolet radiation source, an infrared radiation source, a visible light source, a laser radiation source, an electrode, an LED to illuminate the examination site. 20. The nozzle according to claim 12, in which at least one of the contact elements provides power to the nozzle, said at least one contact element having a shorter length than the remaining contact elements. 21. The control unit for a removable distal nozzle of a medical endoscopic device for diagnostic and / or surgical procedures, containing the receiving part for attaching a removable distal nozzle to the control unit, an electronic unit for controlling the electronic components of the distal nozzle and at least one row of two or more electrical contact elements located on the specified receiving part and made with the possibility of contact with the reciprocal contact elements of the removable distal nozzle when it is connected to the control unit, and each subsequent in the direction to the end of the receiving part of the contact element of each row is offset relative to the previous contact element of the specified row in the radial direction outside the receiving part. 22. The control unit according to p. 21, in which the receiving part is made in the form of a hole or cavity having a longitudinal axis of symmetry. 23. The control unit according to claim 21, in which the line connecting the centers of the contact elements of each of these rows is located at an angle to the axis of symmetry of the receiving part. 24. The control unit according to claim 23, in which the angle of inclination of the specified row or rows is selected from the following intervals: from 0.05 to 89.5 degrees, from 0.5 to 45 degrees, from 5 to 10 degrees, from 7 to 15 degrees, 10 to 15 degrees, 10 to 20 degrees, 5 to 25 degrees, 10 to 35 degrees, 15 to 35 degrees, 20 to 40 degrees, 25 to 45 degrees. 25. The control unit according to claim 22, in which the radial distance between the contact surfaces of each of the rows of contact elements and the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the receiving part is constantly increasing as the contact elements approach the end of the receiving part. 26. The control unit according to claim 21, in which the contact elements are located in a straight line, along a curved line, a zigzag line, a helical line, a spiral line. 27. The control unit according to claim 21, wherein the contact elements are configured to supply power and / or transmit information signals through them between the control unit and a removable distal nozzle. 28. The control unit according to p. 27, in which the receiving part contains from 2 to 40 or more, preferably from 4 to 12, from 10 to 20, from 16 to 24, from 20 to 40 contact elements. 29. The control unit according to claim 21, in which two or more rows of contact elements are located on the receiving part, arranged offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the receiving part and configured to contact the respective rows of nozzle contact elements. 30. The control unit according to p. 21, which further comprises electrical contact elements made with the possibility of interaction with the end contact elements of the nozzle. 31. The control unit according to p. 21, which also contains guide means, which, when inserting the nozzle into the control unit, unambiguous orientation of the nozzle relative to the receiving part, providing essentially equal clearance between the contact elements of the connecting part of the nozzle and the corresponding contact elements of the receiving part of the control block. 32. The control unit according to one of paragraphs. 21-31, in which the contact elements are made in the form of spring-loaded contact elements, the height of which in the free state is greater than in the state of contact with the contact elements of the nozzle after it is connected to the control unit. 33. The control unit according to p. 21, which also contains fixing means configured to interact with fixing means located on the removable distal nozzle for fixing the removable distal nozzle in the control unit after it is attached, the fixing means of the control unit being made with the possibility of release a removable distal nozzle by actuating the extraction means located on the control unit. 34. The control unit according to p. 32, in which the extraction means is made in the form of a push button. 35. The control unit according to p. 21, which contains a handle for its capture by the operator when manipulating the nozzle. 36. Medical endoscopic device for diagnostic and / or surgical procedures, containing a control unit according to any one of paragraphs. 21-35 and removable distal nozzle according to any one of paragraphs. 1-20. 37. The device according to p. 36, which further comprises a display device configured to connect to the specified control unit to display an image perceived by a removable distal nozzle. 38. A method of using a medical endoscopic device for diagnostic and / or surgical procedures according to one of claims. 36, 37, according to which - attach a removable distal nozzle according to any one of paragraphs. 1-20 to the control unit according to one of paragraphs. 21-35; - supply power from the control unit to a removable distal nozzle; - introduce a removable distal nozzle into the examined area of the patient's body; - carry out diagnostic and / or surgical procedures determined by the type of attached removable distal nozzle.

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