DE10000091A1 - endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an endoscope that comprises at least two image transmission channels with respective distal picture recording ends. The picture recording ends are spaced apart from each other with respect to the longitudinal direction of the endoscope.

Description

The invention relates to an endoscope, in particular a somnoscope. Endo scopes are used to examine cavities of the human or animal body, for example as a Pharingooesophagogastroscope Examination of the throat, esophagus and stomach. For this are übli usually a light transmission channel for illuminating the body cavity room with cold light and an image transmission channel provided via an image of the cavity to the proximal end of the endoscope will wear.

When used as a somnoscope, the endoscope becomes a nocturnal one Observation of the esophagus inserted into this nasally. To during the Sleep of the patient different sections of the throat, the The somnoscope is used to observe the esophagus or stomach after a rest period from a doctor to the desired observation attention postponed. A disadvantage of this use of a be Known endoscope is the requirement of medical personnel during of the night hours. There is also a risk that the explained Ver push the somnoscope to falsify the observations leads.

It is an object of the invention to provide an endoscope for this Disadvantages of the known endoscopes eliminated and the application in the Somnoscopy simplified.

For an endoscope, this task is solved by at least two images transmission channels each with a distal image recording end, wherein  the image pickup ends with respect to the longitudinal direction of the endoscope of are spaced from each other.

The endoscope according to the invention thus has at least two, in particular three or four image transmission channels whose image recording ends are spaced differently from the distal end of the endoscope. On Such an image acquisition end can, for example, by a conclusion Optics are formed that are a picture of their surroundings within the body maps into a bundle of connected light guides, which as Image transmission channel and serve up along the endoscope extend its proximal end. In the invention, the image is on end ends offset along the direction of extension of the endoscope arranged to each other.

Thus, several image transmission channels are available for examination different sections of the body cavity in question, in particular of the throat and esophagus. These sections can be observed at the same time, so that not the end of the image recording of a single image transmission channel in succession to the respective one examining section must be relocated. This eliminates the Ge Driving an unintentional falsification of measurement results moving the endoscope.

Above all, however, the personnel expenditure for somnoskopi is reduced cal investigations, since after insertion of the endoscope over a Na into the esophagus all sections of interest continuously observed or subsequently by video recording can be tracked and no repeated moving of the endoscope  is required by a doctor. Even removing the endoscope after waking up the patient can be by a medical assistant respectively. The endoscope according to the invention therefore proves to be worthwhile full tool when examining sleep disorders, for example or from gastrosesophageal reflux.

The image transmission channels can not only be used in a known manner Transmission of the observation image from the end of the image acquisition to proximal end of the endoscope, but also for simultaneous over Carrying of illuminating light towards the respective end of the image recording serve. Alternatively, the illumination of the respective section of the Body cavity also through a separate light transmission channel follow that at the level of the image acquisition end of the assigned image emits the necessary illumination light. In particular can be a unit of image transmission channel and light transmission box nal be formed by a so-called fibroscope, which is part of the Endoscope is.

If the image transmission channels each by one or more Light guides, for example glass fibers, are formed, it is preferred if the image transmission channels at the proximal end of the egg endoscope be read out in a common reading device. In particular, can a single optoelectronic image converter, for example a CCD be seen, which is coupled to all image transmission channels and thus transmitted optical signals in a common electronic Converts signal.  

Alternatively, it is possible to read out all image transmission channels individually and if necessary retrospectively to a common electronic Unite image signal. It is also possible to opto electronic image converter directly at the assigned image acquisition end of the endoscope, i.e. at different points along the endoscope to attach. In this case, the image transmission channels are through elec tric lines formed, which generated along the endoscope direct electronic image signals to the proximal end of the endoscope.

In order to enlarge the area of application of the endoscope even further, can this have a working channel, along which an additional device is guided can be. For example, a multi-point pH Measuring probe, a pressure measuring device, a biopsy forceps or a fibroscope be provided as an additional light / image transmission channel. The Ar The working channel can be attached to the endoscope in a central position or on the side to be in order.

In an advantageous embodiment of the endoscope, the images are open taking ends of the image transmission channels along the endoscope in fixed Spaces arranged relative to each other. So the endoscope contains that Image transmission channels and, if applicable, the assigned light Support channels in an integrated design as an inseparable unit.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the respective position of the picture recording ends of the image transmission channels along the endoscope can be put. In this case, the image can be transferred supply channel, possibly together with an associated light transmission channel, moved along the endoscope and then  be fixed in its position. Loops can be used for this or an envelope provided in particular with viewing windows can be provided, in which the relevant image transmission channel is routed. The An image transmission channel can also be moved by a positive rail-groove connection between the image transfer channel and the rest of the endoscope.

In particular, the image pickup ends of two image transfer boxes channels can be arranged in a fixed position on the endoscope while the image is being recorded end of a third image transmission channel is displaceable. For example This third image transmission channel can be se through a separate Fibro Skop without or with its own Bowden cable, which is formed by a Working channel arranged laterally or centrally on the endoscope becomes. This structure of the endoscope with two fixed and one ver sliding image recording end is particularly suitable for simultaneous Examination of the stomach and esophagus (fixed examination ex sections) and the pharynx (variable examination section).

It is also advantageous for some endoscope applications if a rinsing channel is assigned to each of the image transmission channels, at for example by integrating the rinsing channel in the image transmission box nal or by adjacent arrangement of the rinsing channel. By Rinsing the area around the image acquisition end of the relevant image transmission channel with a flushing medium, for example water or Air, can be the visual representation and observability of the study th body section can be improved. Every picture is preferable transmission channel assigned a rinsing channel.

Further embodiments of the endoscope are in the subclaims called. The invention is illustrated below by way of example explained on the drawings; in these show:

FIG. 1a is a schematic side view of an endoscope according to the invention,

FIG. 1b-1e show sections through the planes Ib-Ib, Ic-Ic, Id or Ie-Id-Ie,

Fig. 1f one of the sectional view according to Fig. 1d corresponding sectional view of an alternative embodiment,

Fig. 2 is a monitor image,

Of another endoscope Fig. 3a is a schematic side view of fiction, modern,

Fig. 3b-3d sections through the planes IIIb-IIIb, IIIc-IIIc and IIId-IIId, and

Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of another endoscope according to the invention.

The endoscope according to FIGS. 1a to 1e has an operating part 11 and a flexible fibroscope 13 connected to it . This has an image transmission channel 15 and two light transmission channels 17 , each of which is formed by an optical fiber bundle. In addition, a Bowden cable is integrated into the fibroscope 13 , of which only one operating handle 19 is shown on the operating part 11 .

With the fibroscope 13 , two light / image transmission channels 21, 23 are firmly connected, which are also formed by flexible optical fiber bundles (e.g. 6000 or 10000 pixel optics). The two light / image transmission channels 21, 23 extend from the operating part 11 each because only along part of the fibroscope 13 , so that their distal ends (image recording ends) 25 and 27 are spaced differently from the distal end 29 of the endoscope.

Along a section of the endoscope adjacent to the operating part 11, the endoscope has a side cover 31 . Distributed along the remaining part of the endoscope are three holding loops 33 . Finally, an electrical supply and Auslesean circuit 35 is shown on the operating part 11 .

The endoscope according to FIG. 1 to 1e enables simultaneous processing obser more portions of a body cavity, in particular the caution Obs of the pharynx, esophagus and / or stomach of a patient schla fenden (Somnoskopie). For this purpose, the patient's endoscope is inserted into the esophagus via a nasal passage past the pharynx. This nasal insertion of the endoscope takes place due to a corresponding curvature of the distal end 29 by means of the Bowden cable 19 and due to simultaneous observation via the image transmission channel 15 without the risk of injury to the patient and without the need for spray anesthesia of the mucous membrane or anesthesia.

As soon as the endoscope has been inserted into the desired position, the observation can take place at the several examination sections. For this purpose, illuminating light is generated in the operating part 11 , which is fed into the light transmission channels 17 and the light / image transmission channels 21, 23. This illuminating light emerges at the distal ends 29 , 25 and 27 of these channels 17 , 21 , 23 and illuminates the respective surroundings of the esophagus, stomach or throat.

An image of the respective body environment at the distal ends 29 , 25 and 27 , respectively, is fed into the image transmission channels 15, 21, 23 and transmitted from them to the operating part 11 via suitable recording optics (lens). There, the channels 15 , 21 , 23 are coupled to a common optoelectronic image converter which converts the received optical information into an electronic video signal. This is at the terminal 35 .

Fig. 2 shows the representation of the anlie at the connection 35 of the endoscope video signal on a monitor. The optical signals received via the three image transmission channels 15, 21, 23 can be easily observed as separate images 37, 39 and 41 together on the monitor.

To the endoscope according to FIG. 1a to 1e it should be noted that the di stalen ends 29, 25 and 27 of the image transfer channels 15, 21 are slightly angled 23 before preferably of the fiberscope 13, so that the Fibro microscope 13 shown within the ultimately Pictures 37, 39, 41 are only shown in an edge area and do not cover the points of interest of the body cavity. For this purpose, it is also possible to form the recording optics provided at the image recording ends 25 , 27 asymmetrically.

To combine the described observation possibilities of the endoscope according to FIGS . 1a to 1e with further diagnostic or therapeutic measures, the side cover 31 and the holding loops 33 are seen before. This is because, when the endoscope is inserted into the esophagus, it enables an additional device 43 to be carried along , as is shown schematically in FIG. 1e. For this purpose, before the nasal insertion of the endoscope, the additional device 43 , for example a pH measurement probe, is inserted into the side cover 31 and - depending on the desired working depth of the additional device 43 - also in the holding loops 33 .

After the endoscope together with the additional device 43 has been inserted into the esophagus, the additional device 43 can be moved back for subsequent measurements relative to the endoscope, that is to say pulled out of the esophagus. So that the free view of a light / image transmission channel 21, 23 is not obstructed by the additional device 43 during a measurement at an examination section, the image-receiving 25, 27 adjacent holding loops 33 are arranged set back with respect to the ends 25 , 27 .

Fig. 1f shows an alternative embodiment 1a of the endoscope according to FIG. 1e to in one of the view according to Fig. 1d view corresponding Schnittan. Here, three rinsing channels 45 are provided, which are integrated into the light / image transmission channels 21, 23 or are arranged adjacent to the image transmission channel 15; and which each open at the image recording end of the channels 21 , 23 , 15 . There, the rinsing channels 45 allow a one-time, intermittent or permanent rinsing of the final optics of the respective image recording end, for example with water or air.

Fig. 3a to 3d show a simpler embodiment of the erfindungsge MAESSEN endoscope, wherein the carrying tenhülle an attachment means of Be and straps is not provided. Otherwise, parts similar to those in the endoscope according to FIGS . 1a to 1e are identified by the same reference numerals.

Whereas in the endoscope shown in FIG. 1a to 1e, the cross section of the in the light / image transmission passages 21, is adapted to receive a round attachment 43 23 (Fig. 1e) include the light / image transmission channels 21, 23 in the endoscope according to Fig. 3a to 3d flat against each other. The fibroscope 13 , which has, for example, a diameter between 2 and 3.5 mm, complements in both embodiments with the light / image transmission channels 21, 23 and, if appropriate, the additional device 43 to form an essentially oval or triangular cross section which corresponds to the Outline of a human nasal passage is adapted. Nasal insertion of these endoscopes is therefore easily possible.

Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of the endoscope according to the invention, parts of the same type as in the endoscopes according to FIGS . 1a to 1e or according to FIGS . 3a to 3d being marked with the same reference numerals. In particular, the endoscope 4 has as shown in FIG. 13, a fiberscope and a therewith associated image transfer channel 21, the distal end 29 and image receiving end are arranged at a fixed distance 25.

In contrast, the image transmission channel 21 opposite a side cover 31 is attached to the fibroscope 13 , in which an axially movable image transmission channel 23 is guided. Whose image recording end 27 can be moved by moving the image transmission channel 23 within half of the side cover 31 with respect to the rest of the endoscope, so that different sections of a body cavity, for example, the pharynx can be examined.

The endoscope according to FIG. 4, for example, inserted at most up to the proximal end of the side sheath 31 into a body opening into a nasal passage. If the image recording end 27 of the image transmission channel 23 is shifted, a loop formed on the image transmission channel 23 between the side cover 31 and the operating part 11 provides the necessary length compensation, so that the image transmission channel 23 together with the image transmission channel of the fibroscope 13 and the image transmission channel 25 are uniform the operating part 11 and the optoelectronic image converter contained therein can be connected. Instead of the loop shown, the image transmission channel 23 can also run spirally with one or more turns between the side cover 31 and the operating part 11 .

Reference list

11

Operating part

13

Fibroscope

15

Image transmission channel

17th

Light transmission channel

19th

Control handle

21

Light / image transmission channel

23

Light / image transmission channel

25th

Image acquisition end

27

Image acquisition end

29

distal end

31

Side cover

33

Wrist strap

35

Supply and readout connection

37

image

39

image

41

image

43

Additional device

45

Flushing channel

Claims (10)

1. Endoscope, in particular somnoscope, characterized by at least two image transmission channels (15, 21, 23) each with a distal image recording end ( 29 , 25 or 27 ), the image recording ends ( 29 , 25 , 27 ) with respect to the longitudinal direction of the endoscope from each other are spaced. 2. Endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in
that the image recording ends ( 29 , 25 and 27 ) of the image transmission channels (15, 21, 23) are arranged at fixed distances from each other, or
that the position of the image recording end of at least one image transmission channel is adjustable relative to the longitudinal direction of the endoscope. 3. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the image transmission channels (21, 23) are designed to transmit illumination light or the image transmission channels (15) is assigned a light transmission channel ( 17 ). 4. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the image recording end ( 29 ) of one of the image transmission channels (15) is arranged at the distal end of the endoscope. 5. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in
that the image transmission channels (15, 21, 23) can be read out at the proximal end of the endoscope, and / or
that the endoscope has two, three or four image transmission channels (15, 21, 23), the image recording ends ( 29 , 25 and 27 ) are spaced from each other. 6. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized, that all image transmission channels (15, 21, 23) with a common men reading device, in particular a common optoelectroni image converters are connected. 7. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective image recording end ( 25 or 27 ) of the image transmission channels (21, 23) is angled with respect to the longitudinal direction of the endoscope. 8. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
that the endoscope has a working channel ( 31 , 33 ) into which an additional device ( 43 ) can be inserted, and / or
that a rinsing channel ( 45 ) is assigned to at least one image transmission channel, in particular all image transmission channels (15, 21, 23). 9. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the endoscope is flexible and / or has a Bowden cable ( 19 ). 10. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized, that the cross section of the endoscope is essentially triangular or is oval and / or to the cross section of a human nose gear is adjusted.