JP2003135388A - Endoscope apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope apparatus which allow good observation of the inner wall of the body cavity by indwelling a capsule endoscope in the body cavity. SOLUTION: The endoscope apparatus 2 comprises an imaging unit 5, an illuminator 6 provided at the distal end of a capsule container 25, an expandable and contractible balloon 7 provided on the rear side face to communicate with an inlet 9 provided at the rear end via a fluid duct 10, and a needle-shaped slender part 11 at the distal end of a tube 3, pierced into a rubber plug 15 mounted in the inlet 9. Thus, the fluid is supplied from a syringe of the rear end side of the tube 3 to expand the balloon 7, and the balloon 7 abuts on the inner wall of the body cavity, then the tube 3 is drawn to indwell the capsule endoscope 2 side in the body cavity so that the body cavity can be observed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus for performing an endoscopic examination with a capsule endoscope having an observing means built in a capsule-shaped container.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been proposed a small endoscope in which a power source, a light source, an image pickup device, a wireless device and the like are housed in a capsule-shaped container. This capsule endoscope is suitable for examination of deep internal organs such as the small intestine, which is usually difficult to examine with an endoscope, because it does not have a long and thin insertion portion like an endoscope and is not restricted by the length of the insertion portion.

As prior art, there are those disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 62-693 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-342522.
The former is provided with a cable for guiding and controlling the capsule body having a means for fixing to the body cavity wall, an inflatable and deflatable balloon is provided on the cable, and the balloon is engaged with the engaging portion of the capsule body to be connected. Then, after fixing the capsule body to the wall of the body cavity, the cable is disconnected from the body.

On the other hand, in the latter case, a balloon is provided in the endoscope main body made of a rod-shaped body, and a balloon operation signal is sent from a compressed air tank in the main body which is received by a receiving / transmitting means in the main body to receive a valve operation signal of the extracorporeal device. It is designed to inflate.

[0005]

In Japanese Patent Publication No. Sho 62-693, the cable is detached from the capsule body after the capsule body is fixed to the wall of the body cavity at the target site by suction means. There is a problem that only an observation image that is offset or an observation image at a fixed position can be obtained. In addition, since the balloon is fixed to the tip of the cable, the engagement portion of the capsule body becomes thick, and the capsule body becomes large.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-342522 discloses that
Since the capsule body is provided with a compressed air tank and a valve, the capsule body becomes large in size, and it is difficult to swallow.

(Object of the Invention) The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and after expanding the balloon provided in the main body of the capsule endoscope in the body cavity without increasing the size of the capsule endoscope. Another object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope apparatus in which only the capsule endoscope is left in the body cavity and the inner wall of the body cavity expanded by the balloon can be observed well.

[0008]

Means for Solving the Problems An observing means provided at least on the tip side of a capsule-like container, an inflating and deflating balloon provided behind the observing means, and a fluid inside the balloon or between the balloon and the capsule-like container are provided. By including a capsule endoscope having a fluid injection port for injecting and a flexible tube body for fluid supply detachable from the fluid injection port, at least the tip side of the capsule-shaped container The observation means provided and the expansion provided behind the observation means
Connect the tube body and the capsule endoscope by inserting the tip of the tube body for delivering the fluid into the balloon to be deflated and the fluid inlet for injecting the fluid in the balloon or between the balloon and the capsule-shaped container. , Swallow the capsule endoscope with the balloon deflated, inflate the balloon at any point in the body cavity and fix the balloon to the wall of the body cavity with frictional force before connecting the tube body and the capsule endoscope. Release,
Only the tube body is extracted outside the body while leaving the capsule endoscope with the balloon inflated inside the body cavity.

The fluid inlet seals the inside of the balloon even after the tube is removed. While obtaining a good image of the wall of the body cavity expanded by the balloon, the capsule endoscope with a balloon advances to the small intestine and the large intestine by riding the peristaltic movement, and a good image can be obtained at each position.

Further, the fluid injection port can inject a fluid into the balloon or between the balloon and the capsule-like container by piercing the tip end portion of the tube body, and when the tip end of the tube body is pulled out, the fluid injection port is closed and the inside is closed. With the structure in which the fluid does not escape, the tube body and the capsule endoscope are connected in the same manner as in the case of the above configuration, and the treatment of the endoscope separate from the capsule endoscope in the state where the balloon is deflated Insert the tube body into the tool channel, swallow the capsule endoscope together with the endoscope, carry the capsule endoscope to any position in the body cavity with the endoscope as a guide, and then inflate the balloon It is also possible to disconnect the tube body and the capsule endoscope and remove the tube body and the endoscope outside the body, leaving the capsule endoscope with the balloon inflated. This is an effective means when it is desired to quickly transport the capsule endoscope to the target site.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 4 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a distal end side of an endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment. Shows a structure in the vicinity of the insertion port of the capsule endoscope, FIG. 3 shows a state of endoscopy by the capsule endoscope after releasing into the gastrointestinal lumen such as in the small intestine, and FIG. 4 shows a modified example. 2 shows the structure near the injection port and its action.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a capsule endoscope 2 and a hollow tube body 3 which is detachably attached to the capsule endoscope 2. It has an endoscope 4 that allows the tube body 3 to be inserted therethrough.

In the capsule endoscope 2, a transparent cover 26 at the tip of a capsule-like container 25 is provided with a solid-state image pickup device such as a CCD or CMOS imager, an image pickup device 5 composed of an objective lens, and a lighting device 6 such as a white LED. Further, a balloon 7 made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber or latex rubber, which is easily bulged all around, is attached to a rear side surface of the balloon 7 through a fixing ring 8, and a rear end of the balloon 7 is inside the balloon 7 (strictly speaking, a balloon). 7 and a space between the main body of the capsule endoscope 2) is provided with an inlet 9 for supplying a fluid. The inlet 9 communicates with the inside of the balloon 7 via a fluid conduit 10.

A tube body 3 for supplying a fluid to the balloon 7 is detachably attached to the injection port 9. The tip of the tube body 3 is a needle-shaped small-diameter portion 11 that can be easily attached to the injection port 9. Further, it has a hand mouthpiece portion (not shown) on which a fluid injection tool such as a syringe can be detachably connected.

Then, by supplying the fluid from the injection port 9, the fluid is injected into the inside of the balloon 7 through the fluid conduit 10, and the balloon 7 is brought into close contact with at least the lumen of the small intestine 12 (2). It is possible to swell up to 3 cm).

An injection port 9 provided at the rear end of the capsule endoscope 2.
Has an elastic valve structure like an intake port of a soft tennis ball that seals the balloon 7 even if the tube body 3 is removed after the balloon 7 is inflated.

Further, the endoscope 4 is provided with a channel 14 along the axial direction of the elongated insertion portion 13. On the other hand, the tube body 3 has a length longer than that of the channel 14,
A fluid such as air or water can be supplied from the base end portion of the tube body 3 to the tip end side with an outer diameter that allows smooth insertion and removal in the channel 14.

FIG. 2 shows the structure near the inlet 9. A rubber stopper 15 having high elasticity is attached to the inlet 9. As shown in FIG. 2A, this rubber plug 15 is in a state where the needle-shaped small-diameter portion 11 (on the distal end side of the tube body 3 inserted into the channel 13 of the endoscope 4) is not inserted. The thin pipe line 16 formed in advance in the rubber plug 15 is in a closed state by being compressed (to the injection port 9) and inserting and attaching the rubber plug 15.

In this case, the rear end of the conduit 16 is provided with a mark so that its insertion position can be seen and a recess 18 for facilitating insertion (insertion) of the needle-shaped small-diameter portion 11. And
When the needle-shaped small-diameter portion 11 is inserted as shown in FIG.
The needle-shaped small-diameter portion 11 can be set in a state of communicating with the conduit 10.

In this state, by injecting a fluid such as a liquid or a gas from the side of the needle-shaped small diameter portion 11, it is possible to inflate the outer balloon 7 constituting the fluid storage portion as shown in FIG. Has become.

When the proximal end portion of the tube body 3 is inserted from the distal end side of the channel 14 with the tube body 3 attached to the inlet 9 of the capsule endoscope 2, the proximal end portion of the tube body 3 is It projects from the base end.

As shown in FIG. 1, a pulling force is applied to the base end portion of the protruding tube body 3 to such an extent that the tube body 3 does not come off, or the rear end portion of the capsule endoscope 2 is sucked through the channel 14. Thus, the capsule endoscope 2 is detachably fixed to the tip of the endoscope 4. When the capsule endoscope 2 is fixed by suction, the capsule endoscope 2 and the endoscope 4
An adsorbent 19 made of elastic rubber or the like for enhancing the suction function may be added between the distal ends of the endoscope and the distal end of the endoscope.

A treatment tool 21 having a function of gripping is inserted into the second channel 20 provided in the endoscope 4 to assist the release (release) of the capsule endoscope 2, and the treatment tool 21 is inserted. With the gripping portion at the distal end of the balloon 7 with the gripping convex portion 22 provided near the rear end of the capsule endoscope 2 pinched,
1 may be inflated.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In a state where the balloon 7 is not inflated (the balloon 7 is almost in close contact with the outer circumference of the capsule endoscope 2), the capsule endoscope 2 is fixed to the tip of the endoscope 4 as shown in FIG. After setting, the capsule endoscope 2 and the endoscope 4 are integrally inserted into the body, and the capsule endoscope 2 reaches the examination target site, for example, the small intestine 12.

After that, a fluid is supplied to the balloon 7 through the tube body 3, and the balloon which is inflated substantially all around the small intestine 1.
2 The tube body 3 is removed from the injection port 9 in a state where the capsule endoscope 2 is fixed to the inside of the lumen of the small intestine 12 by being brought into contact with the inner wall thereof.

By pulling out the tube body 3, the fixation of the capsule endoscope 2 and the tube body 3 is released. Tube body 3
Then, the endoscope 4 is pulled out of the body and the capsule endoscope 2 is placed in the small intestine 12.

The resistance created by the inflated balloon 7 and the inner wall of the small intestine 12 suppresses the rotation and inclination of the capsule endoscope 2, and after the capsule endoscope 2 is placed in the small intestine 12, it is substantially luminal even during movement by peristaltic movement. The position of the imaging device 5 placed in the center is maintained.

3 (A) and 3 (B) show the state of the capsule endoscope 2 after being released. FIG. 3 (A) shows a state in which the axis of the capsule endoscope 2 is held along the center of the lumen, and the imaging device 5 is in a state of imaging with the front side of the lumen in view.

In FIG. 3B, the rear end side of the capsule endoscope 2 is lower than the lumen, and the axis of the capsule endoscope 2 is tilted from the center of the lumen, as compared with FIG. 3A. Indicates. Even in this state, the imaging device 5 enters a state in which the front side of the lumen is included in the field of view for imaging.

The balloon 7 rides on the peristaltic movement of the small intestine 12 and is carried to the large intestine while obtaining a omnidirectional view, and reaches the anus. When it is difficult for the balloon 7 to go out of the anus, a needle for making a hole in the balloon 7 is pierced from outside the anus.

The position at which the balloon 7 of the capsule endoscope 2 is expanded may be not the small intestine 12 but the stomach or the duodenum, and at this time, a normal endoscope for upper digestive tract can be used.
Further, instead of the endoscope 4 having the observation means, a simple guide tube-shaped endoscope (guide member) having a bending function may be used.

FIG. 4 shows the structure near the injection port 9 at the rear end of the capsule endoscope 2 in a modified example. As shown in FIG. 4A, a rubber plug 26 provided with a check valve 25 is attached to the injection port 9. The inside of the small hole for insertion at the rear end of the rubber plug 26 is an enlarged diameter hole, and the check valve 25 is formed by a pair of projecting pieces obliquely projecting from the upper and lower walls toward the center side. .

Even if the structure of the check valve 25 is not the same as that shown in FIG. 4A, the needle thin portion 11 can be formed by one or more protruding valves partially fixed to the inner wall of the check valve. It suffices that the syringe is made to pass through the fluid conduit 10 communicating with the balloon 7 when inserted and the tube body 3 and the fluid conduit 10 is sealed when the needle-like small-diameter portion 11 is pulled out.

By inserting the needle-shaped small-diameter portion 11 as shown in FIG. 4B, the check valve 25 can be pressed and deformed to the front side so that the check valve 25 can be set to communicate with the thin tube 10. .

Further, by injecting the fluid through the needle-shaped small-diameter portion 11 and then withdrawing the needle-shaped small-diameter portion 11, FIG.
As shown in (4), the check valve 25 is pressed rearward by the fluid to be in a closed state. In FIG. 4, the thin tube 10 is formed by forming a hole in the capsule body.

This embodiment has the following effects. Since the capsule endoscope 2 and the endoscope 4 are integrated and can be inserted up to the duodenum like a normal endoscope, the capsule endoscope 2 can be easily inserted into the small intestine 12 to inflate the balloon 7. Since the tube body 3 for fluid supply can be removed with the balloon 7 inflated, only the capsule endoscope 2 is attached to the small intestine 1.
It can be released within 2.

Since the endoscope 4 used to introduce the capsule endoscope 2 to the small intestine 12 may be a normal endoscope for the small intestine, tilting and rotation of the capsule endoscope 2 are suppressed, and peristaltic movement is performed. Since the position of the image pickup device 5 can be maintained substantially at the center of the lumen even during the process, it is possible to obtain a good image that is uniform in the entire circumference and is not overlooked.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 shows an endoscope apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment. The endoscope device 1B includes a capsule endoscope 2B, a tube body 3 which is detachably attached to the capsule endoscope 2B, and a capsule endoscope 2B.
And an endoscope 4B used as a guide for insertion up to the vicinity of the target site.

The basic structure of this capsule endoscope 2B is the same as that of the first embodiment, and those having the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals. That is, in this capsule endoscope 2B, the imaging device 5 and the illumination device 6 are attached to the tip thereof, and the tube body 3 is detachably attached to the injection port 9 at the rear end thereof. In the present embodiment, the balloon 7 integrally formed with the injection port 9 is fixed by the fixing ring 8 at a position near the tip of the capsule endoscope 2B, and the rear end side is the rear end side of the capsule endoscope 2B. Is almost covered and is fixed so as to bulge all around.

An electromagnet 31 is attached to one side of the capsule endoscope 2B, and the attraction force between the electromagnet 32 and the electromagnet 32 attached to the side of the distal end of the endoscope 4B causes the inside of the capsule to move. The endoscope 2B is detachably attached to the side of the tip of the endoscope 4B.

Either one of the electromagnet 31 and the electromagnet 32 may be a permanent magnet or a magnetic material. The tube body 3 has a length longer than the insertion portion of the endoscope 4B. The capsule endoscope 2B is fixed to the side of the distal end portion of the endoscope 4B by a suction magnetic force, and the tube body 3 is arranged along the insertion portion 13 of the endoscope 4B as shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. Figure 5
As described above, the capsule endoscope 2B is set in a state of being fixed to the side of the distal end portion of the endoscope 4B by the magnetic attraction force, and the capsule endoscope 2B and the endoscope 4B are integrally inserted into the body, The endoscope 2B is made to reach the examination target site such as the small intestine 12.

After the application of the electric current is stopped to eliminate the magnetic attraction force, the capsule endoscope 2B is separated from the endoscope 4B, and the endoscope 4B is slowly pulled out.
B is placed in the small intestine 12. This capsule endoscope 2B
With the tube body 3 connected to the rear end, the balloon 7 is expanded and the tube body 3 is removed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows the state after the balloon 7 is expanded and the tube body 3 is removed. In this case, since the expanded balloon 7 contacts the inner wall of the lumen over a wide area in the longitudinal direction, the capsule endoscope 2B can be set in a state along the center of the lumen, and the observation field of view of the capsule endoscope 2B. It is possible to secure a field of view centering on the axial direction of the lumen without wobbling or rotating, and it becomes easy to grasp the part being imaged from the image after imaging. Others are almost the same as those in the first embodiment.

This embodiment has the following effects. Since the injection port 9 is integrally provided in the balloon 7, the structure of the capsule body can be simplified and the total size can be reduced. Moreover, since the capsule endoscope 2B and the endoscope 4B can be integrated and can be inserted up to the duodenum without changing like a normal endoscope, the capsule endoscope 2B can be easily inserted into the small intestine 12.

Further, the capsule endoscope 2B is arranged on the side of the endoscope 4B so that the capsule endoscope 2B narrows the field of view of the endoscope 4B or occupies the channel of the endoscope 4B. Therefore, the endoscope 4B can perform normal observation, diagnosis, and treatment. Further, since the endoscope 4B is fixed laterally, not at the distal end, the total rigid length of the endoscope distal end does not become long, and passage through the throat and pylorus can be facilitated. Further, as described above, it is easy to maintain the capsule endoscope 2B in a state along the center of the lumen, and the entire circumference of the lumen can be more reliably imaged.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. Figure 7
(A) shows the endoscope apparatus 1C of the third embodiment. 7 (B) and 7 (C) show detailed views near the inlet 9,
FIG. 7B shows a state in which the tip of the tube body 3 is pierced.
FIG. 7D shows a state where the transistor is removed, and FIG. 7D shows a simple pixel structure V with one transistor and one photodiode.
The figure explaining the circuit structure of a MIS sensor is shown.

As shown in FIG. 7A, this endoscope apparatus 1
C is composed of a capsule endoscope 2C and a tube body 3C detachably attached to the capsule endoscope 2C. The basic configuration of the capsule endoscope 2C is the same as that of the first or second embodiment, and those having the same functions are given the same numbers.

The capsule endoscope 2C has a transparent cover 2 at the tip.
An image pickup device 5 and a lighting device 6 are arranged inside the device 6, and a omnidirectional fixing ring 8 is provided on the outer periphery on the rear end side of the transparent cover 26.
The bag-shaped balloon 7 sealed by is fixed as in the second embodiment.

The image pickup device 5 used here is a threshold modulation type image sensor (VM) which is a next-generation image sensor having the advantages of both the CCD and the CMOS imager.
IS) is used. This sensor has a completely different structure from the conventional CMOS sensor in which the light receiving portion is composed of 3 to 5 transistors and photodiodes, and the threshold value of the MOS transistor is modulated by the charge generated by the light reception.
A sensor having a structure using a technique of outputting the change of the threshold value as an image signal, and its circuit configuration is shown in FIG. The features of this image sensor are high image quality of CCD and C
This is a point where both high integration of the MOS sensor and low power consumption are compatible.

Therefore, it is suitable for a disposable capsule endoscope. By utilizing this feature, it is possible to realize a disposable endoscope (flexible endoscope or rigid endoscope) or a low-priced endoscope, so this image sensor (VMIS) is used not only for these endoscopes but also for ordinary videoscopes. Of course, you can. In addition to this, it has the following excellent features. One transistor per image sensor
Simple structure of individual pieces. It has excellent photoelectric characteristics such as high sensitivity and high dynamic range. Since it can be manufactured by the CMOS process, high density and low cost can be realized.

The sensor type is QCIF.
(QSIF) size, CIF (SIF) size, VGA
There are various types such as type, SVGA type, XGA type,
The wireless communication type capsule endoscope like the present invention,
In terms of ease of drinking, wireless transmission speed, and power consumption, "QCIF
Those having a small (QSIF) size "and" CIF (SIF) size "are particularly suitable.

Although not shown, in the main body of the capsule endoscope 2C, there are provided a transmitter for sending an image obtained by the image pickup device 5 to an external receiver and a power supply device (battery) for supplying electric power to each device. It is built in.

As shown in FIGS. 7 (B) and 7 (C), the injection port 9 has the tube body 3 after the balloon 7 is inflated.
A rubber stopper 15 having an elastic valve structure, such as an intake port of a soft tennis ball, which seals the balloon 7 even if C is removed, is attached.

8 (A) and 8 (B) show the structure near the tip side of the tube body 3C having a double-tube structure, and FIG. 8 (A) shows a state in which the needle-shaped small-diameter portion 11 is projected. FIG. 8B shows a state where the needle-shaped small-diameter portion 11 is housed in the outer cylinder 28. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the tube body 3
C is a double-tube structure of an inner cylinder 27 having a needle-like small-diameter portion 11 at its tip and an outer cylinder 28 surrounding the outer periphery of the inner cylinder 27. The needle-like small-diameter portion of the inner cylinder 27 is operated by the proximal side. 11 is an outer cylinder 28
It is designed so that it can appear and disappear from within.

Inner cylinder 27 and outer cylinder 28 other than the needle-like small-diameter portion 11
Is formed of a flexible tube such as a Teflon (registered trademark) tube having good slidability, and the needle-like thin portion 11 is sharpened so that the tip of a thin metal tube such as stainless steel can be easily inserted into the rubber portion 15. It has a bent shape. Also, the inner cylinder 2
As described in the first embodiment, the hand 7 has a hand mouthpiece portion to which a fluid injection tool such as a syringe can be detachably connected.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The difference from the first and second embodiments is that the capsule endoscope 2C
The point is that the subject slowly swallows without inserting an insertion aid such as an endoscope in a state in which the tube body 3C is connected.

When the capsule endoscope 2C reaches the stomach, the balloon 7 is inflated to an arbitrary outer diameter. Next, the needle-shaped small-diameter portion 11 of the inner cylinder 27 is housed in the outer cylinder 28 by an operation on the proximal side, and the needle-shaped small-diameter portion 11 is pulled out from the injection port 9 to release the connection, and then the tube body 3 is released. This is the point of removing the bladder from the body.

This embodiment has the following effects. When the capsule endoscope 2C and the tube body 3c are released from each other, the needle-shaped small-diameter portion 11 is housed in the outer tube 28 of the double pipe, so that the needle is removed when the tube body 3C is removed. The inner member does not accidentally damage the inner wall of the body cavity. Further, by pulling out the needle-shaped small-diameter portion 11 while accommodating it in the outer cylinder 28, the connection can be easily released without bringing the balloon 7 into close contact with the inner wall of the body cavity.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 shows an endoscope apparatus 1D according to the fourth embodiment. An endoscopic device 1D shown in FIG. 9 includes a capsule endoscope 2D and the capsule endoscope 2D.
It is composed of a tube body 3D detachably attached to D and an angled guide tube 41 for inserting and guiding these.

The capsule endoscope 2D has an image pickup device 5 at its tip.
Also, an illumination device 6 is provided with an injection port 9 at the rear end, and the injection port 9 has a tube body 3D for sending fluid to the balloon 7.
Is detachably connected.

On the other hand, since the angled guide tube 41 can be used in the same manner as a normal endoscope other than the channel 14 for inserting the tube body 3D, another channel 20 and a delivery tube having a nozzle 42 at its tip are used. It is desirable that the air / water supply conduit 43 be provided.

The tube body 3D has a length equal to or longer than the insertion portion of the angled guide tube 41, and the base end portion of the tube body 3D is moved from the storage portion 44 located at the tip end portion of the angled guide tube 41 to the angled guide tube 41.
The channel 14 arranged so as to be inserted into the insertion part of the
Insert it inside.

The rear end surface of the capsule endoscope 2D reaches the tip of the channel 14. In that state, the tube body 3 is attached to the base end portion of the tube body 3D protruding from the base end portion of the channel 14.
The capsule endoscope 2D is fixed in the housing portion 44 by applying a tension to the extent that D does not come off from the capsule endoscope 2D.

At the time of fixing the capsule endoscope 2D, instead of applying a tension to the base end portion of the tube body 3D, an elastic resistance portion for generating a holding force for fixing the capsule endoscope 2D in the storage portion 44. 45 may be provided. When the capsule endoscope 2D is fixed in the storage portion 44, it becomes as shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. Figure 9
As described above, the capsule endoscope 2D is set in a storage portion 44 provided at the tip of the angled guide tube 41 in a state of being fixed by tension or mechanical holding force, and the capsule endoscope 2D and the angled guide tube are set. 41 is integrally inserted into the body.

Capsule endoscope 2 for examination up to the duodenum
D is an angled guide tube 41 and a storage portion 44 at the tip of the guide tube 41.
Use it as you would a normal endoscope while still stored. When using the capsule endoscope 2D, the capsule endoscope 2 is used.
D is inserted integrally with the angled guide tube 41, and the capsule endoscope 2D is made to reach a target portion such as the small intestine 12.

After that, the application of tension to the tube body 3D is stopped, or the capsule endoscope 2D is pushed along the tube body 3D to be discharged from the storage section 44, and the angled guide tube 41 is slowly pulled out to remove the inside of the capsule. The endoscope 2D is placed in the small intestine 12.

When pushing out the capsule endoscope 2D,
The tube body 3D needs to have rigidity enough to transmit a compressive force. Since the expansion of the balloon 7 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The present embodiment has the following effects. Using the capsule endoscope 2D, it is possible to perform an examination up to the duodenum in the same manner as a normal endoscope while maintaining the insertability of the normal endoscope.
Capsule endoscope 2D and angled guide tube 41
The capsule endoscope 2D can be easily inserted into the deep part of the small intestine 12 or the like because the above can be inserted into the duodenum as is the case with a normal endoscope.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is the fifth
The endoscope apparatus 1E of embodiment is shown. An endoscope apparatus 1E shown in FIG. 10 includes a capsule endoscope 2D, a tube body 3D detachable from the capsule endoscope 2D, and an angled guide tube 51 for inserting and guiding these.

As in the case of FIG. 9, the capsule endoscope 2D is provided with the image pickup device 5 and the illumination device 6 at the front end and the injection port 9 at the rear end, and the tube body 3D is connected to the injection port 9. To be done.

On the other hand, since the angled guide tube 51 can be used in the same manner as a normal endoscope except for the channel 14 for inserting the tube body 3D, the other end of the channel 20 and the tip end as shown in FIG. Nozzle 42
It is desirable that the air supply / water supply conduit 43 having the above is provided, but either the channel 20 or the air supply / water supply conduit 43 in addition to the channel 14 for reducing the diameter of the insertion portion. In some cases, only one can be installed.

The tube body 3D has a length equal to or longer than the insertion portion of the angled guide tube 51, and the base end portion of the tube body 3D is moved from the storage portion 44 located at the tip end portion of the angled guide tube 51 to the angled guide tube 51. The capsule endoscope 2D is inserted into the channel 14 provided so as to pass through the insertion portion, and the rear end surface of the capsule endoscope 2D reaches the tip of the channel 14.

In this state, a tension is applied to the base end of the tube body 3D protruding from the base end of the channel 14 so that the tube body 3D does not come off the capsule endoscope 2D. Fix inside.

The capsule endoscope 2D is moved to the angled guide tube 51 by the suction force using the channel 14.
It can be fixed if it can be fixed to the tip. In that case, the adsorbent 19 for improving the adsorptivity is attached to the capsule endoscope 2D.
It may be provided around the tube body 3D at the rear end.

The storage section 44 is laid out so as to be inscribed in the insertion section of the angled guide tube 51 in order to reduce the diameter of the angled guide tube 51 while maintaining the functions of air supply, water supply, and suction. Capsule endoscope 2
When D is fixed to the tip of the angled guide tube 51, it becomes as shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. Figure 1
As shown in 0, the capsule endoscope 2D is set in a storage portion 44 provided at the tip of the angled guide tube 51 in a state of being fixed by tension or suction force, and the capsule endoscope 2D and the angled guide tube 51 are set. Insert into the body as a unit.

Capsule endoscope 2 at the time of examination up to the duodenum
D is a guide tube 51 with an angle
Use it as you would a normal endoscope while still stored. When the capsule endoscope 2D is used, the capsule endoscope 2D is inserted integrally with the angled guide tube 51 so that the capsule endoscope 2D reaches the small intestine 12.

After that, the application of tension to the tube body 3D is stopped, or the suction of the capsule endoscope 2D is stopped, and the capsule endoscope 2D is discharged from the storage section 44,
Further, the angled guide tube 51 is slowly pulled out, and the capsule endoscope 2D is placed in the small intestine 12.
Since the expansion of the balloon 7 is the same as that of the first embodiment,
The description is omitted.

This embodiment has the following effects. Using the capsule endoscope 2D, the examination up to the duodenum can be performed in the same manner as a normal endoscope while maintaining the insertability of the normal endoscope.
Capsule endoscope 2D and angled guide tube 51
The capsule endoscope 2D can be easily inserted into the small intestine 12 since the above can be inserted into the duodenum as is the case with a normal endoscope.

Further, the accommodating portion 44 is provided so as to be inscribed in the insertion portion of the angled guide tube 51, so that the insertion portion can have a smaller diameter and can be inserted into a smaller diameter portion.

FIG. 11 shows a modified endoscope device 61. The endoscope device 61 includes a capsule endoscope 62, a tube body 63 connected to the capsule endoscope 62,
It is composed of an endoscope 64 that guides these insertions.

The capsule endoscope 62 has an image pickup device 5 at the tip thereof.
The illumination device 6 is provided with a stepped channel 66 through which the shaft portion of the treatment instrument 65 can be inserted, and a tube body 63 connected to the stepped channel 66 at the rear end.

On the other hand, the endoscope 64 is provided with the channel 14 so as to be inserted through the insertion portion thereof. The tube body 63 is longer than the channel 14 and has a treatment tool 65.
It has an inner diameter that can be inserted.

When the proximal end portion of the tube body 63 attached to the rear end of the capsule endoscope 62 is inserted from the distal end side of the channel 14, the proximal end portion of the tube body 63 becomes the channel 1.
4 protrudes from the base end. A tensile force is applied to the base end portion of the protruding tube body 63 to such an extent that the tube body 63 does not come off the capsule endoscope 62, or the channel 14
The capsule endoscope 62 is fixed to the tip of the endoscope 64 by sucking the rear end of the capsule endoscope 62 through the through-hole.

When the capsule endoscope 62 is fixed by suction, an adsorbent 19 for enhancing the suction effect may be added between the capsule endoscope 62 and the tip of the endoscope 64. A resistance member 67 is fixed to the treatment tool 65 at some point from the tip.

Next, the operation of the endoscope device 61 will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, the capsule endoscope 62 is set in a state of being fixed to the tip of the endoscope 64, and the capsule endoscope 62 and the endoscope 64 are integrally inserted into the body.
To reach the small intestine 12.

Channel 14 and stepped channel 6
The treatment instrument 65 is inserted through the small intestine 6 and the small intestine 1
2 While holding the inner wall, the step portion of the stepped channel 66 is hooked on the resistance member 67 to fix the capsule endoscope 62 to the treatment instrument 65.

From this state, the endoscope 64 and the treatment tool 65 are slowly pulled out in this order, and the capsule endoscope 62 is placed in the small intestine 12. Before the endoscope 64 is pulled out, the operation tool 65 has the operation section removed.

This modification has the following effects. Since the capsule endoscope 62 and the endoscope 64 are integrated and can be inserted up to the duodenum like a normal endoscope, the capsule endoscope 62 can be easily inserted into the small intestine 12. Capsule endoscope 6
No special device for fixing the 2 to the endoscope 64 is required. The channel can be implemented with one endoscope.

[Additional Notes] 4. The tube body has a needle-like small-diameter portion at a tip thereof, and has a hand mouthpiece portion capable of detachably connecting a fluid injection tool such as a syringe at a hand side. The endoscopic device described. 5. The tube body has a double-tube structure of an inner cylinder having a needle-like small-diameter portion at the tip and an outer cylinder surrounding the outer circumference of the inner cylinder. The endoscope device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and claim 4, wherein the endoscope device is configured to be retractable. 6. The tube body and the capsule endoscope are connected, the capsule endoscope is swallowed in a state in which the balloon is deflated, and the balloon is inflated at an arbitrary position in the body cavity before connecting the tube body and the capsule endoscope. A method of removing the tube body only outside the body leaving the capsule endoscope in a state where the balloon is inflated, is performed using the endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and supplementary notes 4 and 5. Endoscope device.

7. The tube body is connected to the capsule endoscope, and the tube body is inserted into the treatment tool channel of the endoscope separate from the capsule endoscope in a state where the balloon is deflated, and the capsule endoscope is viewed together with the endoscope. After swallowing the mirror and carrying the capsule endoscope to any location in the body cavity with the endoscope as a guide, inflate the balloon and then disconnect the tube body from the capsule endoscope, and the balloon inflated The method for extracting the tube body and the endoscope outside the body while leaving the capsule endoscope in the state is performed by using the endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and supplementary notes 4 and 5. Mirror device. 8. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an image pickup means using a VMIS (threshold modulation type image sensor).

[0094]

According to the present invention, after expanding the balloon provided in the capsule body in the body cavity by a simple method without enlarging the capsule endoscope, only the capsule endoscope is in the body cavity. The inner wall of the body cavity expanded by the balloon can be observed well.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure near the insertion opening of the capsule endoscope.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state of endoscopic examination by a capsule endoscope after the capsule is released into the small intestine.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a structure near an injection port and its action in a modified example.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an endoscope apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state of endoscopic examination by a capsule endoscope after releasing.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration and the like of a main part of an endoscope apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the structure of the distal end side of the tube body.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an endoscope apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an endoscope device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an endoscope device of a modified example.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Endoscopic device 2 ... Capsule endoscope 3 ... tube body 4 ... Endoscope 5 ... Imaging device 6 ... Lighting device 7 ... Balloon 8 ... Fixing ring 9 ... Filling port 10 ... Fluid pipeline 11 ... Needle-shaped small-diameter part 12 ... Small intestine 13 ... insertion part 14, 20 ... Channel 15 ... Rubber stopper 16 ... Pipe 19 ... Adsorbent 21 ... Treatment tool Proxy Attorney Susumu Ito

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Nobuyuki Matsuura             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masaaki Nakazawa             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 4C038 CC03 CC09                 4C061 AA01 AA03 AA04 BB02 CC06                       FF36 FF43 GG22 HH04 LL02                       NN03 QQ06 UU08

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A fluid for injecting a fluid, which is provided at least on the distal end side of the capsule-shaped container, and an inflating / deflating balloon provided on the rear side of the observing means, and inside the balloon or between the balloon and the capsule-shaped container. An endoscopic device comprising a capsule endoscope having a pouring port, and a flexible tube body for fluid supply detachable from the endoscopic fluid injection port. 2. The fluid injection port allows fluid to be injected into the balloon or between the balloon and the capsule-like container by piercing the distal end of the tube body, and is sealed when the distal end of the tube body is pulled out, The endoscope device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid has a structure such that the fluid does not escape. 3. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tube body is configured to be inserted into and removed from a treatment tool channel of an endoscope separate from the capsule endoscope. apparatus.