JP2001299683A - Endoscope inserting aid - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope inserting aid to be easily attached to/ detached from the inserting part of an endoscope even while the endoscope is being inserted into the large intestine and safely used, capable of securing a passage for air to be released to the outside of the body. SOLUTION: The endoscope inserting aid 1 has a cylindrical inserting tube 2 into which the inserting part of an endoscope can be inserted for inserting the inserting part of the endoscope into the body cavity. A grip part 3 into which the inserting part of the endoscope can be inserted is mounted in the periphery of the base end of the inserting tube 2, and an opening 6 continuing from the base end surface including the grip part 3 to the top end surface of the inserting tube 2 is formed. The endoscope inserting aid also has a means for maintaining the condition of the inserting part of the endoscope loosely inserted into the inserting tube 2 without closing the opening 6, and a means for securing a gap between the inner surface of the inserting tube 2 and the outer surface of the inserting part of the endoscope along the total length of the inserting tube 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the insertion of an endoscope into a large intestine by releasing gas, such as air, accumulated in the intestine to the outside of the body while the endoscope is being inserted into the large intestine. The present invention relates to an endoscope insertion aid that assists.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, in colonoscopy, air is sent into the large intestine from a conduit provided in the insertion section of the endoscope, and the endoscope insertion section is inserted into the large intestine while securing a visual field. To go. Air delivered during insertion may become too large in the large intestine. In particular, if air accumulates too much in the sigmoid colon at the stage where the endoscope has not yet reached the cecum, further insertion may be difficult. Therefore, it is said that the endoscope can be easily inserted by releasing excessive air accumulated in the S-shaped colon during the insertion to the outside of the body.

[0003] By the way, when air is excessively accumulated in the intestine, it is considered that the phenomenon has not occurred in all cases after the colonoscope has been inserted and air has been supplied to some extent. Further, it is considered that even if air is once released outside the body, air may be accumulated in the intestine again. Therefore, it is desirable that the endoscope insertion aid that releases gas in the intestine to the outside of the body should be easily removable as necessary after inserting the colonoscope.

Among the conventionally proposed endoscope insertion aids that can be worn after inserting a colonoscope and that have the effect of releasing air from the intestine to the outside of the body, for example, Japanese Utility Model 4-2
No. 3523. The endoscope insertion aid disclosed in this publication is a flexible tube main body provided with a cut along the entire length in the axial direction, and is provided at one end of the tube main body and is made of a harder material than the tube main body. A grip portion; and an opening formed in the grip portion following the cutting and through which a flexible tube of an insertion portion of the endoscope can be inserted. Such a slit sliding tube is used when it becomes necessary to guide the endoscope during insertion of the endoscope, and specifically, through the slit of the tube body and the opening of the gripping portion. To be fitted into the flexible tube of the insertion section of the endoscope from the side.

[0005]

In the above-described conventional sliding tube with a slit, since the tube body is formed of a flexible and flexible material, the slit is widened and the flexible tube of the endoscope is expanded. In order to prevent a situation in which the distal end of the tube body comes off from the flexible tube of the endoscope after pushing the tube into the tube body, an operation of closing the slit is required. Therefore, the attaching / detaching operation is complicated and troublesome for the surgeon, and it is difficult to repeat the attaching / detaching operation as needed.

[0006] Air in the intestine is discharged outside the body through a gap between the flexible tube main body and the flexible tube of the endoscope. If the inner peripheral surface of the tube main body is deformed until it comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the flexible tube of the endoscope, the gap becomes small, and there is a possibility that a path for discharging gas out of the body may not be secured.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to allow the endoscope to be easily attached to and detached from the insertion portion of the endoscope even while the endoscope is being inserted into the large intestine. Another object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope insertion aid which can be used safely and can secure a path for releasing air outside the body.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an insertion tube comprising a cylindrical body into which a flexible insertion tube of a colonoscope can be loosely inserted. In the endoscope insertion assisting tool provided with a holding portion at one end of the insertion tube, an opening through which the insertion portion flexible tube can be inserted is formed in the holding portion continuously with the opening. Means for keeping the insertion section flexible tube loosely inserted into the insertion tube without closing the opening of the insertion tube; and an inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube and an outer peripheral surface of the insertion section flexible tube. Means for securing a gap over the entire length of the insertion tube.

[0009] The endoscope insertion aid having such a configuration is completed by simply inserting the insertion portion of the endoscope into the insertion tube through the opening. Further, since the insertion portion of the endoscope is kept loosely inserted into the insertion tube without closing the opening, the situation that the insertion tube comes off from the insertion portion of the endoscope can be avoided. . Also, a gap is secured between the inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion section of the endoscope.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIG. FIG. 1 is an external view of an endoscope insertion aid 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a plane including the central axis of the endoscope insertion aid of FIG.
The left side is the proximal side. FIG. 2 (b) is the A of FIG. 2 (a).
FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane indicated by line A (a cross-section at a joint portion between an insertion tube and a grip portion described later), and FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along a line BB in FIG. FIG.
2 (d) is a view of the endoscope insertion aid of FIG. 1 as viewed from the distal end side.

FIG. 11 shows an endoscope insertion aid 1 according to the present embodiment.
1 schematically illustrates a colonoscopy system to which is applied. In the figure, reference numeral 20 denotes a colonoscope. The endoscope 20 has an insertion section 34 and a grip section 32. Insertion section 34
Are a long flexible tube portion, a bending portion 35 provided at the tip of the flexible tube portion, and a tip portion 36 provided at the tip of the bending portion 35.
Consisting of In the figure, reference numeral 33 denotes a forceps port.
Communicates with a forceps insertion channel formed in the insertion portion 34. In addition, the operation section connected to the grip section 32 includes a bending section 3.
An angle knob 28 for bending the 5, a suction button 29, an air / water button 30, and a remote switch 31 are provided. A universal cord 27 extends from the operation unit, and a connector is provided at a tip of the universal cord 27. This connector includes a scope connector 21, an electrical connector 22, and a water supply base 23.
, Suction base 24, air supply base 25, and light guide 2
6. In the figure, 37 is a video processor, 38 is a light source device, 39 is a monitor, and 40 is a scope cable to which the connector is connected.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope insertion aid 1 includes an insertion tube 2 made of a hard synthetic resin such as polysulfone (PSU) or polyacetal (POM).
And a grip portion 3 formed of the same synthetic resin. The grip portion 3 is connected to the proximal end side of the insertion tube 2. The insertion portion indicated by reference numeral 4 in the figure is a portion from the distal end of the insertion tube 2 to the distal end of the grip portion 3, and this portion is inserted into the large intestine. The insertion portion 4 is set to have a length such that the distal end reaches the rectum and does not reach the sigmoid colon, and is formed to have a length of, for example, 10 cm to 15 cm. In FIG. 2, a range indicated by reference numeral 10 is a portion located between the distal end of the insertion tube 2 and the distal end of the grip portion 3, and preferably occupies 1/10 or more of the length of the insertion portion 4.

An insertion passage 5 having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 34 of the endoscope 20 shown in FIG. 11 is formed in the insertion tube 2. The insertion tube 2 has an opening 6 formed over the entire length thereof. 6a and 6b in the figure indicate opposite edges of the opening 6. The opening 6 is formed so as to open in the same direction at least at the distal end of the insertion tube 2 and at the joint between the insertion tube 2 and the grip portion 3. It is formed so as to open in a different direction in the circumferential direction with respect to the opening direction at the tip of the. The opening 6 is gently connected from the distal end to the proximal end. The opening 6 is wider than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 34 over its entire length, and
2D, the distance a between 6a and 6b when viewed from the tip shown in FIG.
Is formed so as to be smaller than the outer diameter.

A line of intersection between the distal end surface of the insertion tube 2 and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion tube 2, an intersection line between the distal end surface of the insertion tube 2 and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube 2,
Line of intersection between the base end surface of the insertion tube 2 and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion tube 2, line of intersection between the base end surface of the insertion tube 2 and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube 2, and the intersection of the outer peripheral surface of the insertion tube 2 and the opening 6. Wire, inner peripheral surface of insertion tube 2 and opening 6
Are all chamfered into an R shape. The corner formed by the intersection of the distal end surface of the insertion tube 2 and the opening 6 is gently rounded.

A joint path 7 having a diameter equal to the outer diameter of the insertion tube 2 is formed inside the grip portion 3. In addition, the gripper 3
An opening 8 having a width larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 34 and smaller than the diameter of the joining path 7 is formed over the entire length of the connecting portion 7.
The insertion tube 2 is buried along the joining path 7 until the distal end of the grip portion 3 is located at the base end of the insertion portion 4. The insertion tube 2 and the holding portion 3 are fixed by an epoxy adhesive and two screws 9 shown in FIG. 2, and the opening directions of the opening 6 and the opening 8 are matched by the screw 9. The head of the screw 9 is filled with an epoxy adhesive E so as to smooth the inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube 2 (see FIG. 2E).

A line of intersection between the distal end surface of the gripper 3 and the outer peripheral surface of the gripper 3, an intersection line between the distal end surface of the gripper 3 and the inner peripheral surface of the gripper 3,
Intersecting line between the base end surface of the holding portion 3 and the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion 3, intersection line between the base end surface of the holding portion 3 and the inner peripheral surface of the holding portion 3, and intersection between the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion 3 and the opening 8. Line, inner peripheral surface of gripper 3 and opening 8
Are all chamfered into an R shape. In addition, the corner formed by the intersection of the outer peripheral surface of the grip portion 3, the tip surface of the grip portion 3, and the opening 8 is smoothly rounded.

The material of the insertion tube 2 may be a metal such as stainless steel (SUS). The inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube 2 may be provided with, for example, a Teflon (registered trademark) coat or the like in order to improve the slipperiness. As shown in FIG. 3, the insertion tube 2 may have a smaller inner and outer diameter on the distal end side and a larger inner and outer diameter on the gripping portion side. The form of the opening 6 is an example, and the opening direction at the joint between the insertion tube 2 and the grip portion 3 does not necessarily need to match the opening direction at the distal end of the insertion tube 2. However, the opening direction of the opening 6 at the joint between the insertion tube 2 and the grip portion 3 is a circumferential direction, and the opening direction of the opening 6 at the distal end portion of the insertion tube 2 and the insertion portion 4
Of the opening 6 in the intermediate portion 10 of the first portion. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, the opening 6 changes the opening direction in the circumferential direction at the distal end of the insertion tube 2 and the joint between the insertion tube 2 and the grip portion 3, and smoothly connects between them. It may be in a form. Further, the opening 6 may have a narrow width at the distal end and a wide width at the proximal end. If sufficient strength can be obtained only with the epoxy adhesive, the screw 9 may be omitted. Insertion tube 2
And the grip part 3 may be formed integrally.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.

The endoscope insertion aid 1 is used when excessive air is accumulated from the sigmoid colon to the rectum with the insertion section 34 inserted into the intestine. First, the insertion aid 1 is attached to the insertion portion 34 according to a procedure described later,
The insertion section 4 is inserted into the large intestine using the guide 4 as a guide. When the air is released, the insertion portion 4 is removed from the intestine, and the insertion assisting tool 1 is removed from the insertion portion 34. After that, the insertion portion 34 is inserted into the deep portion, and when air is accumulated again, the insertion aid 1 is used in the same procedure.

When attaching the insertion aid 1 to the insertion portion 34, first, the insertion portion 34 is bent along the opening 6 as shown in FIG. When the insertion portion 34 is located in the insertion passage 5 and returns to a linear shape, the attachment of the insertion assisting tool is completed as shown in FIG.

After the insertion aid 1 is attached to the insertion part 34, the insertion part 34 does not come off from the insertion aid 1 unless the insertion part 34 is bent in the same shape as the opening 6. When removing the insertion aid 1 from the insertion portion 34, the insertion portion 34 is bent in the opening direction of the opening 6 from the distal end side or the base end side of the insertion aid 1.

As described above, according to the endoscope insertion aid 1 of the present embodiment, the insertion portion 34 is bent in accordance with the opening 6, and can be easily mounted simply by inserting the insertion portion 34 into the insertion passage 5. it can. Further, since the portions 6a and 6b are formed smoothly over the entire length, the attachment to the insertion portion 34 can be performed smoothly. Further, since the corner formed by the intersection of the outer peripheral surface of the grip portion 3, the distal end surface of the grip portion 3, and the opening 8 is rounded, the grip portion 3 is not easily attached to the insertion portion 34.
Does not get in the way.

After the mounting, the opening direction of the opening 6 is continuously changed in the axial direction so that the dimension a shown in FIG. 2D becomes smaller than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 34. Since it is set, the insertion portion 34 is held in the insertion passage 5. In other words, the insertion portion 34 is held in the insertion passage 5 at three places: the junction between the insertion tube 2 and the grip portion 3, the intermediate portion 10 of the insertion portion 4 in FIG. Therefore, the insertion portion 3
4 is the insertion passage 5 unless it is bent again into the same shape as the opening 6.
There is no deviation from inside. Further, the corner formed by the intersection of the opening 6 and the distal end surface of the insertion tube 2 is rounded. Further, since the insertion portion 4 is formed to have a length that does not reach the sigmoid colon and can be inserted only into the rectum having a small number of folds and a large lumen, the patient has no open mouth for a patient with no major disease in the anus. The large intestine inner wall does not enter the part 6 or the tip.

Further, since the material of the insertion tube 2 is made hard, the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube 2 and the insertion portion 34 is reliably maintained. For this reason, the gas that has accumulated in the intestine can be reliably released outside the body.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that, in this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a main part of the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, a waste discharge cap 11 having, for example, a bamboo shoot structure, for communicating the inside of the insertion tube 2 to the outside is provided at a position facing the opening 6 and the opening 8. In this case, the base 11 extends through the insertion tube 2 and the grip. The base 11 may have a luer lock structure or the like.

In such a configuration, as shown in FIG.
One end of a drainage pipe 12 such as a flexible hose is connected to the base 11 for use. Residual waste released outside the body together with gas in the intestine is discharged to a receiving tray (not shown) via the drainage pipe 12. The other end of the drainage pipe 12 may be connected to a suction device (not shown).

As described above, in this embodiment, since the residual waste is discharged through the drainage pipe 12, it is possible to prevent the waste from leaking from the base end of the grip portion 3 and soiling the bed and the like. You. Therefore, a clean inspection environment can be efficiently maintained. When the other end of the drainage pipe 12 is connected to a suction device (not shown), leakage of dirt is more reliably prevented.

FIGS. 7 to 10 show a third embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIG. Note that, in this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 7A shows an overall view of the third embodiment, in which the right side in the drawing is the distal side and the left side is the proximal side.
FIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional view (a cross-section in the range of an insertion portion 17 described later) in a plane indicated by line AA in FIG.

In this embodiment, the insertion tube 2 of the first embodiment is replaced with an insertion tube 14 formed of a hard but elastic synthetic resin such as PTFE.
The insertion portion indicated by reference numeral 17 in the drawing is a portion from the distal end of the insertion tube 14 to the distal end of the grip portion 3, and this portion is inserted into the large intestine. The distal end of the insertion portion 17 reaches the rectum and
It is set to a length that does not reach the U-shaped colon,
For example, it is formed to have a length of 10 cm to 15 cm.

An insertion passage 15 having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 34 is formed in the insertion tube 14. Insertion tube 1
4 has an opening 16 formed along the central axis of the insertion tube 2 over the entire length. In the figure, reference numerals 16a and 16b indicate opposite edges of the opening 16. The opening 16 is formed to have a width smaller than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 34, and the width is gradually widened on the base end side.
Is formed to have a width wider than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 34. Of the portions 16a and 16b, portions 18 having a width smaller than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 34 are formed with projections 18 projecting from the inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube 14 and having a substantially semicircular cross section in the axial direction. Have been. Due to its elasticity, the insertion tube 14 is formed to have a thickness that allows the width of the opening 16 to be expanded until it becomes wider than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 34.

The line of intersection between the distal end surface of the insertion tube 14 and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion tube 14, the line of intersection between the distal end surface of the insertion tube 14 and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube 14, the base end surface of the insertion tube 14 and the insertion tube 14 , The line of intersection between the base end surface of the insertion tube 14 and the inner surface of the insertion tube 14, the line of intersection of the outer surface of the insertion tube 14 and the opening 16, the inner surface of the insertion tube 14 All the lines of intersection with the openings 16 are chamfered into an R shape. Further, the distal end face of the insertion tube 14 and the opening 16
The corner formed by the intersection with is rounded gently.

The shape and position of the convex portion 18 are merely examples. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the convex portion 18 is formed at a position facing the opening portion 16 so that its cross section is substantially semicircular. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9B, an air hole 19 penetrating the center of the projection 18 may be provided.
Further, the projection 18 may be formed over the entire length of the insertion tube 14. Further, similarly to the second embodiment, the waste discharging base 11 may be provided on the grip portion 3.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.

The endoscope insertion aid 13 of this embodiment is used in the same procedure as in the first embodiment, but differs in the method of attachment and detachment. In other words, at the time of mounting, as shown in FIG. 10A, the insertion portion 34 is pressed from the end on the gripping portion side to the opening 16 so that the interval between 16a and 16b is increased to the outer diameter of the insertion portion 34. While inserting it into the insertion passage 15. When the insertion portion 34 reaches the insertion passage 15 completely, the deformation of the insertion tube 14 returns, and the attachment of the insertion assisting tool 13 is completed as shown in FIG.

After the insertion aid 13 is attached to the insertion part 34, the insertion part 34 does not come off from the insertion aid 13 unless external force enough to deform the opening 16 again is applied. In addition, since the convex portion 18 is formed, even if the insertion tube is crushed by an external force such as pressure on the anus, the inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube 14 does not adhere to the insertion portion 34 and is shown in FIG. Thus, the gap b is secured. In addition,
When removing the insertion assisting tool 13 from the insertion section 34, the insertion section 34 is bent in the opening direction of the opening 16 from the base end side of the insertion assisting tool 13 to expand the opening 16.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the insertion tube 14 is formed of an elastic material, and the opening 16 is formed so that the narrow width portion and the wide width portion are gently connected. Therefore, the attachment and detachment can be easily performed simply by pressing the insertion portion 34 against the opening 6.

After the attachment, the insertion portion 34 is held in the insertion passage 15 by the elasticity of the insertion tube 14, and the insertion tube 14
Is hardly disengaged from the insertion portion 34. In addition, insertion tube 1
The corner formed by the intersection of the tip end surface of 4 and the opening 16 is rounded. In addition, since the protrusion 18 is formed, the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube 14 and the insertion portion 34 is always maintained, so that the gas that has accumulated in the intestine can be reliably discharged outside the body. it can.

According to the technical contents described above, various configurations as described below can be obtained.

1. An insertion tube formed of a cylindrical body into which the flexible tube of the colonic endoscope can be loosely inserted is provided with a continuous opening over its entire length, and a grip portion is provided at one end of the insertion tube. In an endoscope insertion aid in which an opening through which a tube can be inserted is formed in the grip portion so as to be continuous with the opening, the state in which the flexible tube is loosely inserted into the insertion tube is referred to as the insertion tube. Means for keeping the opening without closing, and means for securing a gap over the entire length of the insertion tube between the inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube and the outer peripheral surface of the flexible tube for the insertion portion. Endoscope insertion aid.

2. The insertion tube is formed of a hard material without deformation, and the opening of the insertion tube is formed so as to be continuous in the axial direction and to change the opening direction in the circumferential direction,
2. The endoscope insertion aid according to claim 1, wherein the width of the insertion section flexible tube is wider than the outer shape of the flexible tube.

3. The opening of the insertion tube is formed along the axial direction of the insertion tube over its entire length, and has a width smaller than the outer diameter of the insertion tube flexible tube, and the insertion portion flexible on the grip portion side. The insertion tube is formed of an elastic material while being formed so as to gradually spread to a width wider than the outer shape of the tube, and is expanded until the opening becomes wider than the outer diameter of the insertion portion flexible tube. Item 1 is characterized in that it is formed to a thickness that allows the insertion tube to have at least one or more convex portions on the inner periphery of an arbitrary cross section orthogonal to the axial direction in a certain range in the axial direction of the insertion tube. The endoscope insertion aid according to the above.

4. The length from the tip of the insertion tube to the tip of the gripper, the tip of the insertion tube reaches the rectum,
2. The endoscope insertion aid according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope insertion aid is formed to have a size of 10 to 15 cm so as not to reach the sigmoid colon.

5. 2. The endoscope insertion aid according to claim 1, wherein a waste discharge port to which a drain pipe such as a flexible hose can be connected is provided at a position near the grip portion or the grip portion of the insertion tube.

6 The opening of the insertion tube is formed so that the opening direction at the distal end of the insertion tube and the opening direction at the base end of the insertion tube coincide with each other in the circumferential direction. 3. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein a portion in which the opening direction of the opening portion is different from the opening direction at the distal end portion and the proximal end portion of the insertion tube in the circumferential direction is provided between the end portions. Insertion aid.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the opening of the insertion tube is formed so that an opening direction at a distal end portion of the insertion tube and an opening direction at a base end portion of the insertion tube are circumferentially different. The endoscope insertion aid according to the above.

8. 4. The endoscope insertion aid according to claim 3, wherein the projection is provided so as to be continuous from the distal end to the proximal end.

Next, a sliding tube for an endoscope will be described in which the insertion portion of the endoscope is inserted therethrough to guide the insertion portion into the intestine and the like.

In general, a sliding tube for an endoscope is formed of a single flexible tube and a holding portion, and has a fixed length. Therefore,
When this guide tube is used, it is mounted in advance on the endoscope insertion portion, and thereafter, the endoscope insertion portion is inserted into the intestine. However, since the sliding tube has a relatively long and fixed length and is non-stretchable, when the sliding tube is mounted on an endoscope, the sliding tube can be effectively used for the entire length. The length of the endoscope insertion section is reduced. Further, the proximal portion of the endoscope insertion portion becomes hard over a considerable length, and handling is extremely inconvenient.

For this reason, conventionally, an inner tube and an outer tube are used, and the inner diameter of the outer tube is made larger than the outer diameter of the inner tube so that the inner tube can be housed in the outer tube. A thread portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base end portion, and a female thread portion screwed with the male thread portion is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the outer tube,
When the inner tube is pulled out from the outer tube, the external thread portion and the internal thread portion are screwed together so that both tubes can be locked, thereby shortening when not in use and extending when in use. There is a sliding tube for a telescopic endoscope that can be used by using.

In the above-mentioned conventional sliding tube, it is necessary to twist the inner tube several times with respect to the outer tube when extending and fixing, and then to squeeze the tube with a sufficient force so as not to be loosened during use. Therefore, the operation of extending and fixing is troublesome for the operator. In addition, since the certainty of the fixation depends on the amount of narrowing force, it is difficult to guarantee a fixed fixation state independent of the operator.

Therefore, the sliding tube for the telescopic endoscope, which ensures a stable fixed state with an easy fixing operation, will be described in detail below.

First, a first embodiment of the sliding tube for an endoscope will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 12 is an external view of the first embodiment, and FIG. 13 shows two forms of the first embodiment. 14A shows a cross-sectional view of the outer tube, FIG. 14B shows an enlarged view of the pin, and FIG. 14C shows a plane indicated by line AA in FIG. Sectional view in FIG. 1
FIG. 4 (d) is an enlarged view of a connecting portion between the flexible tube and the holding portion. 15A shows a cross-sectional view of the inner tube, and FIG. 15B shows a cross-sectional view of FIG.
FIG.

The sliding tube for an endoscope indicated by reference numeral 101 in FIG. 12 is composed of an outer tube 102 and an inner tube 103. The inner tube 103 is embedded in the outer tube 102 as shown in FIG. There are two forms: a shortened form 101a and an extended fixed form 101b in which the inner tube 103 is pulled out from the outer tube 102 and the proximal end side of the inner tube 103 and the distal end side of the outer tube 102 are fixed.

As shown in FIG. 14, the outer tube 102 includes a flexible tube 104 formed of a resin such as polyurethane (PUR), a grip portion 105 formed of a hard resin such as PSU, POM, and the like. For example, the outer tube 106 is made of a metal such as SUS and a pin 107 made of a metal such as SUS. The flexible tube 104 has an inner diameter a through which the inner tube 103 can be inserted. Is formed. A grip portion 105 is connected to one end of the flexible tube 104, and the outer base 10 is connected to the other end.
6 are connected.

The grip portion 105 is composed of a grip portion main body 108, a tube fixing ring 109, and a retaining ring 110. A tube fixing ring 109 is connected to the distal end of the grip portion main body 108, and is connected to the base end. The detachment prevention ring 110 is connected. A communication passage 111 having a diameter substantially equal to a and through which the inner tube 103 can be inserted is formed in the grip portion main body 108. Gripper body 1
08 is provided on the outer peripheral surface on the distal end side at an angle α shown in FIG.
The tapered surface 112 whose diameter gradually increases from the distal end surface is formed. From the position connected to the tapered surface 112, the tapered surface 112 is smaller than the outer diameter of the grip portion main body 108 and larger than the outer diameter of the base end of the tapered surface 112. An external thread portion 113 having an outer diameter is formed. On the other hand, the tube fixing ring 109 is formed to have an outer diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the gripper body 108,
On the inner peripheral surface of the tube fixing ring 109, a tapered surface 114 having an inner diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the flexible tube 104 at the distal end surface and having an inner diameter extending therefrom at an angle β shown in FIG. Have been. Here, α ≦ β. Further, a female screw portion 115 to be screwed with the male screw portion 113 is formed from a position connected to the tapered surface 114 to a base end surface of the tube fixing ring 109, and the grip portion main body 108 and the tube fixing ring 109 are The part 115 is connected by screwing it into the male thread part 113. The tube fixing ring 109 has a tapered surface 112 and a tapered surface when the female screw portion 115 is screwed into the male screw portion 113 and the tube fixing ring 109 is narrowed until the base end surface of the tube fixing ring 109 hits the base end surface of the male screw portion 113. At least one gap 114 is formed to have a length smaller than the thickness of the flexible tube 104. One end of the flexible tube 104 is sandwiched between the tapered surface 112 and the tapered surface 114, between the external thread 113 and the internal thread 115, the inner peripheral surface of the flexible tube 104 and the tapered surface 112. Between the outer peripheral surface of the flexible tube 104 and the tapered surface 114.
For example, it is filled with an epoxy adhesive. A female thread portion 117 having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the grip portion main body 108 is formed on the inner peripheral surface on the base end side of the grip portion main body 108.

On the other hand, the stopper ring 110 is formed to have an outer diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the grip body 108,
On the outer peripheral surface on the distal end side of the stopper ring 110, a male screw portion 118 screwed with the female screw portion 117 is formed. The retaining ring 110 and the retaining portion main body 108 are detachably connected to each other by screwing an external thread 118 into an internal thread 117. The external thread portion 118 is formed to have a length equal to or less than the depth of the internal thread portion 117.
8 is narrowed down until the base end surface of the holding portion 8 comes into contact with the base end surface of the grip portion main body 108. Further, an insertion passage 116 having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the endoscope insertion portion 34 and smaller than the outer diameter of the base end surface of the inner tube 103 is formed in the stopper ring 110 as shown in FIG. Therefore, in the configuration of 101a, the proximal end surface of the inner tube 103 is abutted against the distal end surface of the stopper ring 110. The line of intersection between the base end surface of the stopper ring 110 and the inner peripheral surface of the stopper ring 110 is chamfered into an R shape.

On the inner peripheral surface of the outer base 106, there is formed a communication path 119 through which the inner tube 103 can be inserted and having an inner diameter b substantially equal to a. A bonding surface 120 is formed on the outer peripheral surface on the base end side of the outer base 106. The other end of the flexible tube 104 is pushed out until the inner diameter becomes equal to the outer diameter of the joint surface 120, and is covered on the joint surface 120. The inner peripheral surface and the joint surface 120 of the flexible tube 104 It is bonded and fixed with an epoxy adhesive. A portion of the outer base 106 located on the distal end side from the joining surface 120 is formed to have an outer diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter of a portion covering the joining surface 120 with the flexible tube 104. A pin insertion hole 121 is formed as shown in FIG. The pin insertion hole 121 penetrates from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface of the outer base 106 and is formed so that its central axis is orthogonal to the longitudinal central axis of the outer base 106. Has a counterbore 12
2 are formed. On the other hand, the pin 107 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter shown by e in the figure, and a flange 123 having a diameter shown by f in the figure is formed at one end. The other end of the pin 107 is chamfered in an R shape. The pin insertion hole 121 has an inner diameter equal to e, and the counterbore hole 122 has an inner diameter larger than f. The other end of the pin 107 is inserted into the pin insertion hole 121 from the outer peripheral side of the outer base 106, and projects by a predetermined amount g on the inner peripheral surface of the tube fixing ring 109. Are struck. Counterbore hole 12
For example, an epoxy-based adhesive is applied between the bottom surface of the second member 2 and the flange 123, and between the inner peripheral surface of the pin insertion hole 121 and the outer peripheral surface of the pin 107. The outer base 106 and the pin 107 may be fixed by soldering, brazing, press fitting, or the like. The counterbore 122 has an outer base 106.
Is filled with, for example, an epoxy-based adhesive so that the outer peripheral surface becomes smooth. A flange 124 having an inner diameter indicated by d in FIG. 14A is formed on the inner peripheral surface on the distal end side of the outer base 106. However, d ≦ b−2 × g. The collar 124 is located on the distal end side with respect to the pin 107, and the collar 12
A fixed distance c is provided between the base end surface of the pin 4 and the pin 107. A tapered surface 125 whose outer diameter gradually expands from the distal end surface is formed on the distal end side outer peripheral surface of the outer base 106. The line of intersection between the distal end surface of the outer base 106 and the tapered surface 125, the line of intersection between the distal end surface of the outer base 106 and the inner peripheral surface of the collar 124, and the line of intersection between the outer peripheral surface of the outer base 6 and the tapered surface 25 are: All are chamfered in an R shape.

As shown in FIG. 15, the inner tube 103 has a flexible tube 126 made of a resin such as PUR, a base 127 made of a hard material such as SUS, and a silicone rubber, for example. And a tip metal 129 formed of a metal such as SUS, for example, and is formed so that the total length is equal to or greater than the total length of the outer tube 102. . The flexible tube 126 has an inner diameter that allows the insertion from the distal end portion 36 of the endoscope shown in FIG. 11 to the bending portion 35 and the insertion portion 34, and the inner diameter of the collar portion 124 shown in FIG. is formed with an outer diameter smaller than d.
The base 127 is connected to one end of the flexible tube 126, and the tip metal 129 is connected to the other end.

The base 127 has an outer diameter h, and the inner diameter b of the outer base 106 shown in FIG.
4B, the relationship with the protrusion amount g of the pin 107 is b
-G <h <b. Base 12
7, a communication passage 1 having a diameter that allows the insertion portion 34 of the endoscope 20 to pass therethrough and has a diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the flexible tube 126.
30 are formed. A joining surface 131 having an outer diameter smaller than b is formed on the outer peripheral surface on the distal end side of the base 127, and a boundary surface 131 a is formed at the base end of the joining surface 131. One end of the flexible tube 126 is expanded so that the inner diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the joining surface 131.
And is abutted against the boundary surface 131a. The inner peripheral surface of the flexible tube 126 and the bonding surface 131 are bonded and fixed by, for example, an epoxy-based adhesive or the like, and the outer diameter i of a portion where the flexible tube 126 covers the bonding surface 131 is provided.
The relationship between the inner diameter d of the collar portion 124 shown in FIG. 14A is i <d. As shown in FIG. 15B, a fixing groove 132 into which the pin 107 fits in the 101b configuration of FIG. 13 is provided in a range of the outer peripheral surface of the base 127 that is located closer to the base end than the bonding surface 131. In the process of transition from the 101a configuration to the 101b configuration in FIG.
A guide groove 133 for guiding the pin 107 from the base 31a to the fixing groove 132, and a fitting groove 134 to which the detachment prevention plate 128 is adhered and fixed are formed. A fixed wall 135 is formed between the boundary surface 131 a and the fixed groove 132, and a separation wall 13 is formed between the fixed groove 132 and the guide groove 133.
6 are formed. Fixed groove 132 and guide groove 133
Are formed wider than the outer diameter e of the pin 107 shown in FIG. 14B and deeper than the projection amount g of the pin 107. The guide groove 133 is provided in parallel with the fixing groove 132 in the circumferential direction, and is formed so that the position in the circumferential direction with the fixing groove 132 is gradually reduced from the boundary surface 131a. The corner formed by the intersection between the side wall of the guide groove 133 and the boundary surface 131a is gently rounded.
Open gently on the boundary surface 131a. Fixing groove 13
The distance between the guide groove 133 and the guide groove 133 in the circumferential direction is the boundary surface 131a.
It is desirable that the distance between the first and second members be reduced at a constant rate with respect to the distance in the axial direction from the center. Further, it is desirable that the width of the guide groove 133 at the opening end on the joining surface 131 side is increased to twice or more the diameter e of the pin 107. The separation wall 136 is formed such that the distance between the base end surface and the boundary surface 131a is n, and the relationship with the distance c shown in FIG. 14A is n <c. A corner formed by the intersection of the fixing groove 132 with the side wall on the fixing wall 135 side and the base end surface of the isolation wall 136, the guiding groove 133 on the fixing wall 135 side wall and the isolation wall 136.
The corner formed by the intersection with the base end surface is gently rounded. The fitting groove 134 extends circumferentially closer to the base end than the fixing groove 132 and the guide groove 133, and
The fixing groove 132 and the guide groove 133 are formed in the fitting groove 134 so as to cover the base end side of the guide groove 133 and the guide groove 133 in the circumferential direction. Also, the fitting groove 13
4 is formed to have a width wider than the outer diameter e of the pin 107, and is formed to a depth equal to or greater than the fixing groove 132 and the guide groove 133. On the other hand, the detachment prevention plate 128 is shorter than the fitting groove 134 and has the fixing groove 132 and the guide groove 133.
Is formed to a length that covers the base end side in the circumferential direction. Also,
The separation preventing plate 128 has a width k, and the fitting groove 1
Assuming that the width of 34 is l, it is formed such that e <k <l, and is formed to have a thickness equal to or greater than the depth of the fitting groove 134. The slip-off prevention plate 128 is fitted in the fitting groove 1.
The bottom surface of the fixing groove 132 and the guide groove 133 are adhesively fixed by, for example, a urethane-based adhesive so as to cover the base end sides of the fixing groove 132 and the guide groove 133 in the circumferential direction. And m is the distance between m and e
It has become. The ridge formed by the intersection of the base end surface of the base 127 and the inner peripheral surface of the base 127 is chamfered into an R shape.

The tip metal 129 is the inner diameter d of the collar 124.
The outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter. The distal end metal 129 is formed with a communication passage 137 that can insert the insertion portion 34 of the endoscope 20 and has an inner diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the flexible tube 126. On the base end side outer peripheral surface of the tip metal 129,
A joint surface 138 with the flexible tube 126 is formed. The other end of the flexible tube 126 has an inner diameter
8 is spread out so as to be equal to the outer diameter of No. 8 and is covered on the joint surface 138. The inner peripheral surface of the flexible tube 126 and the joining surface 138 are joined by, for example, an epoxy-based adhesive, and the joining surface 138 is connected to the flexible tube 12.
Assuming that the outer diameter of the portion covered by 6 is j, j <d. The line of intersection between the tip surface of the tip metal 129 and the inner peripheral surface of the tip metal 129 and the intersection line between the tip surface of the tip metal 129 and the outer peripheral surface of the tip metal 129 are chamfered into an R shape.

The outer peripheral surface of the flexible tube 126
As shown in FIG. 2, one linear groove position index 139 is provided along the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the flexible tube 126. In addition, a coupling start index 140 and a coupling confirmation index 141 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer base 106 in a line in the circumferential direction. The positional relationship between the groove position index 139 and the coupling confirmation index 141 is such that, when the groove position index 139 is adjusted to the position of the coupling start index 140, the circumferential position between the opening of the guiding groove 133 on the joining surface 131 side and the pin 107 coincides. , Groove position index 1
When 39 is aligned with the position of the coupling confirmation index 141, the circumferential positions of the fixing groove 132 and the pin 107 match.

It should be noted that the pin 107, the slip prevention plate 128,
Two or more fixing grooves 132 to separating walls 136 may be provided, and in this case, it is desirable to arrange them evenly in the circumferential direction.
Further, the fitting groove 134 may be formed around the entire periphery of the base 127, and the detachment prevention plate 128 may be formed in a ring shape.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.

First, before inserting the insertion portion 34 of the endoscope 20 into the intestine of the patient, the sliding tube 101 for an endoscope is attached to the insertion portion 34. At this time, the endoscope sliding tube 101 is in the form of 101a. Insert the sliding tube 101 for the endoscope into the insertion section 3
4 and the insertion portion 34 is inserted into the intestine. In general, after the distal end of the insertion portion 34 reaches the splenic curvature, S
Extending the U-shaped colon, sliding tube for endoscope 1
Use 01. Immediately before use, the sliding tube 101 for an endoscope is extended and fixed to form 101b. First, the inner tube 103 is pulled out of the outer tube 102. At this time, the groove position index 139 is adjusted to the position of the coupling start index 140 so that the pin 107 is guided into the guide groove 133. Pin 107 comes off prevention plate 128
, The groove position index 139 becomes the coupling confirmation index 14
Twist to go to 1. At this time, the separation prevention plate 128
Is crushed by the pin 107. Groove position index 13
When 9 is aligned with the coupling confirmation index 141, the pin 107 fits into the fixing groove 132, and the crush of the detachment prevention plate 128 is restored. This completes the extension and fixation. FIG. 16A shows the extension and fixing procedure, and FIG. 16B shows the pin 107 corresponding to FIG.
28 shows the relationship between the fixing groove 132 and the isolation wall 136. In the 101b configuration, unless the sliding tube 101 for an endoscope is extended until the detachment prevention plate 128 is crushed, and an external force enough to twist the outer tube 102 and the inner tube 103 so as to move the pin 107 toward the guide groove 133 is not applied. The inner tube 103 does not come off the outer tube 102. After the endoscope sliding tube 101 is extended and fixed, it is pushed into the intestine along the insertion portion 34. By using the sliding tube 101 for an endoscope, the bending of the S-shaped colon can be prevented, and the insertion portion 34 can be inserted deeper. After the endoscope 20 has been removed from the intestine, the endoscope sliding tube 101 is removed from the insertion section 34. Then, the stopper ring 110 is attached to the gripper body 1.
08, the outer tube 102 and the inner tube 103 are separated and washed and disinfected.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
When the sliding tube 101 for an endoscope is not used, the sliding tube 101 can be attached to the insertion portion 34 in the form of 101a. Therefore, the effective use range of the insertion section 34 becomes long. For example, when the large intestine has a running abnormality and a long effective length is required to reach the left colonic bend, it is possible to perform an extremely effective and efficient examination. . At the stage of using the sliding tube 101 for the endoscope, the inner tube 103 is pulled out from the outer tube 102 while the groove position index 139 is adjusted to the coupling start index 140,
The extension and fixation is completed only by twisting until the groove position index 139 matches the coupling confirmation index 141. Further, since the opening of the guiding groove 133 on the joining surface 131 side is gently widened, the pin 107 is guided to the guiding groove 133 even if the groove position index 139 does not accurately match the coupling start index 140. Therefore,
The connection between the collar 124 and the tapered surface 125 is very easy, and the operator does not have to worry about the extension and fixing operation. 10
In the 1b mode, since the pin 107 is restrained in the fixing groove 132, the inner tube 103 and the outer tube 102 are firmly fixed in the shortening direction and the twisting direction. Further, the plate 128 for preventing slipping in the pulling direction.
Therefore, the pin 107 does not come off from the fixing groove 132 during use, and the sliding tube 101 for the endoscope is not shortened. Therefore, a reliable and constant fixed state can be obtained without depending on the operator. Further, since the collar 124 is provided, a gap formed between the inner peripheral surface on the distal end side of the outer tube 102 and the outer peripheral surface on the proximal end side of the inner tube 103 is small, and the intestinal mucosa enters during use. Nothing.

Since the distal end metal 129 is provided on the distal end side of the sliding tube 101 for the endoscope, the distal end of the sliding tube 101 for the endoscope is used to check the position of the distal end of the sliding tube 101 for the endoscope during use under fluoroscopy. Can be inserted. Also, the outer tube 102 and the inner tube 10
3 is separable, so that cleaning and disinfection can be reliably performed.

FIG. 17 shows a second embodiment. FIG. 17A is a sectional view of a main part of this embodiment, and FIG.
(A) is a view in the direction of the arrow D, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane indicated by line CC in (a).

Hereinafter, only portions different from the first embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the base 127 of the first embodiment is replaced with a base 2 made of the same material.
27. The base 227 is formed to have the same inner and outer diameter as the base 127. Base 227
The joining surface 23 is formed on the outer peripheral surface on the distal end side in the same manner as the base 127.
1 is formed, and one end of the flexible tube 126 is adhesively fixed. A relief portion 237 having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter d of the flange portion 124 shown in FIG. 14 is formed at a portion that continues in the axial direction to the joining surface 231, and a boundary surface 237 a is formed at the base end of the relief portion 237. Have been. Boundary surface 2
The fixing groove 232, the guiding groove 233, the fixing wall 235, and the fixing groove 132, the guiding groove 133, the fixing wall 135, and the separating wall 136 in the base 127 are provided on the outer peripheral surface closer to the base end than the 37a. An isolation wall 236 is formed. Therefore, the guide groove 233 is open at 237a. Base 1
27 and the fitting groove 13
4, the elastic plate 228 and the fitting groove 234 are provided on the distal end side of the fixing groove 232 so as not to overlap the opening end of the guiding groove 233 in the circumferential direction. The relationship between the interval o between the boundary surface 237a and the base end surface of the isolation wall 236, the interval p between the distal end surface of the separation preventing plate 228 and the base end surface of the isolation wall 236, and the interval c shown in FIG. <C <p.

In the second embodiment, the pins 10
7, the separation preventing plate 228, the fixing groove 232 to the separating wall 236
May be provided two or more, and also in this case, it is desirable to arrange them evenly in the circumferential direction.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.

In the case of this embodiment, the same procedure as in the first embodiment is used. At the time of extension and fixing, first, the pin 107 is extended until the pin 107 abuts against the detachment prevention plate 228 while aligning the pin 107 with the guide groove 233. Then, pin 1
07 is transferred from the guide groove 233 to the fixed groove 232. The outer diameter of the base portion 227 is larger than the inner diameter of the collar portion 124 and the thickness of the slip prevention plate 228 is equal to or greater than the depth of the fitting groove 234, and the tip surface of the slip prevention plate 228 and the base of the isolation wall 236. Since the relationship between the distance p from the end face and the distance c shown in FIG. 14 is c <p, at this time,
The detachment prevention plate 228 is crushed by the collar 124. When the pin 107 fits into the fixing groove 232, the extension and fixing are completed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
The same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, since the guiding groove 233 and the fixing groove 232 are formed in one communicating groove, the pin 207 can be more reliably sent to the fixing groove 232 during the extension and fixing operation. Further, since the detachment prevention plate 228 is crushed over its entire length, the elasticity can be adjusted by its length. According to the embodiments described above, various configurations as described below can be obtained.

1. An endoscope sliding tube comprising an inner tube and an outer tube, wherein the inner diameter of the outer tube is larger than the outer diameter of the inner tube so that the inner tube can be housed in the outer tube. At least one protrusion is provided on the circumferential side, and a fixed groove that fits with the protrusion and restrains the protrusion in a shortening direction and a twisting direction is provided on an outer peripheral surface of a base end portion of the inner tube; A guide groove for guiding the protrusion into the fixing groove when extending, and crushing by a part of the outer tube in a process of moving the protrusion from the guide groove into the fixing groove when extending. A sliding tube for an endoscope, wherein an elastic body is provided on at least a part of an outer peripheral surface of a base end portion of the inner tube.

2. The elastic body is disposed closer to the base end than the fixing groove and the guide groove, and the protrusion is crushed by the protrusion in the process of moving the protrusion from the guide groove into the fixed groove. Item 2. The sliding tube for an endoscope according to Item 1.

3. The elastic body is disposed closer to the distal end than the fixing groove, and in a process of moving the protrusion from the guide groove into the fixing groove, the elastic body is crushed by a distal end of the outer tube. Item 2. The sliding tube for an endoscope according to Item 1.

4. 2. The sliding tube for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a metal base is provided at a tip of the inner tube.

5. 2. The sliding tube for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the elastic body is formed by a metal leaf spring.

6. 2. The sliding tube for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the elastic body is formed by an elastic plate made of an elastomer resin.

7. 2. The sliding tube for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the elastic body is formed of an elastic plate made of silicone rubber.

[0084]

As described above, according to the endoscope insertion aid of the present invention, the endoscope can be easily attached to and detached from the insertion portion of the endoscope even while the endoscope is being inserted into the large intestine. In addition, it can be used safely and a route for releasing air outside the body can be secured.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscope insertion aid according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2A is a side sectional view of the endoscope insertion aid of FIG. 1 cut along a plane including a central axis thereof, and FIG. 2B is a sectional view of FIG.
FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane indicated by line A, and FIG.
FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane indicated by a line, FIG. 4D is a view of the endoscope insertion aid viewed from the distal end side, and FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a use form of the endoscope insertion aid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an endoscope insertion aid according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a plan view of an endoscope insertion aid according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line AA of FIG.

8 is a cross-sectional view when the endoscope insertion aid of FIG. 7 is used.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modification of the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a usage form of the endoscope insertion aid of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an endoscope as an example to which the endoscope insertion aid according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a sliding tube for an endoscope.

FIG. 13 is a side view showing two forms of the sliding tube for an endoscope of FIG. 12;

14 (a) is a side sectional view of an outer tube constituting the sliding tube for an endoscope of FIG. 12, (b) is an enlarged sectional view of a pin mounting portion, and (c) is an A- of FIG. FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane indicated by line A, and FIG.

15 (a) is a side sectional view of an inner tube constituting the sliding tube for an endoscope of FIG. 12, and FIG. 15 (b) is a view in the direction of arrow B in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a view showing a procedure for extending and fixing the sliding tube for an endoscope of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 (a) is a side sectional view showing a main part of a second embodiment of a sliding tube for an endoscope, and FIG.
(C) is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane indicated by line CC in (a).

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference numerals 1, 13: Endoscope insertion assisting tool 2: Insertion tube 3: Holding part 6, 16: Opening

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An insertion tube comprising a tubular body into which an insertion portion flexible tube of a large intestine endoscope can be loosely inserted is provided with a continuous opening over its entire length, and a grip portion is provided at one end of the insertion tube. In the endoscope insertion assisting tool in which an opening through which the insertion portion flexible tube can be inserted is formed in the grip portion so as to be continuous with the opening, a state in which the insertion portion flexible tube is loosely inserted into the insertion tube. And a means for keeping a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube and the outer peripheral surface of the flexible insertion portion over the entire length of the insertion tube. An endoscope insertion aid, characterized in that: