JP2003310620A - Ultrasonic endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic endoscope allowing combined use of endoscope observation by direct view and ultrasonic observation by an ultrasonic vibrator, and single use as a direct view type endoscope. <P>SOLUTION: This ultrasonic endoscope 1 has: an observation optical system 12 disposed in a distal end body 10, executing observation in front of an insertion tube/working length; and a tube-like ultrasonic unit 20 integrally composed of at least the ultrasonic vibrator 24 and a circular motor 27 executing a radial scan of the ultrasonic vibrator 24 and disposed attachably/detachably to/from a distal end 6. The distal end 6 can be disposed with a distal end covering member 30 allowing the use of the ultrasonic endoscope 1 as the single endoscope 1, instead of the ultrasonic unit 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic endoscope having a detachable ultrasonic unit at a distal end of an insertion portion.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus such as an ultrasonic endoscope or an ultrasonic probe which mechanically rotationally scans an ultrasonic beam oscillated from an ultrasonic transducer to acquire an ultrasonic image has been available. Various proposals have been made.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-128981 makes it possible to easily perform good ultrasonic diagnosis, and also to realize a narrow tip diameter and a small size as much as possible so that it can be utilized in a wide range of diagnostic applications. Further, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which is excellent in assemblability and maintainability after assembling is also disclosed. The ultrasonic endoscope of this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is configured to include an operation portion 102 at the base end of an elongated insertion portion 101 as shown in FIG. From this operation unit 102, a universal cord 103 connected to a light source device (not shown) and an ultrasonic cord 104 connected to an ultrasonic observation device (not shown).
And are extended.

The ultrasonic endoscope 100 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, the tip body 10 that constitutes the tip 105
The ultrasonic transducer 11 is placed in the unit placement hole 108 formed in FIG.
The ultrasonic unit 110 in which the housing 1, the slip ring 112, the encoder 113, and the motor 114 are integrated is detachable by screws (not shown).

However, in the ultrasonic endoscope in which the unit placement hole 108 is formed in the tip body 107, since the ultrasonic unit is placed in the unit placement hole, the outer dimensions of the tip body are for normal observation. Since it has a larger diameter than that of the endoscope and the observation optical system is a squint optical system so that the tip cap does not enter the optical image, it is used as a dedicated ultrasonic inspection machine. Therefore, in a general examination, after performing an endoscopic observation with a normal endoscope, the ultrasonic endoscope is inserted into a body cavity for ultrasonic examination. For this reason, since two types of endoscopes are required, not only is the burden on the patient large, but the financial burden on the user also increases.

In order to solve these problems, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
No. 01-314401 discloses a radial scanning forward-viewing ultrasonic endoscope (hereinafter abbreviated as forward-viewing ultrasonic endoscope).
It is shown. This forward-looking ultrasonic endoscope is provided with an ultrasonic transducer array section in which a large number of ultrasonic transducers for performing radial scanning are arrayed in the circumferential direction of the distal end portion of the insertion section. A so-called direct-viewing observation optical system for observing the front was provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, which is configured to be electronically scanned. Therefore, by inserting the forward-looking ultrasonic endoscope into the body cavity, endoscopic observation by direct vision and ultrasonic examination can be selectively performed.

[0007]

However, since the forward-viewing ultrasonic endoscope disclosed in JP 2001-314401 A has a limited scanning range, it is possible to obtain an ultrasonic image over the entire circumference. There wasn't. In addition, since the ultrasonic transducer array for ultrasonic examination is fixed and the frequency is limited to a certain range, the type of lesion,
The scanning position could not be changed according to the site.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and it is possible to use the endoscope observation by the direct view and the ultrasonic observation by the ultrasonic transducer in combination, and use the stand alone as the direct view type endoscope. The purpose is to provide a possible ultrasound endoscope.

[0009]

An ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention includes a direct-view optical system which is disposed in a distal end main body for observing the front of an insertion portion, is tubular, and has at least an ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic transducer. An annular motor that radially scans a sound wave oscillator is integrally configured, and an ultrasonic wave unit detachably arranged on the tip end body is provided. Further, in place of the ultrasonic unit, it has a tubular tip end covering member that is detachably arranged in the tip end body.

According to these configurations, by mounting and disposing the ultrasonic unit on the body of the distal end portion, in addition to the endoscopic observation by the direct-view optical system by the ultrasonic endoscope, radial ultrasonic waves over the entire circumference are also provided. You can get an image. On the other hand, by mounting the distal end covering member on the distal end main body instead of the ultrasonic unit, the ultrasonic observation can be performed as an independent endoscope in which the direct-view optical system is disposed.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an ultrasonic endoscope, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a distal end portion of the ultrasonic endoscope and an ultrasonic unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an electrical connection state between the ultrasonic unit and the tip portion main body, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the tip end covering member is arranged at the tip end portion of the ultrasonic endoscope.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic endoscope 1 has an operation portion 3 at the base end of an elongated insertion portion 2. A universal cord 4 connected to a light source device (not shown) and an ultrasonic cord 5 connected to an ultrasonic observation device (not shown) extend from a side portion of the operation unit 3.

The insertion portion 2 is constructed by sequentially connecting a tip portion 6, a bendable bending portion 7, and a flexible tube portion 8 having flexibility from the tip end side. The operation section 3 is provided with a bending operation knob 3a, and the bending section 7 can be bent by operating the bending operation knob 3a.

A tubular ultrasonic unit 2 is provided at the tip portion 6.
0 and the tip end covering member 30 are arranged to be exchangeable. When the ultrasonic endoscope 1 is used as a direct-view type endoscope, the distal end covering member 30 is arranged at the distal end portion 6 instead of the ultrasonic unit 20.

A control device (not shown) is provided in the ultrasonic observation device, and an ultrasonic transducer described later provided in the ultrasonic unit 20 arranged at the tip portion 6 is provided by the control device. Drive, control, etc.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic unit 20 is used.
Are arranged at the tip 6. The ultrasonic unit 20 has a tubular unit body 21, a cover member 22 arranged on the outer peripheral side of the unit body 21 to form an internal space 23, and arranged in the internal space 23 in order from one end side. The ultrasonic transducer 24, the slip ring 25, the encoder 26, and the motor 27 are mainly configured. The slip ring 25 and the encoder 2
6 and the motor 27 are annular, and the unit body 2
1 is fixed at a predetermined position.

The ultrasonic transducer 24 has the motor 27.
The oscillator holding member 24a is rotated in relation to the unit main body 21 by the encoder placement recess 24b.
The rotational position of the ultrasonic transducer 24 arranged at a is detected.

The cover member 22 includes the motor 27,
The cover unit main body 22a covers the encoder 26 and the slip ring 25, and the front end cap 22b arranged on the front end side of the cover unit main body 22 to cover the scanning range of the ultrasonic transducer 24. This tip cap 22b
Is adhered and fixed to predetermined positions on the ends of the unit main body 21 and the cover main body 22a by, for example, an adhesive.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic unit 20 is used.
A plurality of terminals 28 are arranged in the circumferential direction at the base end portion of. These terminals 28 are respectively connected to the ultrasonic transducers 2
4, a signal line 41 electrically connected to the encoder 4, the encoder 2
6, the signal line 42 electrically connected to 6 and the motor 27
The electric cable 43 connected to is electrically connected.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rigid tip body 10 forming the tip 6 has an illumination optical system 11 as an endoscope optical system and an observation optical system which is a direct-view optical system. 12 are provided. Also, this tip body 1
The outer surface of 0 is covered with a cover member 13 formed of a resin member.

Reference numeral 14 denotes an electrical contact 14 which serves as an electrical connection portion corresponding to the terminal 28, and a plurality of electrical contacts 14 are arranged so as to be exposed in the circumferential direction. Reference numeral 14a is a signal cable electrically connected to each electric contact 14, and the insertion portion 2, the operation portion 3 and the ultrasonic cord 5 are inserted to extend collectively to the ultrasonic observation apparatus. There is.

Further, the tip end covering member 30 and the ultrasonic unit 20 include the cover member 13 constituting the tip end covering member 30 and the ultrasonic unit 20, or the tip end portion 6.
Alternatively, an O-ring (not shown) or the like is detachably arranged and fixed to the tip portion 6 by the urging force of an elastic member, for example.

Further, the tip cap 22b is made of an ultrasonic wave permeable material such as low density polyethylene or polymethylpentene, and the ultrasonic transducer 24 is arranged in the tip cap 22b. For example, an ultrasonic transmission medium such as liquid paraffin, water, an aqueous solution of carboxymethyl cellulose is filled.

The operation of the ultrasonic endoscope 1 configured as described above will be described. The ultrasonic unit 20 is attached to the tip portion 6.
To arrange. Then, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the terminal 28 and the electrical contact 14 are electrically connected. Here, by driving the motor 27 via the ultrasonic observation device, the ultrasonic transducer 24 rotates in the circumferential direction, and a radial ultrasonic image can be obtained. Also, the tip 6
Illumination optical system 1 disposed in the
A direct-viewing endoscopic image can be obtained by the endoscopic optical system configured by 1 and the observation optical system 12.

That is, by disposing the ultrasonic unit 20 at the distal end portion 6 of the ultrasonic endoscope 1, an ultrasonic image over the entire circumference in the radial direction and an endoscopic image in the front in the insertion direction of the endoscope are obtained. Then, ultrasonic observation and endoscopic observation can be performed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
Instead of the ultrasonic unit 20, the tip end covering member 30
To arrange. As a result, the electrical contact 14 is covered with the tip end covering member 30 and is prevented from being exposed to the outside. Therefore, by inserting the ultrasonic endoscope 1 in this state into the observation site, a direct-viewing endoscope image can be obtained by the endoscope optical system. That is, by disposing the distal end portion covering member 30 on the distal end portion 6 of the ultrasonic endoscope 1, endoscopic observation can be performed as a single endoscope.

As described above, the tubular ultrasonic unit and the distal end covering member that are detachably attached to the distal end having the endoscope optical system constituted by the illumination optical system and the observation optical system facing the front in the insertion direction are provided. By arranging and providing an ultrasonic endoscope, the single ultrasonic endoscope can be used as an endoscope of a direct-viewing type, and the endoscope can be observed by itself and vibrating ultrasonically. With the child, it is possible to perform observation in combination with ultrasonic observation using ultrasonic images over the entire circumference in the radial direction.

Further, by preparing a plurality of ultrasonic units in which ultrasonic transducers having different ultrasonic characteristics are arranged and appropriately attaching the ultrasonic units to the distal end portion, it is possible to obtain the optimum ultrasonic wave for the type and site of the lesion. Sound wave observation can be performed.

As a result, by preparing one of the ultrasonic endoscopes, it is possible to perform observation as a direct-viewing endoscope and observation using both endoscope observation and ultrasonic observation in combination. The burden on the patient and the financial burden on the user can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic unit 20 is provided with the terminal 28, the electric contact 14 is provided on the tip end side, and the electric contact 14 and the terminal 28 are brought into contact with each other to transmit a signal. The signal transmission method is not limited to the contact type, and as shown in FIG. 5A, for example, a coil is used to supply power to the motor by electromagnetic induction, a power supply unit 45, a slip ring, and an encoder. By providing a wireless transmission / reception unit 46 and the like for transmitting and receiving the signal of
You may make it the structure which transmits a signal non-contact.

Further, in the present embodiment, the electrical contacts 14 are arranged on the curved portion 7 side of the tip portion 6, but in addition to the electrical contacts 14, the electrical contacts 14 are provided on the tip side of the tip portion 6. May be arranged. Note that FIG.
In (b), a power supply unit 45 and a wireless transmission / reception unit 46 are used instead of the configuration of the terminal 28 and the electrical contact 14. As a result, the ultrasonic transducer 24 can be appropriately arranged on the distal end side of the distal end portion or the curved portion 7 side to perform ultrasonic observation.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the ultrasonic unit 20 has a distal end portion of the ultrasonic endoscope 1 having an endoscope optical system composed of an illumination optical system 11 and an observation optical system 12 facing the front side in the insertion direction. Although the configuration for arranging in 6 is shown,
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, an ultrasonic endoscope 1A having a perspective-type endoscope optical system 61 at a tip portion 6A, and a convex-type ultrasonic transducer 62 disposed at the tip of the tip portion 6A, for example. You may make it arrange | position the ultrasonic unit 20 of this invention at the front end side of the front-end | tip part. This makes it possible to obtain an ultrasonic image by the convex type ultrasonic transducer 62 and an ultrasonic image by the ultrasonic unit 20, that is, an ultrasonic image of two planes and perform ultrasonic observation.

7 and 8 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the configuration of the distal end portion of the ultrasonic endoscope and the ultrasonic unit, and FIG. 8 is provided for the ultrasonic unit. It is a figure explaining the moving mechanism part. 8A is an enlarged view for explaining the moving mechanism section, and FIG. 8B is a view taken in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8A.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the ultrasonic endoscope 1B of the present embodiment, the ultrasonic unit 20A is provided with a moving mechanism section 50 that can move back and forth in the insertion section direction. That is,
In the ultrasonic unit 20A of the present embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, four roller units 51 (driving roller (51a) 1 arranged at intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction) are provided.
A drive battery 59 for supplying electric power for driving the moving mechanism 50 and the motor 27a is provided. Further, a wireless transmission / reception unit 46 is provided in order to exchange signals of the slip ring 25 and the encoder 26 by a wireless system.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the moving mechanism section 50 is formed on the vibrator holding member 24a rotated by the motor 27a driven by the battery 59. And the second spur gear 53a and the second spur gear 53, which are the second and third transmission gears meshing with the inner tooth portion 52, which are the first transmission gears.
b, and the roller portion 51a provided with a crown gear 51g meshing with the second spur gear 53b of the third transmission gear and arranged with a predetermined pressing force against the tip portion 6. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same members are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The operation of the ultrasonic endoscope 1B configured as described above will be described. The ultrasonic unit 2 is attached to the tip portion 6.
Place 0B. Then, the motor 27a is driven via the ultrasonic observation device. As a result, the ultrasonic transducer 24 rotates in the circumferential direction to obtain a radial ultrasonic image, and the roller portion 51 rotates via the spur gears 53a and 53b meshing with the internal tooth portion 52. Then, the ultrasonic unit 20B moves to, for example, the proximal end side of the insertion portion.

Further, the illumination optical system 11 and the observation optical system 12 arranged at the tip portion 6 and directed to the front front in the insertion direction.
A direct-viewing endoscopic image can be obtained by the endoscopic optical system configured by.

That is, by arranging the ultrasonic unit 20B on the distal end portion 6 of the ultrasonic endoscope 1 and performing ultrasonic observation, the ultrasonic movement over the entire circumference in the radial direction while linearly moving for a predetermined distance in the insertion axis direction. Ultrasonic observation and endoscopic observation can be performed by obtaining a sound wave image and an endoscopic image in front of the insertion direction of the endoscope. Then, the ultrasonic unit 20B can be moved in the opposite direction by switching the rotational direction of the ultrasonic transducer 24 for radial scanning to the opposite direction.

As described above, by providing the moving mechanism section in the ultrasonic unit, it is possible to perform ultrasonic observation while linearly moving the ultrasonic unit when the ultrasonic transducer is radially scanned.

As a result, when the position to be observed is changed, only the ultrasonic unit is moved for a predetermined distance in the insertion axis direction and a wide range of ultrasonic observation can be performed without moving the ultrasonic endoscope. Further, a three-dimensional ultrasonic image can be constructed by performing a predetermined arithmetic processing on the ultrasonic data obtained by the radial scanning and the linear scanning.

In this embodiment, the ultrasonic unit is configured to move in the insertion direction at the same time as the radial scanning is started by the ultrasonic vibrator. Alternatively, a motor for the moving mechanism may be provided to move the ultrasonic unit independently in the insertion direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9 for explaining an application example of the ultrasonic endoscope, in addition to the ultrasonic scanning motor 27, the ultrasonic unit 20B has a linear motor as a motor dedicated to the moving mechanism. 55 may be provided, and the magnetic pattern 56 for a linear motor that defines the movement range of the ultrasonic unit 20B in the longitudinal direction of the insertion section may be provided on the outer peripheral surface side of the insertion section to configure the ultrasonic endoscope 1C.

As a result, by inserting the insertion portion 2 of the ultrasonic endoscope 1C to the target portion, the ultrasonic unit 20B is moved forward and backward to a desired position without moving the insertion portion 2. Ultrasonic observation can be performed by obtaining ultrasonic data.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[Appendix] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention as described in detail above, the following constitution can be obtained.

(1) A direct-view optical system which is disposed in the body of the distal end portion for observing the front of the insertion portion, and a tubular ultrasonic vibrator and at least an annular motor which radially scans the ultrasonic vibrator are integrally formed. And an ultrasonic unit that is detachably arranged on the distal end portion main body.

(2) The ultrasonic endoscope according to appendix 1, which has a tubular distal end covering member that is detachably arranged on the distal end body instead of the ultrasonic unit.

(3) The ultrasonic endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the ultrasonic unit is provided with a moving mechanism for moving the ultrasonic unit in the axial direction of the insertion portion.

(4) An ultrasonic endoscope according to appendix 3, wherein the moving mechanism section is composed of a gear train.

(5) The ultrasonic endoscope according to appendix 3, wherein the moving mechanism section is provided with an ultrasonic scanning motor and a moving mechanism motor.

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to use both the endoscopic observation by the direct view and the ultrasonic observation by the ultrasonic transducer, and use the endoscope alone as the direct view type endoscope. An ultrasonic endoscope can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an ultrasonic endoscope.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a distal end portion of an ultrasonic endoscope and an ultrasonic unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an electrical connection state between an ultrasonic unit and a tip body.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a state in which a tip end covering member is arranged at the tip end of the ultrasonic endoscope.

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

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the ultrasonic unit.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a distal end portion of an ultrasonic endoscope and an ultrasonic unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a moving mechanism portion provided in the ultrasonic unit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an application example of an ultrasonic endoscope.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Ultrasound endoscope 6 ... Tip 10 ... Tip body 12 ... Observation optical system 14 ... Electrical contact 20 ... Ultrasonic unit 24 ... Ultrasonic transducer 27 ... Motor 28 ... Terminal 30 ... Tip coating member

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Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A direct-view optical system which is disposed in a tip end portion main body for observing the front of the insertion part, and which is tubular and integrally includes at least an ultrasonic transducer and an annular motor for radial scanning of the ultrasonic transducer. And an ultrasonic unit removably disposed on the distal end body, the ultrasonic endoscope. 2. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising, in place of the ultrasonic unit, a tubular distal end covering member that is detachably arranged on the distal end body.