JP2007136208A - Capsule type endoscope for medical treatment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical-treatment capsule type endoscope that enables the observation of regions ahead of and behind its oral capsule section. <P>SOLUTION: The capsule endoscope is provided with an oral capsule section 10B that an examinee can gulp down and a plurality of observation optical systems 11 used for visual observation, wherein the observation optical systems 11 are installed at the leading end and the base of the oral capsule section 10B to enable the observation of regions ahead of and behind the oral capsule section 10B. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical capsule endoscope that is fed into a living body when a patient swallows and observes inside a body cavity such as an esophagus and a stomach.

  In recent years, by inserting a scope into a body cavity, the gastrointestinal tract such as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, and the trachea such as the lung are observed, and various treatment tools are inserted using the treatment instrument channel as necessary. Endoscopes that can be treated are used. In particular, an electronic endoscope using an electronic imaging device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) is widely used because it can display an image on a monitor and there is less fatigue of an operator who operates the endoscope.

  The endoscopy is generally performed in an operating room equipped with a light source device that supplies illumination light and a camera control unit that processes image signals transmitted from an electronic endoscope. It was.

  In addition, when an endoscope is inserted orally, the subject is generally held by a mouthpiece, and after sedation is administered to reduce patient pain, the insertion part is inserted into the body cavity. It was pushed to the target site and was observed and treated.

  On the other hand, for the purpose of reducing pain and diagnosing and treating patients, for example, a capsule incorporating a measuring instrument or wireless device is swallowed, and the pH value in the body cavity is transmitted outside the body in the process of passing through the stomach and intestine In recent years, a number of medical capsule devices or the like that directly perform drug application have been proposed.

  As one of medical capsule devices, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-224650 discloses an ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonic drive means, a means for scanning an ultrasonic beam, and an ultrasonic reflected signal converted into an electrical signal. An ultrasonic diagnostic medical capsule having a transmission means for leading out of the body is shown.

  However, in the ultrasonic diagnostic medical capsule disclosed in JP-A-2-224650, the oral capsule portion formed in a spherical shape or the like in which the ultrasonic transducer is disposed and the transmission means are inserted. Since a step was formed between the connecting part and the wired part, when pulling back the oral capsule part that reached the stomach, this oral capsule part caught on the cardia, prolonging the examination time, or In order to remove the cable, a load more than necessary is applied to the wired part, which may cause a problem in the transmission means.

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 use at home visits and for elderly people and children.
JP-A-2-224650

In the conventional endoscope, since the observation means is provided on the distal end side or side surface side, the distal end side or side surface side of the endoscope can be observed, but the rear side can be observed. There wasn't.
This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, and it aims at providing the medical capsule endoscope which enabled observation of the front and back side of an oral capsule part.

The medical capsule endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention includes an oral capsule part that can be swallowed by a subject,
A plurality of observation function means for observing the examination site;
With
The observation function means is provided at the distal end portion and the proximal end portion of the oral capsule portion, and the front side and the rear side of the oral capsule portion are observed.

  The medical capsule endoscope of the present invention has an advantage that enables observation of the front and rear sides of the oral capsule portion.

  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 portion and a traction protection tube of the medical capsule endoscope. FIG. 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, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an endoscope system including a medical capsule endoscope, and FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the medical capsule endoscope.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a medical capsule endoscope (hereinafter abbreviated as “capsule endoscope”) 1 of this embodiment is a so-called electronic endoscope, and constitutes an observation optical system 11 as observation function means. (Hereinafter also referred to as a CCD) 2 and a white LED for illumination (hereinafter also referred to as an LED) 3 constituting the illumination optical system 12, a substantially oval spherical oral capsule part (abbreviated as an oral capsule part) 10, and this The traction protection tube 13, which is a tubular member having a smaller outer dimension than the oral capsule portion 10, is flexible and excellent in tensile strength, and is disposed at the proximal end of the traction protection tube 13. It is mainly composed of a gripping portion 14 and an electric cable 15 extending from an end portion of the gripping portion 14 and having an electric connector 15a at a base end portion.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the substantially oval spherical capsule part 10 includes a transparent cover part 21 having a curved surface part constituting the distal end side, and a capsule body that is watertightly connected and fixed to the base end side of the transparent cover part 21. 22, and the distal end portion of the traction protection tube 13 is connected and fixed to a connection fixing portion 22 a (see FIG. 3) formed at the base end portion of the capsule body 22 so as to substantially coincide with the central axis. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the outer shape of the base end side of the capsule body 22 has a substantially continuous outer dimension from the vicinity of the connection fixing portion 22a to which the traction protection tube 13 is connected toward the distal end side of the capsule body 22. It is formed as an outer shape changing portion 22b that changes smoothly to a large diameter. That is, the outer shape between the oral capsule portion 10 and the traction protection tube 13 is a portion in which the outer shape dimension continuously changes to a large diameter as it goes from the straight portion and the connecting and fixing portion 22a toward the distal end side of the capsule body 22. And has a shape without a catching portion. And the fixed part of the said capsule main body 22 and the said pulling protection pipe | 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 a large diameter portion 31 of the observation portion constituting member 30 is connected to the opening portion and a large diameter opening portion of the capsule body 22. Is also arranged to serve as a reinforcing member.

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

  The signal line 16 extending from the CCD 2 and the power line 17 extending from the LED 3 are inserted through the capsule body 22, the traction protection tube 13 and the electric cable 15 and extend to the electric connector 15a. The electrical connector 15a is connected to an electrical device having 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. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the LED 3 is disposed on the bottom surface of a recess 42 formed in the case body 41, for example, and the light emitting unit 40 is filled with a fluorescent agent 43 so as to bury the LED 3 in the recess 42. The light emitting portion 40 is arranged in the large diameter portion 31. The light emitting unit 40 is formed so as to emit illumination light at a light emission angle θ indicated by a broken line. As a result, the lens used for widening the emission angle by illumination with the conventional light guide fiber can be made unnecessary, the entire length of the capsule portion is shortened, and the swallowability is improved.

  Further, instead of configuring the light emitting unit 40 shown in FIG. 4, a case body 41 a having a shape considering the arrangement positional relationship and the like is formed as shown in FIG. 5A, and a plurality of cases are formed at the bottom of the case body 41. LED 3,..., 3 may be arranged, and the light emitting part 40 a may be configured by filling the fluorescent material 43 in the recess 42 a in the same manner as described above. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5B, the arrangement configuration of the observation optical system and the illumination optical system is set to a desired position configuration to improve the observation performance and to arrange a treatment instrument or the like as indicated by a broken line, for example. It is also possible to provide a space 45 such as.

  Furthermore, a hydrophilic polymer coat, which is a lubricating material, is applied to the surface of the oral capsule unit 10 composed of the transparent cover part 21 and the capsule body 22 shown in FIG. 3 and the surface of the traction protection tube 13. As a result, when the oral capsule part 10 is swallowed, the water of the human body and the hydrophilic polymer are combined, and a film of water is formed on the surfaces of the oral capsule part 10 and the traction protection tube 13 so that the The lubricity 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 an endoscope system in combination with, for example, a portable electrical device 50 that is an electrical device that drives the CCD 2, processes output signals, and supplies power to the LEDs 3. Configure. The portable electrical device 50 includes a connection portion 51 with the electrical connector 16a, and is configured to display an endoscopic image captured by the CCD 2 on a liquid crystal monitor 52.

  The portable electronic device 50 is further provided with an operation panel 53, a shutter button 54 for recording and recording an endoscopic image, a video output terminal 55, and the like, via a TV cable 55a connected to the video output terminal 55. Thus, for example, it is possible to display an endoscopic image on the screen of the home TV 56 and to record the examination progress on the video tape 57 a via the home VTR 57. In addition, photographing and recording of endoscopic images are performed using a storage medium such as a compact flash 58, for example. The portable electrical device 50 is driven by a commercial power source or a household power source, a battery such as the battery 59, or the like.

Here, an endoscopy for early detection of esophageal cancer using the above-described endoscope system will be described.
First, a doctor prepares the endoscope system and visits the home of a subject who desires an examination. Therefore, preparations such as connection between the capsule endoscope 1 and the portable electronic device 50 are made in order to perform endoscopy.

  Next, without subjecting the subject, the subject is swallowed to drink the tablet of the oral capsule part 10. Then, moisture in the esophagus and the hydrophilic polymer on the surface of the capsule endoscope 1 are combined, and the oral capsule portion 10 moves smoothly in the esophagus toward the stomach. Then, a doctor observing an endoscopic image displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 52 or the home TV 56 of the portable electronic device 50, the oral capsule unit 10 moves through the esophagus as shown in FIG. If it is confirmed that it has passed and reached the stomach, an operation of pulling the traction protection tube 13 back to the hand side is performed as indicated by an arrow.

  At this time, an outer shape changing portion 22b whose outer dimension changes smoothly and smoothly into a large diameter is provided between the oral capsule portion 10 and the traction protective tube 13, as shown in FIG. 7B. The traction protection tube 13 and the oral capsule part 10 pass through the cardia smoothly. As a result, the oral capsule portion 10 is placed in the esophagus.

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

  And after completion | finish of a test | inspection, the electrical connector 15a is removed from the connection part 51 of the portable electrical equipment 50, the used capsule endoscope 1 and the portable electrical equipment 50 are isolate | separated, and an endoscope system is held. The taken-in capsule endoscope 1 can be washed and disinfected and reused. The capsule endoscope 1 can also be used in an operating room, as in a normal endoscope.

  In this way, 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 thin traction protective tube with the signal line and the power line inserted, and the shape is smoothly formed. By configuring the capsule endoscope with a changing external shape changing part, when the oral capsule part swallowed and reached the stomach is pulled back to the esophagus by pulling back the traction protection tube, this oral capsule part becomes the cardia Without being caught, the esophagus can be inspected while smoothly rearranging the esophagus and performing a pull-back operation. As a result, early examination of esophageal cancer can be easily performed at a home where the subject can relax without giving the subject a need for a foundation. In addition, since the introduction of the oral capsule part to the target site is performed by swallowing the subject, for example, endoscopy using a capsule endoscope can be easily performed by medical personnel such as an endoscopy engineer. Therefore, for example, a medical staff records the examination progress 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 in the hospital.

  Moreover, the lubricity between the lumen and the lumen can be greatly improved by applying a hydrophilic polymer coat to the surface of the transparent cover portion, capsule body and traction protective tube constituting the oral capsule portion. As a result, swallowing of the oral capsule part and recovery of the oral capsule from the stomach through the esophagus can be performed smoothly.

  In the present embodiment, when the outer shape of the oral capsule portion 10 is configured, the outer shape changing portion 22b is formed in the capsule body 22, but for example, another configuration of the oral capsule portion of FIG. As shown in the figure, a connecting member 9 having the same outer shape as the outer shape changing portion 22b of the capsule main body 22 and having a connecting fixing portion 9a is formed, and the capsule main body 22A and the traction protection are formed via the connecting member 9. You may make it the structure which connects the pipe | tube 13. FIG. At this time, the observation part constituting member 30 having the large diameter part 31 and the small diameter part 32 is integrally formed with the capsule body 22A, and the CCD 2, the lenses 34 and 34, and the light emitting part 40 are arranged. Keep it.

  Further, the outer shape of the oral capsule part 10 is not limited to the outer shape changing part in which the outer dimension continuously and smoothly changes to a large diameter from the connecting and fixing part toward the distal end side of the capsule body. As shown in an example of the outer shape portion of FIG. 8B, the outer shape change portion is formed in a conical shape that linearly changes, or another example of the outer shape portion of FIG. 8C is shown. As shown in the figure, it can be formed by a combination of two curved surfaces, or it can be formed in a shape that changes in a sigmoid function as shown in the figure showing another example of the outer shape part of FIG. It may be formed in a shape that changes in a parabolic shape as shown in the drawing showing another example of the outer shape portion.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the oral capsule unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the configuration of the oral capsule part, and FIG. 9B is a diagram for explaining the action.

  As shown in FIG. 9 (a), the oral capsule portion 10A of the present embodiment pulls the observation optical system 11 and the illumination optical system 12 located at the distal end portion as shown in the first embodiment. 13 is provided on the side to be connected and fixed. As a result, when the oral capsule part swallowed and reaches the stomach as shown in FIG. 9B is pulled back to the esophagus by performing the operation of pulling back the traction protection tube, the observation range is the rear end side of the oral capsule part 10A. Thus, 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 performing a pullback operation. When the oral capsule portion 10A is configured as described above, a connecting and fixing portion with the traction protection tube 13 is provided in 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 in different positional relationships. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  In this way, when 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 part is configured, when the operation of returning the oral capsule part reaching the stomach to the esophagus is performed. Cardiac examination can be performed. Other operations and effects are the same as those in 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 to constitute the oral capsule portion 10B. Then, as shown in the drawing explaining the operation of FIG. 5B, the front side and the rear side of the oral capsule part 10B may be observed.

  Moreover, as shown in the figure of the oral capsule part which provided the some observation function means in the side surface of Fig.11 (a), in the capsule main body 22A which comprises a side peripheral surface, several observation optical systems 11 and those observation optical systems 11 are provided. A corresponding illumination optical system 12 may be provided to form the oral capsule unit 10C. As a result, in addition to observation of the front side and the rear side of the oral capsule part 10C, side observation is also possible. In addition, as shown in the drawing of the oral capsule portion 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 the corresponding illumination optical system 12, one observation optical system 11 and illumination optical system 12 may be provided, and the capsule body 22A may be freely rotatable to constitute the oral capsule unit 10D. Thus, in addition to the observation of the front side and the rear side of the oral capsule unit 10D, it is possible to observe the entire side periphery with one observation optical system. In addition, as shown in the drawing of the oral capsule unit provided with other observation function means on the side surface of FIG. 11 (c), the ultrasonic observation unit 29 having a plurality of array elements arranged on the capsule body 22A constituting the side peripheral surface. May be provided to constitute the oral capsule portion 10E. Accordingly, the front side and the rear side of the oral capsule unit 10E can be observed with an endoscopic image, and the lateral observation can be performed with an ultrasonic image.

  Further, as shown in the capsule endoscope provided with the curved portion in FIG. 12A, the capsule endoscope 1A is placed between the capsule body 22 and the traction protection tube 13 with a conventional small diameter. Similarly to the endoscope, a bending portion 4 configured by continuously connecting bending pieces may be provided, and a bending operation knob 5 for operating the bending portion 4 may be provided in the grip portion 14. At this time, the bending operation wire is disposed in the through hole of the traction protection tube 13. Thus, the cardia can be inspected by bending the bending portion 4 in a state where the oral capsule portion 10 has reached the stomach as shown in the drawing explaining the operation of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the capsule endoscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 13A illustrates a capsule endoscope having a hardness varying mechanism, FIG. 13B illustrates a hardness varying mechanism, and FIG. 13C illustrates the operation of the present embodiment. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 13A, the capsule endoscope 1B of the present embodiment includes a hardness varying device 6 as a hardness varying mechanism that changes the hardness of the traction protection tube 13. The hardness variable device 6 includes a hardness changing portion 61 disposed in the through hole of the traction protection tube 13 and a hardness adjustment disposed at, for example, the base end portion of the gripping portion 14 as shown in FIG. It is comprised with the part 65. FIG.

  The hardness changing portion 61 includes a distal end forming member 62 disposed on the distal end side, a coil sheath 63 having one end fixed to the distal end forming member 62, and an end portion inserted into the coil sheath 63 and having the one end disposed on the distal end forming member. And a wire 64 fixed to 62.

  On the other hand, the hardness adjusting portion 65 is a coil fixing member having a substantially pipe shape in which the other end portion of the coil sheath 63 is fixed and integrally fixed to the gripping portion 14 and a male screw portion formed on the outer peripheral side of the base end portion. 66, an adjustment knob 67 that has a female screw portion that is screwed into the male screw portion of the coil fixing member 66, and can be moved forward and backward, and a proximal end of the adjustment knob 67 by fixing and holding the other end portion of the wire 64 It is comprised with the wire fixing member 68 arrange | positioned at a part.

  For this reason, when the oral capsule part 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 hardness of the traction protection tube 13 is increased. For example, as shown in FIG. 13C, the hardness of the traction protection tube 13 is set to a hard state, and the vicinity of the pylorus can also be inspected. Further, by changing the hardness of the traction protection tube 13 to a hard state, the capsule endoscope 1 can be inserted by being pushed in.

  The hardness variable mechanism that varies the hardness of the traction protection tube 13 is not limited to the hardness variable device 6 described above. For example, the hardness variable mechanism shown in FIG. As shown in the drawings for explaining other configurations, an elongated and inflatable balloon 7 may be arranged. Air supply to the balloon 7 is performed by an air supply device 73 via an air supply tube 72 connected to an air supply port 71 provided in the gripping portion 14. For this reason, by appropriately adjusting the amount of air supplied into the balloon 7 arranged in advance at a predetermined position in the traction protection tube 13 as shown in FIG. The expansion and contraction state of the balloon 7 can be changed to adjust the hardness of the traction protection tube 13 to a desired state, and insertion and inspection can be performed.

  Further, as described above, what is inserted and disposed in the through hole of the traction protection tube 13 is not limited to the hardness changing portion 61 or the balloon 7 of the hardness varying device 6, and for example, a water supply tube in the through hole. May be provided.

  When the water supply tube is provided in the through hole, the side peripheral surface of the capsule main body 22 and the middle of the traction protection tube 13 as shown in FIG. The capsule endoscope 1C is formed by forming a plurality of water discharge holes 75,. As a result, as shown in the drawing for explaining the operation of FIG. 15 (b), in the state where the oral capsule part 10 is swallowed, water is supplied by the water supply syringe 77 connected to the water supply port 76 of the gripping part, thereby The water fed by the water feeding syringe 77 flows out from the water discharge holes 75,..., 75 to 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. While combining with a hydrophilic polymer to improve the lubrication performance, the discharged water plays the role of a lubricant.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16, for the 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 are covered. A capsule cover 85 is attached.

  The capsule cover 85 is composed of a capsule cover part 86 disposed so as to cover at least a part of the oral capsule part 81 and an insertion part cover part 87 covering and covering the traction protection tube 82, and the capsule cover part 86. As described above, the outer shape changing part 88 whose outer dimension changes substantially continuously and smoothly is provided between the insertion part cover part 87 and the insertion part cover 87.

  Accordingly, when using the capsule endoscope 80 having the large step portion 83 between the oral capsule portion 81 and the traction protection tube 82, the swallowability can be improved by covering the capsule cover 85. The capsule cover portion 86, the insertion portion cover portion 87, and the outer shape change portion 88 of the capsule cover 85 may be coated with a hydrophilic polymer, or the insertion portion cover portion 87 may be coated with the above-described hardness varying device 6 or water supply. The structure which provides a tube may be sufficient.

  FIG. 17 is related to 4th Embodiment of this invention, FIG. 17 is a figure explaining the structure of the capsule endoscope which has a channel tube for treatment instrument penetration. 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 instrument opening 91 on the distal end side of the oral capsule section 90, and a treatment instrument insertion described later is provided in the treatment instrument opening 91. One end of the channel tube is in communication. The other end of the channel tube passes through a through hole of the traction protection tube 92 and communicates with a treatment instrument insertion port (not shown) provided at, for example, the proximal end of the grasping portion 14.

  As shown in FIG. 17 (b), the traction protection tube 92 is configured by disposing a stretchable member 93 in a part, and the opening is formed by crushing together with the signal line 16 and the power line 17 in the through hole. A closed channel tube 94 is arranged.

  For this reason, when the oral capsule part 90 has reached the stomach, it is crushed by inserting the treatment tool from the treatment tool insertion port toward the treatment tool opening 91 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 17 (c), the channel tube 94 in a state is expanded to advance the treatment instrument. At this time, the stretchable 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 has a large diameter. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same members and the description thereof is omitted.

  In this way, after the oral capsule part reaches the stomach, the treatment tool is introduced into the target site via the collapsed channel tube provided in the traction protection tube, so that it becomes necessary not only for observation. Treatment can be performed accordingly. Other operations and effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

  In the above embodiment, a stretchable member is provided on a part of the traction protection tube so that the traction protection tube has a large diameter when the treatment instrument is inserted into the channel tube. Even if configured, the same operation and effect can be obtained.

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

  Further, as shown in FIG. 18C, a diagram illustrating another configuration of the capsule endoscope, and a diagram illustrating the operation of FIG. 18D, in this embodiment, the traction protection tube 92B is connected to body fluid, current. It is formed of an expanded polymer whose diameter is increased by detecting and changing the ph value. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those in the fourth embodiment.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18 (e), which is a diagram for explaining the channel portion having the inner diameter dimension d1, and in FIG. 18 (f), which is for explaining the channel portion having the inner diameter dimension d2, in the present embodiment, A channel portion 95 in which a balloon is spirally formed is provided inside. The channel portion 95 changes its inner diameter by changing the pressure in the balloon. For this reason, when swallowing, air is not sent into the balloon and the inner diameter is set to a small diameter d1, and when the treatment instrument is inserted, the balloon is pressurized so that the inner diameter is set to a large diameter d2. As a result, the inner diameter of the channel portion 95 is greatly expanded, and the treatment instrument can be inserted.

  Further, as shown in the drawing for explaining the oral capsule portion having the treatment tool of FIG. 19A, the oral capsule portion 100 is provided with a treatment tool placement recess 103 for placing the treatment tool 101, the suction tube 102 and the like in advance. You may make it comprise the endoscope 1E. The opening / closing operation of the treatment instrument 101 can be performed by a treatment instrument operation knob (not shown) provided in a gripping portion (not shown).

  When the swallowing of the oral capsule unit 100 is performed, the treatment tool 101 prevents the oral cavity, throat, esophagus and the like from being damaged, and the swallowing oral capsule unit shown in FIG. As shown in the drawing, the treatment instrument 101 is in a closed state. At this time, the outer shape of the treatment instrument 101 is a smooth curved surface.

  Further, when a site to be treated is found in a state where the oral capsule portion 10 has reached the stomach, for example, the connection part 110 shown in FIG. 20 (d) or FIG. The treatment instrument 120 and the traction protection tube 13 may be sequentially disposed, and the treatment instrument 120 may be introduced into the target site as shown in the treatment instrument insertion state of FIG.

  As shown in the perspective view of the connecting part in FIG. 20B, the connecting part 110 is formed with a smooth curved surface in order to prevent the oral cavity, throat, esophagus and the like from being damaged. As shown in the front view of the connecting component in FIG. 20C, the connecting component 110 includes a treatment instrument engaging hole 111 that is urged and fixed to the insertion portion 121 of the treatment instrument 120, and the traction protection tube. In order to generate a guide hole 112 that is loosely arranged so as to move along 13, the opening and closing operation of the connection groove 114 formed in the treatment instrument engaging hole 111 and the guide hole 112, and a predetermined fixing force, respectively. Working holes 113 are provided. Therefore, as shown in the drawing for explaining the operation of the connecting component in FIG. 20D, the connection groove 114 is opened by pressing both sides of the operation hole 113 in the arrow direction with a finger. At this time, as shown in FIG. 20A, it is possible to attach the connecting component 110 to the insertion portion 121 and the traction protection tube 13 of the treatment instrument 120.

  That is, when the surgeon finds a site to be treated, first, the connecting part 110 is attached to the insertion portion 121 and the traction protection tube 13 of the treatment tool 120. Next, the treatment instrument 120 is pushed in in this state. Then, since the guide hole 112 is loosely fitted in the traction protection tube 13, the connection tool 110 moves in the body cavity along the traction protection tube 13, whereby the treatment instrument 120 gradually moves toward the body cavity. I will do it. Then, when a predetermined amount of movement is performed, a new connecting component 110 is attached to the insertion portion 121 and the traction protection tube 13 and the treatment instrument 120 is pushed again. By repeating this series of operations, the treatment instrument 120 is introduced to the vicinity of the treatment site as shown in FIG. 20 (e), and a desired treatment can be performed.

  Incidentally, in the above-described embodiment, the endoscope system is configured by the capsule endoscope 1 and the portable electrical device 50. However, the endoscope system is another configuration of the endoscope system of FIG. You may make it comprise like the figure which shows.

  As shown in the figure, the endoscope system according to the present embodiment includes a capsule endoscope 1F with an operation unit, a storage case 130 with an air / water supply device, and a portable computer 140 that records and processes inspection data and image data. It has. This endoscope system enables emergency examination and remote examination as well as home examination.

  The capsule endoscope 1F includes an oral capsule unit 10 having the same configuration as described above, and a traction protection tube 13 connected to the oral capsule unit 10, and an operation unit 122 is provided at the proximal end of the traction protection tube 13. Are arranged to constitute an endoscope. The bending portion 4 is provided between the oral capsule portion 10 and the traction protection tube 13.

  An operation jog 123 for bending the bending portion 4, an air / water supply plug 124, and a display device 125 such as a liquid crystal monitor for displaying an endoscope image, for example, a storage medium such as smart media, are provided on the exterior portion of the operation portion 122. 126 is disposed, and a connection unit 128 for connecting to the computer 140 by, for example, infrared communication is provided. The operation unit 122 includes the above-described CCD circuit, light source circuit, and the like.

  The storage case 130 with the air / water supply device includes an air / water supply pump 131 and a capsule endoscope storage part 132, and the air / water supply extending from the air / water supply pump 131 is provided. By connecting the tube 133 to the air / water supply plug 124, fluid such as water or air can be ejected from the washing nozzle 129, for example.

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

  In other words, in the endoscope system of the present embodiment, the medical doctor and medical personnel can easily introduce the oral capsule unit 10 to the target site by medical personnel such as an endoscopy engineer. Can exchange test data and exchange opinions via the communication device, so that the doctor in charge can perform a predetermined test while staying in the hospital.

  In addition, after an endoscopist visits several houses and conducts an examination, the doctor in charge concentrates the examination of multiple patients by giving only the recording medium to the doctor in charge in the hospital. This makes it possible to make an appropriate diagnosis without wasting time.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

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

(1) a small-diameter granular oral capsule portion provided with at least one observation function means for visual observation;
Extending from one end of the oral capsule part, serving as a protective member for protecting the electric cable connected to the traction member and the observation function means for pulling the oral capsule part to the hand side, the maximum outer diameter of the oral capsule It has a smaller diameter and flexible traction protection tube,
The external shape of the connecting portion connecting the traction protection tube and the oral capsule portion changes from the oral capsule portion to the traction protection tube almost continuously to a small diameter, and the changing surface is smooth. Capsule endoscope.

(2) The medical capsule endoscope according to supplementary note 1, wherein an outer dimension of the oral capsule portion is set to a size that allows swallowing without applying a foundation.

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

(4) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the observation function unit includes an LED that illuminates an observation site, and an image sensor that photoelectrically converts an optical image of the observation site illuminated by the LED into an electrical signal. .

(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 unit is further provided on a side peripheral surface portion that enables observation of a side periphery.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(13) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a hardness varying mechanism is provided on the traction protection tube.

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

(15) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 14, wherein the variable hardness mechanism is a balloon that can be expanded and contracted.

Water supply tube (16) A water supply tube is provided in 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 main body and the middle peripheral side surface of the traction protection tube. The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1.

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

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

1 to 7 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a view showing a medical capsule endoscope of the present invention. The figure explaining the connection structure of the oral capsule part of a medical capsule endoscope, and a traction protection tube The figure explaining the structure of an oral capsule part The figure explaining the structure of a light emission part The figure explaining other structures of a light emission part The figure explaining the endoscope system provided with the medical capsule endoscope The figure explaining the effect | action of a medical capsule endoscope The figure which illustrates the other structure of an oral capsule part, and the shape of an external shape part concretely The figure explaining another structure and effect | action of the oral capsule part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure explaining other composition and operation of an oral capsule part The figure explaining another structure of an oral capsule part The figure explaining the other structure and effect | action of a medical capsule endoscope The figure explaining the structure and effect | action of a capsule endoscope which has a hardness variable mechanism which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The figure explaining the other structure and effect | action of a hardness variable mechanism The figure explaining the structural example and effect | action of a capsule endoscope which has a water supply tube The figure explaining the cover for capsules The figure explaining the structure and effect | action of a capsule endoscope which has a channel tube for treatment tool penetration The figure explaining other composition and operation of a capsule endoscope which has a channel tube for treatment implement penetration The figure which shows the oral capsule part which has a treatment tool The figure explaining the state which guides a treatment tool in a body cavity using a connection component The figure which shows the other structure of an endoscope system

Explanation of symbols

2 ... CCD
3 ... LED
10B: Oral capsule part
10C: Oral capsule part 11 ... Observation optical system 12 ... Illumination optical system 13 ... Traction protection tube 21 ... Transparent cover part
22A ... Capsule body 22b ... Outer shape changing part
22a ... Connection fixing part

Claims (4)

An oral capsule that the subject can swallow, and
A plurality of observation function means for observing the examination site;
With
A medical capsule endoscope characterized in that the observation function means is provided at a distal end portion and a proximal end portion of the oral capsule portion, and the front side and the rear side of the oral capsule portion are observed.   The medical capsule according to claim 1, wherein an observation function means is further provided between the observation function means provided at the distal end portion and the proximal end portion, and the side of the oral capsule portion is also observed. Endoscope.   The said observation function means has LED which illuminates an observation site | part, and an image pick-up element which photoelectrically converts the optical image of the observation site | part illuminated by this LED into an electrical signal, The said 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Medical capsule endoscope. It further includes a traction protection tube that extends from the proximal end portion of the oral capsule portion and functions as a traction member that draws the oral capsule portion toward the hand,
The external dimension of the connection part which connects the said traction protection tube and the said oral capsule part changes to a small diameter substantially continuously toward the said traction protection pipe from the said oral capsule part, The Claim 1 to 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The medical capsule endoscope according to any one of the above.

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