JP2001137182A - Capsule endoscope for medical use - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope for home care by which deglutition is easy without sedation and operation to pull back oral capsule part reached to stomach is performed easily and without fail. SOLUTION: The outer shape of the base end of the capsule body 22 is formed as an outer shape variable part 22b which gradually changes its outer diameter continuously larger as it goes to the front end of the capsule 22 from the neighbor of the connection fixing part 22a to which a traction protective pipe 13 is connected. That is, the shape of the part between the oral capsule part 10 and the traction protective pipe 13 is constructed of at least a linear part and a variable part in which outer diameter gradually increases as it goes to the front end of the capsule 22 from the neighbor of the connection fixing part 22a free of catchy parts.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a medical capsule endoscope which is swallowed by a patient and sent into a living body to observe the esophagus and stomach and perform medical treatment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, by inserting a scope into a body cavity, a gastrointestinal tract such as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or large intestine, or a trachea such as a lung is observed, and a treatment tool inserted into a treatment tool channel as necessary. Endoscopes that can perform various types of treatments using a computer are used. In particular, an electronic endoscope using an electronic imaging device such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) can display an image on a monitor, and is widely used because an operator who operates the endoscope has less fatigue.

[0003] The endoscopy is generally performed in an operating room provided with a light source device for supplying illumination light and a camera control unit for processing image signals transmitted from an electronic endoscope. It was a target.

When an endoscope is inserted orally,
In general, after giving the subject a mouthpiece, and performing sedation such as sedation for patient pain relief,
The insertion part was pushed into the target site in the body cavity to perform observation and treatment.

On the other hand, for the purpose of diagnosing and treating patients with less pain, for example, swallowing a capsule incorporating a measuring device or a radio device, and adjusting the pH value in the body cavity during the passage through the stomach and intestines. In recent years, many medical capsule devices and the like for transmitting the drug outside the body or for directly administering a drug have been proposed.

[0006] As one of the medical capsule devices, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 224650/1990 discloses an ultrasonic vibrator, an ultrasonic driving means, an ultrasonic beam scanning means, and an ultrasonic reflected signal. , And a transmission means for converting it to an outside of the body.

[0007]

However, in the ultrasonic diagnostic medical capsule disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 224650/1990, a spherical capsule or the like in which an ultrasonic vibrator is provided is provided. Since a step is formed between the transmission unit and the connection part with the wired part through which the transmission means is inserted, when the oral capsule part reaching the stomach is pulled back, the oral capsule part is caught by the cardia and the examination time is reduced. However, there is a risk that the wire section will be unnecessarily loaded to prolong the length of the cable or to remove the oral capsule section, causing a problem in the transmission means.

[0008] In addition, there has been a demand for an endoscope that can be used not only for the purpose of reducing pain to patients but also for home visits and for elderly people and children.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, is easy to swallow without sedation, can reliably and easily pull back the oral capsule portion that has reached the stomach, and can be used for home examination. It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical capsule endoscope.

[0010]

According to the medical capsule endoscope of the present invention, at least one observation function means for performing visual observation is provided.
A small-diameter granular oral capsule portion, a traction member extending from one end portion of the oral capsule portion and drawing the oral capsule portion toward the hand side, and protection for protecting an electric cable connected to the observation function means. It also has a flexible traction protection tube smaller in diameter than the maximum outer diameter of the oral capsule, and the outer shape of a connecting portion connecting the traction protection tube and the oral capsule portion is from the oral capsule portion. The diameter changes substantially continuously toward the traction protection tube, and the changing surface is formed smoothly.

According to this configuration, when the operation of pulling back the oral capsule portion by pulling the traction protection tube, the outer shape of the connection portion between the oral capsule portion and the traction protection tube changes smoothly. The oral capsule portion can be smoothly moved without being caught by the cardia or the like.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 7 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a view showing a medical capsule endoscope of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an oral capsule part, a traction protection tube, and the like of the medical capsule endoscope. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the oral capsule unit, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the light emitting unit, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the light emitting unit, FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope system including a medical capsule endoscope, and FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the medical capsule endoscope.

As shown in FIG. 1, a medical capsule endoscope (hereinafter abbreviated as a capsule endoscope) 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called electronic endoscope, and constitutes an observation optical system 11 as an observation function means. Illumination white LED constituting the solid-state imaging device (hereinafter also referred to as CCD) 2 and illumination optical system 12
A substantially oval spherical oral capsule portion (hereinafter abbreviated as an oral capsule portion) 10 having a built-in 3 (hereinafter also referred to as an LED) 3;
A traction protection tube 13, which is a tubular member having a smaller outer diameter than that of the oral capsule portion 10, and is flexible and excellent in tensile strength, is provided at the proximal end of the traction protection tube 13. Gripper 14 and the gripper 1
And an electric cable 15 extending from an end of the cable 4 and having an electric connector 15a at a base end.

As shown in FIG. 2, the oral capsule portion 10 having a substantially elliptical sphere has a transparent cover portion 21 having a curved surface portion forming the distal end side, and is water-tightly connected and fixed to the base end side of the transparent cover portion 21. The distal end of the traction protection tube 13 is connected and fixed to a connection fixing portion 22a (see FIG. 3) formed at the base end of the capsule main body 22 so as to substantially coincide with the central axis. It has become so.

As shown in FIG. 3, the outer shape of the capsule body 22 at the base end is substantially smaller in the direction from the vicinity of the connection fixing portion 22a to which the traction protection tube 13 is connected to the tip of the capsule body 22. It is formed as an outer shape change portion 22b that changes continuously to a large diameter and smoothly. That is, the outer shape between the oral capsule part 10 and the traction protection tube 13 is at least the straight part and the connection fixing part 22a.
And a portion whose outer dimension continuously changes to a large diameter from the top to the tip end side of the capsule body 22, and has a shape without a catch portion. The fixing portion between the capsule body 22 and the traction protection tube 13 has a watertight structure.

The cross-sectional shape of the transparent cover portion 21 constituting the oral capsule portion 10 is a dome shape, and the connecting portion between this opening portion and the large-diameter opening portion of the capsule body 22 has a thick portion of the observation portion constituting member 30. The diameter part 31 is arranged also as a role of a reinforcing member.

The observation member 30 has a large-diameter portion 31 and a small-diameter portion 32. The cross-sectional shape is substantially convex, and a through hole 33 is formed in the center. At the base end of the through-hole 33, a CCD 2 constituting the observation optical system is disposed. In front of the CCD 2, for example, aspherical objective lenses 34, 34 for forming an observation image on a CCD imaging surface are provided. More than one are installed. By using these aspheric lenses 34, 34, the number of lenses can be reduced, so that the overall length of the capsule portion is shortened and swallowability is improved. A plurality of Ls are provided on the front side of the large diameter portion 31 so as to surround the small diameter portion 32 at equal intervals.
ED3,..., 3 are arranged.

The signal line 16 extending from the CCD 2 and the power line 17 extending from the LED 3 are connected to the capsule body 22, the traction protection tube 13 and the electric cable 1.
5, and extends to the electrical connector 15a.
The electric connector 15a is connected to an electric device including a CCD circuit for driving the CCD 2 and processing a signal output from the CCD 2, a light source circuit for supplying power to the LED 3, and the like. Has become.

As shown in FIG. 4, the LED 3
For example, the light emitting unit 40 is arranged on the bottom surface of a concave portion 42 formed in the case body 41 and is filled with a fluorescent agent 43 so as to fill the LED 3 in the concave portion 42. It is arranged on the diameter portion 31. The light emitting section 40 is formed so as to emit illumination light at an emission angle θ shown by a broken line. This makes it unnecessary to use a lens that has been used to widen the light emission angle by illumination with the conventional light guide fiber, shortens the overall length of the capsule portion, and improves swallowability.

Further, instead of forming the light emitting section 40 shown in FIG. 4, a case body 41a is formed in consideration of the arrangement positional relationship and the like as shown in FIG. A plurality of LEDs 3,..., 3 are arranged at the bottom, and a fluorescent agent 43 is filled in
0a may be configured. This makes it possible to set the arrangement of the observation optical system and the illumination optical system to a desired position configuration as shown in FIG. 5B to improve observation performance and to arrange a treatment tool and the like as shown by a broken line, for example. Space part 4 such as
5 can also be provided.

Further, the transparent cover 2 shown in FIG.
1. Oral capsule part 10 composed of capsule body 22
And the surface of the traction protection tube 13 are coated with a hydrophilic polymer coat as a lubricating material. As a result, when the oral capsule portion 10 is swallowed, the moisture of the human body and the hydrophilic polymer are combined, and a film of water is formed on the surface of the oral capsule portion 10 and the surface of the traction protection tube 13 so that the oral capsule portion 10 The lubricity between them is improved.

The operation of the capsule endoscope 1 configured as described above will be described. An endoscope system including the capsule endoscope 1 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6, the capsule endoscope 1
Is the driving of the CCD 2 and the processing of the output signal and LE
An endoscope system is configured in combination with, for example, a portable electrical device 50, which is an electrical device that supplies power to D3. The portable electric device 50 is provided with the electric connector 16.
a, and an endoscope image picked up by the CCD 2 is displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 52.

The portable electronic device 50 further includes an operation panel 53, a shutter button 54 for photographing and recording an endoscope image, a video output terminal 55, and the like. A TV cable connected to the video output terminal 55 For example, an endoscope image is displayed on the screen of a home TV 56 via the home VTR 55a, and a video tape 57 is displayed via the home VTR 57.
It is possible to record the inspection progress in a. The recording of the endoscope image is performed by a storage medium such as the compact flash 58, for example. The portable electrical device 50 includes a commercial power source or a household power source, and a battery 59.
It is driven by a battery or the like.

Here, an endoscopic examination for early detection of esophageal cancer with the above-mentioned endoscope system will be described. First, a doctor prepares the endoscope system and visits the home of a subject who wants to perform an examination. Therefore, preparations such as connection between the capsule endoscope 1 and the portable electronic device 50 for performing an endoscope inspection are performed.

Next, the subject is asked to swallow the oral capsule part 10 like a tablet without applying sedation. Then, the water in the esophagus is combined with the hydrophilic polymer on the surface of the capsule endoscope 1, and the oral capsule portion 10 smoothly moves in the esophagus toward the stomach. Then, the liquid crystal monitor 52 of the portable electronic device 50 or the home T
When the doctor observing the endoscopic image displayed on the screen of V56 confirms that the oral capsule unit 10 has passed through the esophagus and reached the stomach as shown in FIG. An operation of pulling back the traction protection tube 13 to the hand side as shown in FIG.

At this time, since the outer shape changing portion 22b whose outer size changes almost continuously and smoothly to a large diameter is provided between the oral capsule portion 10 and the traction protection tube 13, FIG. As shown in (1), the traction protection tube 13 and the oral capsule portion 10 smoothly pass through the cardia. As a result, the oral capsule 10 is placed in the esophagus.

From this state, the traction protection tube 13 is slowly pulled back again. At this time, since the water in the esophagus and the hydrophilic polymer on the surface of the capsule endoscope 1 are combined, the esophagus moves smoothly in the esophagus, and a good endoscope image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 52.

After the inspection is completed, the portable electric device 50
The electric connector 15a is detached from the connection part 51 of the above, the used capsule endoscope 1 and the portable electric device 50 are separated, and the endoscope system is replaced. Note that the capsule endoscope 1 brought back can be reused after being washed and disinfected.
Further, the capsule endoscope 1 can be used in an operating room like a normal endoscope.

As described above, there is no step between the oral capsule portion provided with the observation optical system and the illumination optical system as the observation function means and the small-diameter traction protection tube in which the signal line and the power line are inserted, and the portion is smooth. When the capsule endoscope is configured by providing an outer shape changing portion whose shape changes to, when the oral capsule portion swallowed and reaches the stomach is pulled back to the esophagus by pulling back the traction protection tube, this oral capsule portion is Can be smoothly relocated to the esophagus without being caught by the cardia, and the esophagus can be inspected while performing a pull-back operation. As a result, without subjecting the subject to sedation,
An early test for esophageal cancer can be easily performed at home where the subject can relax. Further, since the introduction of the oral capsule portion to the target site is performed by swallowing the subject, for example, medical personnel such as an endoscopy technician can easily perform endoscopy using the capsule endoscope. Thus, for example, the medical staff records the progress of the examination on a video tape or the like and takes it back to the hospital, so that the doctor in charge can make a diagnosis while staying at the hospital.

Further, by providing a hydrophilic polymer coat on the surface of the transparent cover part, the capsule body and the surface of the traction protection tube constituting the oral capsule part, the lubricity between the lumen and the lumen is greatly improved. Can be. As a result, swallowing of the oral capsule portion and recovery of the oral capsule from the stomach again via the esophagus can be performed smoothly.

In the present embodiment, when the outer shape of the oral capsule portion 10 is formed, the capsule body 22 is used.
The outer shape changing portion 22b is formed in FIG.
(A) As shown in the drawing showing another configuration of the oral capsule part, a connecting member 9 having a connection fixing part 9a having an outer shape substantially the same as the outer shape changing part 22b of the capsule body 22 is formed, The capsule body 22A and the traction protection tube 13 may be connected via the connecting member 9. At this time, the observation section constituting member 30 having the large diameter section 31 and the small diameter section 32 is integrally formed with the capsule body 22A, and the CCD 2, the lenses 34 and 34, and the light emitting section 4 are formed.
0 is arranged.

Further, the outer shape of the oral capsule portion 10 is not limited to the outer shape changing portion in which the outer size continuously and smoothly changes to a large diameter from the connection fixing portion toward the tip end side of the capsule body. No, for example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8B, which shows an example of the outer shape portion, the outer shape changing portion is formed in a conical shape that changes linearly,
It is formed by combining two curved surfaces as shown in the figure showing another example of the outer shape part in FIG. 8C, or by a sigmoid function as shown in the figure showing another example of the outer shape part in FIG. It may be formed in a shape that changes, or may be formed in a shape that changes in a parabolic shape as shown in still another example of the outer shape portion in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a view for explaining another configuration of the oral capsule part according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG.
(A) is a figure which shows the structure of an oral capsule part, FIG.9 (b) is a figure explaining an effect | action.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the oral capsule portion 10A of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the observation optical system 11 and the illumination optical system 12, which are located at the distal end, are connected. It is provided on the side where the traction protection tube 13 is connected and fixed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the oral capsule portion swallowed and reaches the stomach is pulled back to the esophagus by performing an operation of pulling back the traction protection tube, the observation range is the rear end side of the oral capsule portion 10A. As a result, the cardia can be inspected, and the oral capsule portion 10A can be smoothly rearranged in the esophagus and the esophagus can be inspected while being pulled back. In addition, as described above, the oral capsule 1
When configuring 0A, the fixed connection portion with the traction protection tube 13 is provided on the transparent cover portion 21A. The central axis of the traction protection tube 13 and the central axis of the transparent cover portion 21A are configured to have different positional relationships. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
This is the same as the embodiment.

As described above, since the observation optical system and the illumination optical system are provided on the side where the traction protection tube is connected and fixed, and the oral capsule portion is constructed, the operation of returning the oral capsule portion reaching the stomach to the esophagus is performed. Inspection of the cardia can be performed at the time. Other functions and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10A, which shows another configuration of the oral capsule portion, the observation optical system 11 and the illumination optical system 12 are provided at both the distal end portion and the proximal end portion, and the oral capsule portion 10B is provided. May be configured so that the front side and the rear side of the oral capsule portion 10B can be observed as shown in the diagram for explaining the operation of FIG.

Further, as shown in the drawing of the oral capsule portion provided with a plurality of observation function means on the side surface of FIG. 11 (a), a plurality of observation optical systems 11 are provided on a capsule body 22A constituting a side peripheral surface.
Alternatively, an illumination optical system 12 corresponding to the observation optical system 11 may be provided to constitute the oral capsule unit 10C. This makes it possible to observe not only the front side and the rear side of the oral capsule unit 10C but also the side. Further, as shown in the drawing of the oral capsule part provided with one observation function means on the side surface of FIG. 11B, a plurality of observation optical systems 11 and a plurality of observation optical systems 11 are provided on the capsule body 22A constituting the side peripheral surface. Instead of providing a corresponding illumination optical system 12, one observation optical system 11 and illumination optical system 12 are provided,
The capsule body 22A may be freely rotatable to form the oral capsule portion 10D. Thus, in addition to the observation on the front side and the rear side of the oral capsule unit 10D, the entire circumference of the side can be observed with one observation optical system.
Further, as shown in the drawing of the oral capsule section provided with another observation function means on the side surface of FIG. 11C, the ultrasonic observation section 29 in which a plurality of array elements are arranged on the capsule body 22A constituting the side peripheral surface. May be provided to constitute the oral capsule portion 10E. As a result, the oral capsule part 10
Observation of the front side and the rear side of E can be performed by an endoscopic image, and side observation can be performed by an ultrasonic image.

Further, as shown in the figure of the capsule endoscope provided with the curved portion in FIG.
Between the capsule body 22 and the traction protection tube 13,
As in the case of a conventional small-diameter endoscope, a bending section 4 formed by connecting bending pieces in series may be provided, and a bending operation knob 5 for operating the bending section 4 may be provided on the grip section 14. At this time, the bending operation wire is disposed in the through hole of the traction protection tube 13.
Thus, as shown in the diagram illustrating the operation of FIG. 12B, the cardia can be inspected by bending the bending portion 4 with the oral capsule portion 10 reaching the stomach.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining another configuration of the capsule endoscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
3A illustrates a capsule endoscope having a variable hardness mechanism, FIG. 13B illustrates a variable hardness mechanism, and FIG. 13C illustrates an operation of the present embodiment. . As shown in FIG. 13A, the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment
B has a hardness changing device 6 as a hardness changing mechanism for changing the hardness of the traction protection tube 13. The hardness changing device 6 includes a hardness changing portion 61 disposed in a through hole of the traction protection tube 13 as shown in FIG.
4 and a hardness adjusting section 65 disposed at the base end, for example.

The hardness changing portion 61 includes a tip forming member 62 disposed on the tip side, a coil sheath 63 having one end fixed to the tip forming member 62, and a coil sheath 63.
And a wire 64 which is inserted through the inside and one end of which is fixed to the tip forming member 62.

On the other hand, the hardness adjusting section 65 is formed in a substantially pipe shape in which the other end of the coil sheath 63 is fixed and is integrally fixed to the holding section 14, and a male screw section is formed on the outer peripheral side of the base end. A coil fixing member 66, an adjustable knob 67 having a female screw portion screwed into a male screw portion of the coil fixing member 66 and capable of moving forward and backward; and an adjusting knob 67 for fixing and holding the other end of the wire 64. And a wire fixing member 68 arranged at the base end of the wire.

When the oral capsule 10 reaches the stomach, the adjustment knob 67 is operated to move the wire fixing member 68 in the direction of the arrow, whereby the coil sheath 63 contracts and the traction protection tube 13 is contracted. Is changed, for example, as shown in FIG.
With the hardness of No. 3 in a hard state, an inspection near the pylorus can also be performed. In addition, by changing the hardness of the traction protection tube 13 to a hard state, insertion by pushing the capsule endoscope 1 becomes possible.

The hardness changing mechanism for changing the hardness of the traction protection tube 13 is not limited to the hardness changing device 6 described above. For example, the hardness shown in FIG. As shown in a diagram illustrating another configuration of the variable mechanism, an elongated and inflatable balloon 7 may be arranged. The air supply to the balloon 7 is performed by an air supply tube 72 connected to an air supply port 71 provided in the grip portion 14.
Through the air supply device 73. Therefore, FIG.
As shown in FIG.
The hardness of the traction protection tube 13 is adjusted to a desired state by appropriately adjusting the amount of air to be supplied into the balloon 7 previously arranged at a predetermined position in the inside, that is, by changing the inflated and contracted state of the balloon 7. To perform insertion and inspection.

As described above, the hardness changing device 6 is inserted through the through hole of the traction protection tube 13.
However, the present invention is not limited to the hardness changing portion 61, the balloon 7, and the like. For example, a water supply tube may be provided in the through hole.

When the water supply tube is provided in the through-hole, the side peripheral surface of the capsule body 22 and the traction protection tube are provided as shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of water discharge holes 75,
, 75 are formed to constitute the capsule endoscope 1C. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15 (b), the oral capsule 10 is swallowed, and water is supplied by the water supply syringe 77 connected to the water supply port 76 of the gripping part, as shown in the drawing explaining the operation of FIG. The water sent by the water supply syringe 77 flows out of the water discharge holes 75,..., 75 onto the surfaces of the oral capsule portion 10 and the traction protection tube 13, and is coated on the surfaces of the oral capsule portion 10 and the traction protection tube 13. It combines with the hydrophilic polymer to improve the lubrication performance, and the discharged water plays a role of a lubricant.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16, for a capsule endoscope 80 having a large step portion 83 between the oral capsule portion 81 and the traction protection tube 82, the oral capsule portion 81 and the traction protection tube 82 Is attached.

The capsule cover 85 is composed of a capsule cover 86 disposed so as to cover at least a part of the oral capsule 81, and an insertion cover 87 surrounding the traction protection tube 82. Cover part 86
As described above, the outer shape changing portion 8 in which the outer size changes almost continuously and smoothly between the insertion portion cover portion 87 and the insertion portion cover portion 87.
8 are provided.

Thus, when the capsule endoscope 80 having the large step portion 83 between the oral capsule portion 81 and the traction protection tube 82 is used, the swallowability is improved by putting the capsule cover 85 on. Can be achieved. The surface of the capsule cover portion 86, the insertion portion cover portion 87, and the outer shape changing portion 88 of the capsule cover 85 may be coated with a hydrophilic polymer, or the surface of the insertion portion cover portion 8 may be coated.
7 may be provided with the above-described hardness variable device 6 and a water supply tube.

FIG. 17 relates to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a view for explaining the configuration of a capsule endoscope having a channel tube for inserting a treatment tool. FIG. 17A is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the capsule endoscope, FIG. 17B is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the traction protection tube, and FIG. 17C is a diagram illustrating the operation.

As shown in FIG. 17A, the capsule endoscope 1D of the present embodiment has a treatment tool opening 91 at the distal end side of the oral capsule portion 90, and the treatment tool opening 91 has a treatment described later. One end of the channel tube for tool insertion is in communication. The other end of the channel tube is inserted through a through hole of the traction protection tube 92 and communicates with a treatment tool insertion port (not shown) provided at, for example, a base end of the grip portion 14.

As shown in FIG. 17 (b), the traction protection tube 92 is constructed by arranging a stretchable member 93 in a part thereof, and is crushed together with the signal line 16 and the power line 17 in the through hole. A channel tube 94 whose opening is closed is disposed.

Therefore, when the oral capsule portion 90 has reached the stomach, the treatment instrument is inserted from the treatment instrument insertion port toward the treatment instrument opening 91 as shown in FIG. Then, the channel tube 94 in the crushed state is pushed and spread as shown in FIG. 17C, and the treatment tool advances. At this time, the elastic member 93 provided on the traction protection tube 92 also spreads as shown by the broken lines in FIGS. 17C and 17A, and the traction protection tube 92 becomes large in diameter. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, after the oral capsule portion reaches the stomach, the treatment instrument is introduced into the target site through the collapsed channel tube provided in the traction protection tube, so that only observation can be performed. Alternatively, treatment can be performed as needed. Other functions and effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

In the above embodiment, an elastic member is provided on a part of the traction protection tube so that the traction protection tube has a large diameter when the treatment tool is inserted through the channel tube. The same operation and effect can be obtained with the following configuration.

As shown in FIG. 18 (a) for explaining another configuration of the capsule endoscope and FIG. 18 (b) for explaining the operation of the capsule endoscope, in this embodiment, the traction protection tube 92A is inserted into the body cavity. It is formed of a shape memory member whose diameter becomes large at temperature. Other configurations, operations and effects are the same as those of the fourth embodiment. When the capsule endoscope is removed, water is poured into the channel tube so that the traction protection tube 92 is removed.
Reduce the diameter of A.

As shown in FIG. 18 (c) for explaining another configuration of the capsule endoscope and FIG. 18 (d) for explaining the operation of the capsule endoscope, in this embodiment, the traction protection tube 92 is provided.
B is formed of a swelling polymer whose diameter becomes large due to a change in ph value and body fluid, current detection. Other configurations, operations and effects are the same as those of the fourth embodiment.

Further, FIG. 18 (e) is a view for explaining a channel portion having an inner diameter d1 and FIG. 18 (f) is an inner diameter d.
As shown in the drawing explaining the second channel portion, in this embodiment, a channel portion 95 in which a balloon is formed in a spiral shape is provided inside the traction protection tube 92. The inner diameter of the channel portion 95 changes by changing the pressure in the balloon. For this reason, when swallowing, air is not sent into the balloon and the inside diameter is set to a small diameter d1, and when the treatment tool is inserted, the balloon is pressurized to make the inside diameter large to d2. As a result, the inner diameter of the channel portion 95 is greatly widened, and the treatment instrument can be inserted.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19 (a), which illustrates the oral capsule portion having the treatment tool, as shown in FIG.
0 is provided with a treatment instrument disposing recess 103 in which a treatment instrument 101 and a suction tube 102 are arranged in advance.
May be configured. The opening / closing operation of the treatment tool 101 can be performed by a treatment tool operation knob (not shown) provided on a grip (not shown).

In order to prevent the treatment tool 101 from damaging the oral cavity, throat, esophagus, etc. when swallowing the oral capsule portion 100, the swallowing state shown in FIG. As shown in the drawing describing the oral capsule portion, the treatment tool 101 is in a closed state, and at this time, the outer diameter of the treatment tool 101 is all smoothly curved.

If, for example, a site to be treated is found in a state where the oral capsule portion 10 has reached the stomach, FIG.
FIG. 20 to FIG. 20D showing the state of insertion of the treatment tool of FIG.
20 is sequentially arranged on the treatment tool 120 and the traction protection tube 13 so that the treatment tool 120 is introduced into the target site as shown in FIG. Is also good.

As shown in the perspective view of the connecting part in FIG. 20 (b), the connecting part 110 is formed to have a smoothly curved outer surface in order to prevent the oral cavity, throat, esophagus and the like from being damaged. ing. Then, as shown in the front view of the connecting part in FIG. 20C, the connecting part 110 has a treatment tool engaging hole 111 which is urged and fixed to the insertion portion 121 of the treatment tool 120, and the traction protection tube. A guide hole 112 which is loosely fitted to move along the treatment instrument 13;
1 and connection groove 1 formed in guide hole 112, respectively.
There is provided an operation hole 113 for opening and closing the opening and generating a predetermined fixing force. Therefore, FIG.
As shown in the drawing for explaining the operation of the connecting component of (d), by pressing both sides of the operation hole 113 in the direction of the arrow with a finger, the connection groove 114 is opened. At this time, the connecting component 110 can be attached to the insertion portion 121 and the traction protection tube 13 of the treatment tool 120 as shown in FIG.

That is, when the operator finds a part to be treated, first, the connecting part 110 is inserted into the insertion portion 1 of the treatment tool 120.
21 and to the traction protection tube 13. Next, in this state, the treatment tool 120 is pushed in and operated. Then, guide hole 1
Since 12 is loosely fitted in the traction protection tube 13, the treatment tool 120 gradually moves toward the body cavity as the connecting component 110 moves in the body cavity along the traction protection tube 13. Then, at the stage where a predetermined amount of movement has been performed, a new connecting component 110 is attached to the insertion portion 121 and the traction protection tube 13, and the treatment tool 120 is pushed again.
By repeating this series of operations, the treatment tool 120 is introduced to the vicinity of the treatment site as shown in FIG. 20E, and a desired treatment can be performed.

Incidentally, in the above-described embodiment,
Although the endoscope system is configured by the capsule endoscope 1 and the portable electronic device 50, the endoscope system is configured as illustrated in FIG. 21 illustrating another configuration of the endoscope system. It may be.

As shown in the figure, the endoscope system in this embodiment includes a capsule endoscope 1F with an operation unit, a storage case 130 with an air / water supply device, and a portable type for recording and processing inspection data and image data. And a computer 140. This endoscope system enables not only home examination, but also emergency examination and remote examination.

The capsule endoscope 1F includes an oral capsule portion 10 having the same configuration as that described above, and the oral capsule portion 1F.
And a traction protection tube 13 connected to the end of the traction protection tube 13. An operation unit 122 is provided at a base end of the traction protection tube 13 to constitute an endoscope. The curved part 4 is provided between the oral capsule part 10 and the traction protection tube 13.

An operation jog 123 for operating the bending section 4 to bend, an air / water supply plug 124, and a display device 125 such as a liquid crystal monitor for displaying an endoscope image, such as a smart media, are provided on the exterior of the operation section 122. Storage medium 126
Medium placement unit 127 in which
0 and a connection unit 1 for connection by infrared communication, for example.
28 are provided. The operation unit 122 includes the above-described circuit for the CCD, the circuit for the light source, and the like.

The storage case 1 with the air / water supply device
Reference numeral 30 denotes an air / water supply pump 131 and a capsule endoscope housing 132, and the air / water supply tube 133 extending from the air / water supply pump 131 is connected to the air / water supply plug. By connecting to the cleaning nozzle 124, for example, a fluid such as water or air can be ejected from the cleaning nozzle 129.

A communication device 141 can be connected to the portable computer 140. The communication device 141 allows a computer (not shown) in a hospital, for example, to transmit diagnostic data and observation image data obtained by the capsule endoscope 1F. It is possible to transmit.

That is, in the endoscope system of this embodiment, the introduction of the oral capsule unit 10 to the target site can be easily performed even by a medical person such as an endoscopy technician, and the medical doctor and the medical doctor Since the examination data can be exchanged and opinions exchanged with the related persons via the communication device, the doctor in charge can perform a predetermined examination while staying at the hospital.

Also, after the endoscopy technician visits several homes and performs an examination, the doctor in charge of the examination can examine a plurality of patients by giving only the recording medium to the doctor in charge in the hospital. Since the diagnosis can be performed intensively, appropriate diagnosis can be performed without wasting time.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the invention.

[Appendix] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the following configuration can be obtained.

(1) A small-diameter granular oral capsule portion provided with at least one observation function means for performing visual observation, and a traction extending from one end of the oral capsule portion and drawing the oral capsule portion toward a hand side. A flexible traction protection tube having a diameter smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the oral capsule and serving as a protection member for protecting the member and an electric cable connected to the observation function means, wherein the traction protection tube and the oral capsule are provided. A medical capsule endoscope in which the outer shape of the connecting portion connecting the portions changes in a small diameter substantially continuously from the oral capsule portion toward the traction protection tube, and the changing surface is smooth.

(2) The outer dimensions of the oral capsule part are as follows:
2. The medical capsule endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the medical capsule endoscope is set to a size that can be swallowed without performing sedation.

(3) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a lubricating material is provided on outer surfaces of the oral capsule portion, the traction protection tube, and the connecting portion.

(4) The medical capsule according to Appendix 1, wherein the observation function means includes an LED for illuminating the observation site, and an imaging device for photoelectrically converting an optical image of the observation site illuminated by the LED into an electric signal. Endoscope.

(5) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the observation function means is provided on at least one of the end side to which the traction protection tube is connected or the opposite end side.

(6) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the observation function means is further provided on a side peripheral surface portion which enables observation of a side periphery.

(7) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 4, wherein an ultrasonic observation section is further provided as an observation function means in the oral capsule section.

(8) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the outer diameter of the connecting portion is conical.

(9) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the connecting portion is constituted by two curved surfaces.

(10) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the outer diameter of the connecting portion is a shape that changes functionally.

(11) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the outer diameter of the connecting portion is parabolic.

(12) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a curved portion is provided between the traction protection tube and the oral capsule portion.

(13) The medical capsule endoscope according to attachment 1, wherein the traction protection tube is provided with a variable hardness mechanism.

(14) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 14, wherein the variable hardness mechanism is a variable hardness device having a hardness changing section and a hardness adjusting section.

(15) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 14, wherein the variable hardness mechanism is an inflatable balloon.

Water supply tube (16) A water supply tube is provided on the traction protection tube, and a plurality of water discharge holes for discharging the liquid sent by the water supply tube are provided on the side peripheral surface of the capsule body and the mid-side peripheral surface of the traction protection tube. 2. The medical capsule endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising:

(17) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a channel tube through which a treatment tool is inserted is provided in the traction protection tube.

(18) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a treatment tool is integrally disposed on the oral capsule portion.

[0092]

As described above, according to the present invention, swallowing is easy without applying sedation, and the operation of pulling back the oral capsule portion that has reached the stomach can be performed reliably and easily, and it can be used for home examination. A medical capsule endoscope can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIGS. 1 to 7 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a medical capsule endoscope of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view for explaining a connection structure between an oral capsule portion and a traction protection tube of a medical capsule endoscope.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an oral capsule unit.

FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration of a light emitting unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the light emitting unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope system including a medical capsule endoscope.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the operation of the medical capsule endoscope.

FIG. 8 is a diagram specifically illustrating another configuration of the oral capsule portion and the shape of the external shape portion.

FIG. 9 is a view for explaining another configuration and operation of the oral capsule part according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining still another constitution and action of the oral capsule part.

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining another configuration of the oral capsule part.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another configuration and operation of the medical capsule endoscope.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the configuration and operation of a capsule endoscope having a variable hardness mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining another configuration and operation of the variable hardness mechanism.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example and operation of a capsule endoscope having a water supply tube.

FIG. 16 illustrates a capsule cover.

FIG. 17 is a view for explaining the configuration and operation of a capsule endoscope having a channel tube for inserting a treatment tool.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating another configuration and operation of a capsule endoscope having a channel tube for inserting a treatment tool.

FIG. 19 is a view showing an oral capsule part having a treatment device.

FIG. 20 is a view for explaining a state in which a treatment tool is guided into a body cavity using a connecting component.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another configuration of the endoscope system.

[Explanation of Signs] 2 ... CCD 3 ... LED 10 ... Oral capsule part 13 ... Travel protection tube 30 ... Observation part constituent member 21 ... Transparent cover part 22 ... Capsule main body 22b ... Outer shape change part 22a ... Connection fixing part

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hironobu Takizawa 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Yasuo Hirata 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 4C061 AA01 BB01 CC06 DD03 FF35 HH60 JJ01 JJ11 LL02 MM00

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A small-diameter granular oral capsule part provided with at least one observation function means for performing visual observation, and a traction member extending from one end of the oral capsule part and drawing the oral capsule part toward a hand side. And a flexible traction protection tube having a diameter smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the oral capsule and also serving as a protection member for protecting an electric cable connected to the observation function means, wherein the traction protection tube and the oral capsule portion Wherein the outer shape of the connecting portion connecting between the oral capsule portion and the orifice portion changes to a small diameter substantially continuously from the oral capsule portion toward the traction protection tube, and the changing surface is smooth. mirror.