DE102008045632A1 - Cystosope capsule, for urological examination/therapeutic applications, has a sterile and bio-compatible housing containing a sensor unit and a permanent magnet - Google Patents

Abstract

The capsule (1) for a cystoscope has a housing (2), which is sterile and bio-compatible. It contains at least one sensor unit (8) to register medical specific data with a transmitter (9,10) to an external receiver and/or at least one therapeutical unit e.g. a laser and a permanent magnet (4). The magnet axis (5) is at right angles or parallel to the longitudinal axis (3) of the housing. The sensor unit has and optical sensor (7) and a lens (6). A light system (11,12) gives an optical light beam for use as a pH sensor, an electrolyte value or pressure sensor.

Description

The Bladder, in humans in the lower abdomen just behind the symphysis (Pubic symphysis) lies, consists of a muscle layer and is with mucous membrane lined. The kidney via the ureter (ureter) incoming urine is first stored in the urinary bladder. The average capacity is about 500 ml, with the man already at about 150 to 300 ml urinary urgency felt. The emptying of the bubble takes place via the urethra (urethra).

The urologist's examination of the urinary bladder is a common urological diagnostic measure. The examination can be a cystoscopy (endoscopic examination urinary bladder, cystoscopy) or urethrocystoscopy (endoscopic Examination of the urethra and urinary bladder). In both endoscopic examinations, smaller ones can also be used Intervention with miniaturized instruments are made. These include z. The removal of foreign bodies, Stones and tumors.

A Cystoscopy or urethrocystoscopy is performed when the causes of hematuria (blood in the urine) need to be clarified or suspected a tumor or bladder stone or other foreign body exists in the bladder. Also in emptying disorders and in recurrent urinary tract infections, a cystoscopy is performed. Furthermore, it serves for the follow-up of bladder tumor surgery.

The Cystoscope either includes a rigid shaft (rigid cystoscope) or a flexible shaft (flexible cystoscope), being rigid Cystoscopes have an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 8 mm (for adults) and flexible cystoscopes have an outer diameter of about 3 mm to about 5 mm.

The rigid cystoscope is essentially a multi-part metal instrument. It consists of an outer shaft, an obturator, a working device and an optic. The obturator is an insertion aid that prevents injury to the urethra and, after the shaft is inserted through the urethra into the bladder, is withdrawn from the shaft remaining in the urethra. A rigid cystoscope is z. B. in the DE 38 24 297 C2 described.

The flexible cystoscope is a one-piece instrument with a flexible shaft and a controllable highly flexible tip. At the top is a lens, which is connected via glass fibers with the eyepiece. A flexible cystoscope is z. B. in the US 6,994,667 B2 disclosed.

The Examination with a flexible cystoscope can be done over the Bladder also affects the upper urinary tract and renal pelvis be applied. For this, the instrument is going through urethra, bladder and ureter advanced to the renal pelvis.

If the cystoscope has reached the bladder, the optics are adjusted that a panoramic view is possible and the examining Doctor can assess the condition of the bladder in all its areas. Due to the long urethra of the man (about 20 to 25 cm) is usually a cystoscopy with a flexible cystoscope carried out. This is more comfortable for the patient, moreover Flexible cystoscopy leads to less discomfort after graduation the investigation. If a flush of the bladder and a Aspiration of the bladder contents are required, however, in the Rule of examination with a rigid cystoscope of preference given. It may be one in the patient Local anesthesia or possibly even one To perform general anesthesia.

at Women are much shorter compared to men Urethra (about 3 to 5 cm) usually a problem-free introduction a rigid cystoscope possible.

The Examination of the urethra and bladder can also be done under sterile conditions Working conditions germs into the normally germ-free Bladder and thus a urethral or bladder infection cause. The bladder and possibly also the kidneys are however, against contamination and bacterial infections very sensitive, because - as opposed to the gastrointestinal tract (Gastrointestinal tract) - no colonization with benign germs is available.

Farther By using the cystoscope, the mucous membrane in the urethra can or be injured in the bladder. In addition to a perforation of the urethra or the bladder can also cause minor injuries to the mucosa arise. The scar formation following an injury can be, for example, the Narrow the urethra and cause urination problems. Multiple, short-spaced cystoscopies or urethrocystoscopy can in male Patients have abacterial prostatitis (inflammation the prostate, in which no pathogens are detectable) lead.

task The present invention is therefore a miniaturized Medical device to create a low-pain urological examination with a lower risk for allows the patient.

The object is achieved by a cystoscope capsule according to claim 1 solved. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of further claims.

at The cystoscope capsule according to claim 1 is miniaturized medical device with one sterile and biocompatible housing in which at least a sensor device for acquiring medically relevant data and / or at least one therapy device for administering a Therapy means are arranged.

The Cystoscope capsule according to the invention required - in Unlike a "classic" cystoscope - no flexible or rigid shaft for controlling, for example, the sensor device, the therapy device, the biopsy device and / or the puncture device. This will increase the risk of cystoscopy (cystoscopy) during the examination and / or during treatment to channel the ureter into the germ-free bladder, significantly reduced.

About that In addition, through the use of the invention Cystoscope capsule the required diagnosis or therapy over a much longer period, for example, over several days, to be extended. Long-term investigations are thus easily possible.

By The cystoscope capsule according to claim 1 thus arise, both in diagnostics as well as in therapy, significantly more options and much better options.

in the The scope of the invention are manifold advantageous embodiments the cystoscope capsule possible.

is a permanent magnet is arranged in the housing of the cystoscope capsule, then the cystoscope capsule is through an externally generated magnetic field navigable and can be used to perform fast rotations and thus a flow and / or an infrasound in the Produce urinary fluid. The permanent magnet can, for example, as Bar magnet be formed. However, within the scope of the invention Other forms of the permanent magnet possible.

Of the Permanent magnet can with its magnetic axis (magnetic axis between the two magnetic poles), for example, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the Housing be arranged. Other orientations of the Magnetic axis to the longitudinal axis of the housing are in Frame advantageous embodiments of the invention Cystoscope capsule possible.

at the cystoscope capsule according to the invention must their center of gravity and their geometric center are not necessarily coincide.

So lies in a preferred embodiment of the invention Cystoscope capsule The center of gravity of the cystoscope capsule in the geometric center the cystoscope capsule. The orientation of the cystoscope capsule in the Bladder fluid is purely random. Sometime the sensor device of the cystoscope capsule has detected everything (eg. As optical).

According to one further advantageous embodiment of the invention Cystoscope capsule is the center of gravity of the cystoscope capsule outside the geometric center of the cystoscope capsule. In this case the cystoscope capsule takes a "vertical" position in the bladder fluid a, d. H. an orientation determined by gravity is.

The For example, a cystoscope capsule can be used with a video camera and / or be equipped with an energy storage. According to one further advantageous embodiment of the invention Cystoscope capsule can video camera with a radio transmitter and / or be equipped a radio receiver. This makes it possible Images and other medically relevant data to an external evaluation device to send and control commands for an optional Send existing therapy device to the cystoscope capsule.

is the cystoscope capsule is equipped with a lighting device, which can be realized for example with light-emitting diodes, the field of view, which is defined essentially by the optical axis, pulsed or continuously lit. The lighting can, if the cystoscope capsule has a receiving device, from the outside be regulated or controlled.

According to one The first alternative of the cystoscope capsule is emitted by the illumination device optical radiation along an optical axis from the housing from, wherein the optical axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of Housing runs. Additionally or alternatively occurs the detected by the sensor device reflected optical Radiation along an optical axis into the housing, wherein the optical axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing runs.

A second alternative of the cystoscope capsule is characterized in that the optical radiation emitted by the illumination device emerges from the housing along an optical axis, the optical axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing. In this embodiment, the orientation of the optical axis and thus the direction of the emitted optical radiation, which defines the field of view, magnetically determinable and fixable. An arbitrary rotation of the cystoscope capsule about its optical axis, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing, has no influence on the field of view. Additionally or alternatively, the reflected optical radiation detected by the sensor device enters the housing along an optical axis, the optical axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

For The extraction of color information, it is advantageous if the Lighting device emits light in the visible spectral range and externally controllable. From the obtained color information is, for example, a clouding of the bubble liquid recognizable.

In In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the cystoscope capsule more than one light source and the light sources can be individually be controlled. In this way, the video camera of the cystoscope capsule in the same place of the same field of view pictures with lighting from different Record directions. Areas that are at a light source appear relatively dark and relative to another light source bright, mean that here 3D structures are not complete be imaged. These areas are marked and allowed in the image to recognize areas that are viewing from another View angles require a complete visual assessment to be able to make. This makes it possible, successively to create a 3D record of the inner wall of the urinary bladder. The cystoscope capsule can be semi-automatic or automatic be guided. This allows the surfaces the bladder inside completely scanned and in an internal capsule storage unit be stored or via a transmitting device to a capsule-external storage unit are transmitted.

Around entry or introduction of the cystoscope capsule in To facilitate the bladder, the cystoscope capsule advantageously Make an ellipsoid-shaped housing.

is The cystoscope capsule equipped with a laser, can be a punctual Heating tissue be made.

By the possible possible welding of tissue Bleeding breastfed and vessels partially or completely be closed.

According to others advantageous embodiments can in the housing the cystoscope capsule at least one biopsy device and / or at least one puncture device and / or at least one sample container for the collection of removed tissue and / or for arranged the intake of removed urine be.

in the Within the scope of the invention, the cystoscope capsule may alternatively or additionally be equipped with other microsurgical tools. Examples for this are coakulator, knife, sample tongs, inflatable Balloons, clips and the like.

at the medically relevant data acquired by the sensor device it can be, for example, pH values, temperatures or electrical Conductivities act. The sensor device can also comprise a position sensor or an acceleration sensor.

In Advantageously, the density of the cystoscope capsule agrees with the Density of the bubble liquid match, in In another embodiment, the volume of the cystoscope capsule changeable by changing the housing shape is. This allows the cystoscope capsule in a simple way in the bladder fluid sink or rise.

The Invention and further advantageous embodiments are hereinafter with reference to three schematically illustrated embodiments explained in detail in the drawing, but without limited to the illustrated embodiments to be. Show it:

1 a first embodiment of a cystoscope capsule according to the invention,

2 A second embodiment of a cystoscope capsule according to the invention,

3 A third embodiment of a cystoscope capsule according to the invention.

An in 1 illustrated cystoscope capsule 1 includes a housing 2 in which colinear to the longitudinal axis 3 a rod-shaped permanent magnet 4 (Bar magnet) is arranged. The permanent magnet 4 So it's with its magnetic axis 5 (magnetic axis between the two magnetic poles) parallel to the longitudinal axis 3 of the housing 2 arranged.

The cystoscope capsule 1 is due to the permanent magnet 4 navigable through an externally generated magnetic field. In the context of the invention, other forms of permanent magnet 4 and other arrangements of the permanent magnet 4 in the case 2 possible. Other orientations of the magnetic axis 5 to the longitudinal axis 3 of the housing 2 are within the scope of advantageous embodiments of the cystoscope capsule according to the invention 1 possible.

To the entrance or the introduction of the Zys toskopkapsel 1 into the bladder (in the 1 to 3 not shown), is the housing 2 the cystoscope capsule 1 formed in an ellipsoidal shape.

One from an optical lens 6 and a CMOS chip 7 existing optical sensor device 8th (Video camera) records pictures using an RF transmitter 9 and an antenna 10 be transmitted to the outside. Over radio, thus over the same antenna 10 , other sensor devices, therapy devices, biopsy devices and microsurgical tools and the like can be controlled. The antenna 10 in this case serves both as a transmitting antenna and as a receiving antenna. Examples of further sensor devices as well as therapy devices and sampling devices are described as advantageous embodiments in the further claims.

For clarity, in 1 only two LEDs 11 and 12 as further parts of the optical sensor device 8th shown. The light-emitting diodes 11 and 12 , which form a lighting device, are (relative to the longitudinal axis 3 ) axially after the CMOS chip 7 and laterally to the CMOS chip 7 arranged. By this arrangement of the LEDs 11 and 12 one obtains an illumination of an area in front of the optical lens 6 and on both sides of the optical lens 6 ,

A further embodiment of the cystoscope capsule according to the invention 1 is in 2 shown. Also in this case includes the cystoscope capsule 1 an ellipsoid-shaped housing 2 in which a rod-shaped permanent magnet 4 (Bar magnet) is arranged. The permanent magnet 4 However, in this Ausgestal device is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3 So with his magnetic axis 5 (magnetic axis between the two magnetic poles) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3 of the housing 2 arranged.

Furthermore, in the housing 2 in turn, an optical sensor device 8th (Video camera), which also consists of an optical lens 6 and a CMOS chip 7 consists. The of the optical sensor device 8th taken pictures are using an RF transmitter 9 and an antenna 10 transmitted to the outside.

Two LEDs 11 and 12 , which in turn form a lighting device, are (relative to the longitudinal axis 3 ) on the same side of the case 2 arranged.

The of the lighting device (light emitting diodes 11 and 12 ) emitted optical radiation occurs along an optical axis 13 out of the case 2 out, with the optical axis 13 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3 of the housing 2 runs. In this embodiment, the orientation of the optical axis 13 and thus the direction of the emitted optical radiation, which defines the field of view, magnetically determinable and fixable. An arbitrary rotation of the cystoscope capsule 1 around its optical axis 13 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3 of the housing 2 runs, does not affect the field of view.

Furthermore, that of the optical sensor device occurs 8th detected reflected optical radiation along the optical axis 13 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3 of the housing 2 runs, into the housing 2 one. Because the optical axis 13 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3 of the housing 2 runs, must be in the housing 2 entering optical radiation reflected from the wall of the urinary bladder and / or from the bladder fluid through an optical mirror 14 , which is also part of the optical sensor device 8th is, in the direction of the optical lens 6 be redirected.

A third embodiment of the cystoscope capsule according to the invention 1 is in 3 shown. Also in this case includes the cystoscope capsule 1 an ellipsoid-shaped housing 2 in which a rod-shaped permanent magnet 4 (Bar magnet) is arranged. The permanent magnet 4 is also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in this embodiment 3 So with his magnetic axis 5 (magnetic axis between the two magnetic poles) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3 of the housing 2 arranged.

Furthermore, in the housing 2 in turn, an optical sensor device 8th (Video camera), which also consists of an optical lens 6 and a CMOS chip 7 consists. The of the optical sensor device 8th taken pictures are using an RF transmitter 9 and an antenna 10 transmitted to the outside.

Two LEDs 11 and 12 , which in turn form a lighting device, are on both sides of the longitudinal axis 3 of the housing 2 arranged.

In this embodiment of the cystoscope capsule according to the invention 1 are the focus 15 and the geometric center 16 Although both in the longitudinal axis 3 but do not coincide. Rather, the focus is 15 the cystoscope capsule 1 outside the geometric center 16 the cystoscope capsule 1 , This can for example be achieved by the heavy components of the cystoscope capsule 1 , such as B. the permanent magnet 4 and an energy store 17 in the case 2 are arranged accordingly. The energy storage 17 is for the sake of clarity only in the embodiment according to 3 shown.

Because of that, the focus 15 the cystoscope capsule 1 outside the geometric center 16 the cystoscope capsule lies, takes the cystoscope capsule 1 in the bubble liquid a "vertical" position, ie an orientation determined by gravity.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 3824297 C2 [0005]
• - US 6994667 B2 [0006]

Claims (32)

Cystoscope capsule with a sterile and biocompatible housing ( 2 ), in which at least one sensor device ( 8th ) are arranged for recording medically relevant data and / or at least one therapy device for administering a therapeutic agent. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that in the housing ( 2 ) a permanent magnet ( 4 ) is arranged. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the center of gravity ( 15 ) of the cystoscope capsule ( 1 ) in the geometric center ( 16 ) of the cystoscope capsule ( 1 ) lies. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the center of gravity ( 15 ) of the cystoscope capsule ( 1 ) outside the geometric center ( 16 ) of the cystoscope capsule ( 1 ) lies. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 2, characterized in that the permanent magnet ( 4 ) with its magnetic axis ( 5 ) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ( 3 ) of the housing ( 2 ) is arranged. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 2, characterized in that that the permanent magnet with its magnetic axis parallel to a Longitudinal axis of the housing is arranged. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor device ( 8th ) an optical sensor ( 7 ), an optical lens ( 6 ) and a lighting device ( 11 . 12 ) emitting optical radiation. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 7, characterized in that the sensor device ( 8th ) a mirror ( 14 ) for deflecting the optical radiation emitted by the illumination device and / or for deflecting the direction of the Sensorein ( 8th ) comprises reflected optical radiation to be detected. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 2, characterized in that the permanent magnet ( 4 ) between its two magnetic poles a magnetic axis ( 5 ) perpendicular to a longitudinal axis ( 3 ) of the housing ( 2 ) is arranged. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 7, characterized in that the illumination device ( 11 . 12 ) emitted optical radiation along an optical axis ( 13 ) out of the housing ( 2 ), wherein the optical axis ( 13 ) parallel to the longitudinal axis ( 3 ) of the housing ( 2 ) runs. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 7 or 10, characterized in that the sensor device ( 8th ) to be detected reflected optical radiation along an optical axis ( 13 ) in the housing ( 2 ), the optical axis ( 13 ) parallel to the longitudinal axis ( 3 ) of the housing ( 2 ) runs. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 7, characterized in that the illumination device ( 11 . 12 ) emitted optical radiation along an optical axis ( 13 ) out of the housing ( 2 ), wherein the optical axis ( 13 ) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ( 3 ) of the housing ( 2 ) runs. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 7 or 10, characterized in that the sensor device ( 8th ) to be detected reflected optical radiation along an optical axis ( 13 ) in the housing ( 2 ), the optical axis ( 13 ) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ( 3 ) of the housing ( 2 ) runs. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device comprises a pH sensor Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device comprises an electrolyte value sensor Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device comprises a pressure sensor. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device comprises gyroscope. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device comprises a temperature sensor. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device comprises an accelerometer. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device comprises a position sensor. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that in that the therapy device defines a release device Delivery of a therapeutic agent includes. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the therapy device comprises a laser. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that that arranged in the housing at least one biopsy device is. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that that arranged in the housing at least one puncture device is. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that that in the housing at least one sample container is arranged. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that that their density is with the density of the bubble liquid essentially coincides. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized by a transmitting device ( 9 . 10 ) for transmitting medically relevant data and / or by a receiving device for receiving external information and control commands. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that that the sensor device and / or the therapy device by at least one radio signal can be activated or triggered. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that that the sensor device and / or the therapy device by at least one external magnetic pulse can be activated or triggered is. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that that the sensor device and / or the therapy device after a definable time can be activated or triggered. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized that the sensor device and / or the therapy device of a processor unit can be activated or triggered. Cystoscope capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that that the medically relevant ones detected by the sensor device Data can be stored in at least one capsule-internal storage unit are.