JP2001321328A - Auxiliary tool for endoscope insertion - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an auxiliary tool for an endoscope insertion capable of improving an insertion performance of the endoscope at an endoscopic inspection because of its surface smoothness easily setting desired effective length to be inserted into the body during the inspection, and achieving safety and providing an easy-to-handle performance. SOLUTION: An engagement pin 28 of an inner tube 3 is inserted into an inner tube guide groove 17 in an outer tube 2, and this engagement pin 28 is slid along the inner tube guide groove 17, so the inner tube 3 is held to be capable of protruding forward from the outer tube 2. By selecting one among plural oval grooves 18 and 19 for the engagement pin 28 of the inner tube 3 to be engaged in, protruded quantity of the inner tube 3 protruded forward from the outer tube 2 is adjusted to adjusting expansion length from an insertion auxiliary tool main body 5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an insertion aid for an endoscope which allows an insertion portion of an endoscope to pass therethrough and facilitates insertion of the insertion portion into a body cavity or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an insertion portion of an endoscope is inserted therethrough,
As an insertion aid for an endoscope for assisting insertion of the insertion portion into a body cavity or the like, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-249542 discloses an endoscope guide tube having a plurality of outer tubes. ing. Here, an inner mantle tube is inserted inside the outer mantle tube so as to be movable in the axial direction. The entire length of the guide tube can be expanded and contracted by projecting the inner mantle tube to the distal end side of the outer mantle tube so as to be able to protrude and retract.

Further, a locking mechanism is provided between the distal end side of the outer mantle tube and the proximal end side of the inner mantle tube. Then, with the inner mantle tube protruding toward the distal end side of the outer mantle tube, the locking mechanism engages between the distal end side of the outer mantle tube and the base end side of the inner mantle tube. It is configured to be stopped.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-158825 discloses an endoscope guide tube provided with a plurality of guide tubes. Here, a push-in tube is provided for pushing out the first-stage tube from the second-stage tube, and the push-in tube is used to push the first-stage tube into two
By extruding from the step tube, the entire length of the guide tube can be expanded and contracted.

Further, the push-in tube is set in the second-stage tube in a state where the first-stage tube is pushed out of the second-stage tube, so that the first-stage tube does not retract into the second-stage tube. It is configured to hold.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional structure, a plurality of outer tubes or tubes are stretched outward, and a portion of the outer tube or tube for locking the outer tube or tube protruding outward is locked. The structure is complicated. Therefore, not only the outer diameter of the entire endoscope guide tube is increased, but also the step between the tube disposed inside and the tube disposed outside becomes large, and the step causes the inside diameter to be increased. It may be difficult to insert the guide tube for an endoscope into, for example, the large intestine.

Further, in the guide tube for an endoscope having the above-mentioned conventional configuration, only two stages, ie, a state where the entire length of the guide tube for the endoscope is short and a state where it is long can be selected. Therefore, in order to solve this, it is conceivable to prepare three or more mantle tubes or tubes so that the length can be arbitrarily changed. However, in this case, the maximum outer diameter of the entire endoscope guide tube is further increased, and the number of locking portions of the mantle tube or tube is increased. There is a problem that the insertability is further reduced.

In addition, when the insertion aid is mounted on the endoscope, the portion where the insertion aid is mounted becomes a hard part.
If the length of the portion where the insertion portion of the soft endoscope is inserted into the insertion aid becomes long, the endoscope becomes difficult to handle.

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 improve smoothness of insertion into a body cavity over the entire length without hindering operation of an endoscope during an endoscopic examination. To provide a safe and easy-to-use endoscope insertion aid that can set the effective length to be inserted into a body cavity to a desired length even during an examination and does not make the endoscope difficult to handle. It is in.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an insertion aid for an endoscope having an insertion aid main body having a hollow insertion passage through which an insertion portion of the endoscope can be inserted, which is disposed outside. The insertion assisting tool body is formed by a plurality of flexible tubes each including an outer flexible tube, and an inner flexible tube inserted into the outer flexible tube, and an outer diameter of the inner flexible tube. Is set smaller than the inner diameter of the outer flexible tube to hold the inner flexible tube slidably in the axial direction with respect to the outer flexible tube, Forming at least one or more inner flexible tube guide grooves extending from the distal end side toward the opening at the base end side and connected to the opening at the base end of the outer flexible tube; The inner flexible tube is provided with at least one or more engaging projections inserted into the inner flexible tube guide groove, In addition, a plurality of engagement members for position control, which are engaged with the engagement projections of the inner flexible tube so as to be disengageable and set the amount of projection of the inner flexible tube projected forward from the outer flexible tube. An insertion aid for an endoscope, wherein a mating concave portion is arranged along the inner flexible tube guide groove. And
In the endoscope insertion aid of the present invention, the engaging protrusion of the inner flexible tube is inserted into the inner flexible tube guide groove of the outer flexible tube, and the engaging protrusion is inserted into the inner flexible tube guide groove. By sliding along the inner flexible tube, the inner flexible tube is held so as to protrude forward from the outer flexible tube. Further, by selecting the engagement concave portion for engaging the engagement projection of the inner flexible tube, the amount of protrusion of the inner flexible tube protruding forward from the outer flexible tube is adjusted to adjust the extension length of the insertion assisting device main body. By adjusting the length, the effective length to be inserted into the body cavity even during the examination can be set to the desired length without disturbing the operation of the endoscope at the time of endoscopy, ensuring safe and easy-to-use endoscopy A mirror insertion aid is provided.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 (A) to 5 (C). FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the entire endoscope insertion aid 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the insertion aid 1
An outer tube (outer flexible tube) 2 shown in FIG.
The inner tube (inner flexible tube) 3 shown in FIG.
The insertion assisting tool main body 5 is configured by assembling the retaining ring 4 shown in FIG.

The outer tube 2 is made of an elastic resin,
For example, the flexible tube is made of a resin material such as polytetrafluoroethylene or polyurethane. The outer tube 2 is formed in a state where the base end is hard and the hardness gradually changes toward the distal end so as to become softer. Here, assuming that the hardness of the outer tube 2 on the proximal side is A and the hardness on the distal end side is B, the relationship is A> B.

The distal end of the outer tube 2 is provided with a tapered surface 6 that tapers toward the distal end. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 (A), a smooth R is formed between the end surface on the distal end side of the outer tube 2 and the tapered surface 6.
They are connected via the shape part 6a.

A grip 7 is provided on the proximal end side of the outer tube 2. As shown in FIG. 3 (A), a substantially annular fixing member 9 is disposed inside the substantially cylindrical exterior member 8 in the grip portion 7. A substantially ring-shaped outer tube engaging groove 10 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the fixing member 9. The outer tube engaging groove 10 is provided with a tapered engaging surface 10a fitted into the base end of the outer tube 2, and an outer tube abutting surface 10b disposed at the end position of the engaging surface 10a. Have been.

Further, the engaging surface 1 of the outer tube engaging groove 10
0a has a tapered surface that is tapered toward the front end. Then, the engaging surface 10 a of the fixing member 9 is fitted into the base end side of the outer tube 2, and the outer tube 2 is abutted against the outer tube abutting surface 10 b of the fixing member 9. The inner peripheral surface of the base end of the tube 2 is fixed to the tapered surface of the engaging surface 10a by means of an epoxy adhesive or the like.

Here, when fixing the base end of the outer tube 2 to the engagement surface 10a of the fixing member 9, the engagement surface 10a of the fixing member 9 is fitted while pushing the base end of the outer tube 2 apart. Is done. On the outer peripheral surface of the base end of the outer tube 2 into which the engaging surface 10a of the fixing member 9 is fitted, a tapered surface 11 is formed, which is substantially the same as the engaging surface 10a. Therefore, the tapered surface 11 at the base end of the outer tube 2 is
The outer diameter of the outer tube 2 is larger than the outer diameter of the outer tube 2 and gradually becomes larger toward the fixing member 9.

The outer diameter of the fixing member 9 at the position of the abutting surface 10b is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the outer tube 2 engaged with the engaging surface 10a. Here, the inner diameter of the fixing member 9 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the outer tube 2. Further, a tapered chamfered portion 12 whose inner diameter decreases toward the distal end is formed on the inner peripheral surface on the base end side of the fixing member 9.

A tapered surface 13 whose inner diameter gradually decreases toward the distal end is formed on the inner peripheral surface on the distal end side of the exterior member 8 of the grip portion 7. Here, the angle formed between the tapered surface 13 of the exterior member 8 of the grip portion 7 and the engagement surface 10a of the fixing member 9 with the central axis of the outer tube 2 is
The engagement surface 10 a is larger than the tapered surface 13.

Further, a ring-shaped convex portion 14 for preventing slip is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the exterior member 8 of the grip portion 7.
By increasing the outer diameter of the ring-shaped convex portion 14, a configuration may be adopted in which the ring-shaped convex portion 14 is prevented from entering the body. Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the exterior member 8, a male screw portion 1 is provided on the base end side.
5 are provided. The male screw portion 15 is screwed with a retaining ring 4 described later.

Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the exterior member 8, there is formed a flat cutout surface 16 in which a part of a circular contour is cut out. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3B, the cross-sectional shape of the outer peripheral surface of the exterior member 8 is substantially D-shaped.

Further, a linear inner tube guide groove (inner flexible tube guide groove) 17 is formed in the connected body between the outer tube 2 and the exterior member 8. This inner tube guide groove 1
Reference numeral 7 extends in the axial direction of the outer tube 2, and extends from a position near the tapered surface 6 at the distal end of the outer tube 2 toward the opening on the base end side of the grip portion 7. Here, the inner tube guide groove 17 has a distal end side guide groove 17 a formed in the tube wall of the outer tube 2 and a rear end side guide groove 1 formed in the cutout surface 16 of the exterior member 8 in the grip portion 7.
7b. In addition, the rear end side guide groove 17b
Are formed so as to penetrate the cutout surface 16 of the exterior member 8 and the fixing member 9. Then, the front end guide groove 17a of the outer tube 2 and the rear end guide groove 17b of the grip portion 7
Has been communicated with.

The width of the inner tube guide groove 17 is preferably set to about 1/10 or less of the circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 2. Further, on one side of the inner tube guide groove 17, four elliptical grooves (engagement concave portions) 18 are formed in the front end guide groove 17a, and one elliptical groove (engagement concave portion) 19 is formed in the rear end side guide groove 17b. Have been. Here, the four elliptical grooves 18 are arranged at equal intervals from the tapered surface 6 side of the outer tube 2.

Each elliptical groove 18 has a major axis arranged in parallel with the center line of the outer tube 2. The minor axis of each elliptical groove 18 is set to about 1/10 or less and the major axis is set to about 1/5 or less with respect to the circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 2. In the present embodiment, the number of the elliptical grooves 18 is four, but the number is not limited thereto. Further, the ridges formed between the inner tube guide groove 17, the elliptical groove 18, and the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the outer tube 2 are connected by a smooth curved R shape.

Further, the elliptical groove 1 of the rear end side guide groove 17b
Reference numeral 9 is disposed slightly behind the intermediate portion of the exterior member 8 of the grip portion 7. The elliptical groove 19 is formed in the same shape as the elliptical groove 18. The four elliptical grooves 18 of the front guide groove 17a and the one elliptical groove 19 of the rear guide groove 17b in the inner tube guide groove 17 of the outer tube 2.
Thus, a plurality of engagement recesses for position regulation arranged in parallel along the inner tube guide groove 17 are formed.

As shown in FIG. 3B, two positioning grooves 20 and 21 having a concave cross section are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the exterior member 8 of the grip portion 7. Here, engaging projections 22 and 23 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the fixing member 9 at positions corresponding to the grooves 20 and 21. When the exterior member 8 of the grip 7 is assembled with the fixing member 9, the engaging protrusions 2 of the fixing member 9 are inserted into the positioning grooves 20 and 21 of the exterior member 8.
2 and 23 are engaged so that positioning around the axis between the exterior member 8 and the fixing member 9 can be performed. The positions of the grooves 20 and 21 may be arbitrarily set. However, when the engaging projections 22 and 23 are engaged, the front guide groove 17a on the outer tube 2 side and the rear end on the gripping section 7 are required. It is set in a state where positioning can be performed at a position where the side guide groove 17b coincides with the side guide groove 17b.

The inner tube 3 is formed longer than the outer tube 2. Further, the inner tube 3 is made of an elastic resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene,
It is made of the same resin as the outer tube 2 such as polyurethane,
The hardness gradually changes toward the tip side so that it becomes softer. Here, if the hardness of the inner tube 3 on the hand side is C and the hardness on the distal end side is D, the relationship is C> D.
Note that a flexible tube portion 41 of an insertion portion 32 of the endoscope 31 described later.
If the hardness of the softest part of E is E,
, The relationship between the inner tube 3 and the hardness of the flexible tube portion 41 is A> C
>B>D> E. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 (C), the inner tube 3 is projected forward of the outer tube 2, and the portion C (hand side portion) of the inner tube 3 becomes the portion B (tip side portion) of the outer tube 2. If they are located, C + B>A>D> E.

In the present embodiment, the relationship between the hardness of the outer tube 2, the inner tube 3, and the hardness of the flexible tube portion 41 is A>C>.
Although B>D> E was set, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient if A> C ≧ B ≧ D> E.

The distal end of the inner tube 3 is provided with a tapered tapered surface 24 which gradually becomes thinner toward the distal end. Further, the distal end surface of the inner tube 3 and the tapered surface 24 are connected by a smooth curved R shape. Note that a metal base such as stainless steel may be provided at the distal end of the inner tube 3 so that the position of the distal end of the insertion assisting tool 1 can be confirmed by X-rays or the like.

A ring-shaped fixing member 25 is provided on the base end side of the inner tube 3. This fixing member 25
As shown in FIG. 3A, a substantially ring-shaped inner tube engaging groove 26 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion. The inner tube engaging groove 26 is provided with an engaging surface 26a fitted into the base end of the inner tube 3, and an inner tube abutting surface 26b disposed at the end position of the engaging surface 26a. . Then, the engaging surface 26a of the fixing member 25 is fitted into the proximal end side of the inner tube 3, and the inner tube 3 is abutted against the inner tube abutting surface 26b of the fixing member 25. The inner peripheral surface at the base end of the tube 3 is the engagement surface 26a.
Is fixed by means of an epoxy adhesive or the like.

Further, the outside of the fixed portion between the base end of the inner tube 3 and the engaging surface 26a of the fixing member 25 is tied with a thread, and the outer periphery thereof is fixed more firmly by means of an epoxy adhesive or the like. In addition, a configuration in which the inner tube 3 is difficult to be removed may be employed.

At the tip end of the engaging surface 26a of the fixing member 25, there is provided a retaining portion 27 which expands in a tapered shape. When the inner tube 3 is fixed to the engaging surface 26a of the fixing member 25, the retaining portion 27 is inserted while pushing and expanding the inner tube 3. At this time, the outer diameter dimension a of the portion of the inner tube 3 corresponding to the retaining portion 27 is larger than the outer diameter dimension b of the other portion of the inner tube 3 (a> b). Therefore, when the outside of the base end of the inner tube 3 is tied with a thread and the outer periphery thereof is fixed with a means such as an epoxy-based adhesive, the outside diameter of the portion tied with the thread and fixed with a means such as an adhesive is used. It is necessary that the dimension does not exceed the outer diameter dimension b of the other part of the inner tube 3.

The inner diameter of the inner tube 3 and the inner diameter of the fixing member 25 are set substantially equal. Further, both sides of the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member 25 are chamfered. The outer diameter b of the portion other than the base end of the inner tube 3 is smaller than the inner diameter c of the fixing member 9 so that the fixing member 25 and the inner tube 3 can be smoothly inserted.

On the outer peripheral surface of the fixing member 25, an engaging pin (engaging projection) 28 inserted into the inner tube guide groove 17 protrudes near the middle. This engagement pin 28
Is set to be equal to or less than half the major diameter of the elliptical grooves 18 and 19. The head on the tip side of the pin 28 is formed in a hemispherical shape. Furthermore, when the inner tube 3 is inserted into the outer tube 2, the hemispherical portion at the tip of the pin 28 may protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 3 to the outside, but the protruding amount is 1 / 2d or less. It is set to be.

The engagement pin 28 of the inner tube 3
Are selectively engaged with one of the four elliptical grooves 18 of the distal guide groove 17a and one of the elliptical grooves 19 of the rear guide groove 17b of the inner tube guide groove 17 of the outer tube 2 so as to be detachable. It has become so. At this time, the elliptical grooves 18, 1 for engaging the engagement pins 28 of the inner tube 3 are provided.
The selection of 9 sets the amount of protrusion of the inner tube 3 protruding forward from the outer tube 2.

On the inner peripheral surface of the retaining ring 4, there is provided a female screw portion 29 which is screwed with the male screw portion 15 of the exterior member 8 of the grip portion 7. Further, a ring-shaped bent portion 30 for preventing the inner tube 3 from coming off is formed at one end of the retaining ring 4. The inner diameter dimension e of the ring of the bent portion 30 is set substantially equal to the inner diameter dimension f of the fixing member 25. Then, in a state where the inner tube 3 is inserted into the outer tube 2, the retaining member 4 is screwed to the male screw portion 15 of the exterior member 8 of the grip portion 7, so that the fixing member 25 is attached to the bent portion 30 of the retaining ring 4. The inner tube 3 does not come out of contact with the outer tube 2 outside. The retaining ring 4 is chamfered.

The insertion aid 1 of the present embodiment is used for inserting the electronic endoscope 31 shown in FIG. The electronic endoscope 31 includes an elongated insertion portion 32 to be inserted into an observation target site, an operation portion 33 serving also as a holding portion connected to a base end of the insertion portion 32, and an operation portion 33. A universal cord 34 having a built-in signal cable, light guide and the like extending from the side;
4 and a connector portion 35 provided at an end portion.

Further, the electronic endoscope 31 has a connector 3
5 is used by being detachably connected to an external light source device 36 and a video processor 37 via the monitor 5, so that an observation image can be displayed on a monitor 38. The video processor 37 can be connected to a not-shown VTR deck, video printer, video disk, image file recording device, and the like.

The insertion section 32 is formed by connecting a tip section 39 containing an image pickup section such as a CCD, a bending section 40 capable of bending to a desired angle, and a flexible tube section 41 having flexibility. It is configured.

Further, the operation unit 33 includes a plurality of remote switches 42 for operating and instructing freeze or release of an observed image or a zoom switch to be described later, and an air / water button 43 for performing air / water operation. , A suction button 44 for performing a suction operation, and a bending operation knob 45 for performing a bending operation of the bending portion 40 are provided.

The light source device 36 is connected to the connector 35.
A light guide end 46 protruding from the front end is connected to the front end, and an electric connector 47 is provided on a side portion. The electrical connector 47 is provided with a connector 48 a of an electrical cord 48 for connection to the video processor 37. Further, the connector section 35 is provided with a pressurizing pipe 49, a water pipe 50, and a suction base 51, and is connected to a fluid control device or a suction device (not shown).

In this embodiment, the electronic endoscope 31 has been described. However, any other endoscope, for example, an endoscope using ultrasound may be used as long as it is used for colon examination. good. Further, a suction mouthpiece may be provided on the grip portion 7 of the insertion assisting tool 1 so that the body fluid passing through the outer tube 2 and the inner tube 3 can be forcibly sucked from the suction mouthpiece. Further, the length of the inner tube 3 may be various lengths and hardness.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
When the endoscope insertion aid 1 of the present embodiment is used, the inner tube 3 is inserted into the outer tube 2. At this time, the engagement pin 28 of the inner tube 3 is inserted into the inner tube guide groove 17 of the outer tube 2. Further, since the outer diameter of the inner tube 3 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tube 2,
The inner tube 3 can be easily slid into the outer tube 2.

Then, the pin 28 of the fixing member 25 is engaged with the elliptical groove 19 of the grip 7. At this time, since more than half of the diameter of the pin 28 is in the elliptical groove 19, even if the pin 28 is rotated in this state, the pin 28 does not easily fall into the inner tube guide groove 17 side. As a result, FIG.
As shown in (A), the projection amount of the inner tube 3 housed in the outer tube 2 is the smallest, and the initial length of the insertion assisting tool 1 can be kept at the smallest.

In this state, the retaining ring 4 is screwed into the external thread portion 15 of the exterior member 8 of the grip portion 7 so that the fixing member 25 of the inner tube 3 comes into contact with the bent portion 30 of the retaining ring 4 and the outer tube The inner tube 3 is prevented from dropping out of the second tube 2.

When adjusting the entire length of the insertion assisting tool 1, the inner tube 3 is fixed to the pin 28 of the fixing member 25 by the grip portion 7.
Oval groove 19 to inner tube guide groove 1 of outer tube 2
7 and rotated in a direction to release the engagement between the pin 28 and the elliptical groove 19. Thereafter, the engaging pins 2 of the inner tube 3 are moved along the inner tube guide grooves 17 of the outer tube 2.
8 with the outer tube 2 and the inner tube 3
Stretch. At this time, by using the slide jig 52 as shown in FIG. 3B, the outer tube 2 and the inner tube 3 can be quickly expanded and contracted.

Then, with the protrusion of the inner tube 3 adjusted so that the insertion assisting tool 1 has an appropriate length,
8 is engaged with the elliptical groove 18 at any suitable position. Thereby, it is possible to hold the insertion assisting tool 1 in a state where the entire length is adjusted to an appropriate length.

Next, the insertion aid of the present embodiment at the time of inserting the insertion portion 32 of the electronic endoscope 31 shown in FIG. 4 into the large intestine of the patient using the insertion aid 1 of the present embodiment. The method of using the tool 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 (A) to 5 (C), H1 is the anus of the patient, H2 is the rectum, H3 is the sigmoid colon, H4 is the descending colon,
H5 is the transverse colon.

First, before the endoscope inspection is started, the insertion portion 32 of the electronic endoscope 31 is inserted into the insertion aid 1 of the present embodiment in advance, and inserted into the insertion portion 32 of the endoscope 31. The tool 1 is mounted. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3 (A), the inner tube 3 housed in the outer tube 2 is held in the initial state where the protrusion amount is the smallest and the entire length of the insertion assisting tool 1 is the smallest. In this state, since the pin 28 of the fixing member 25 is engaged with the elliptical groove 19 of the grip portion 7, the inner tube 3
The outer tube 2 operates following the above operation. That is,
When a force is applied in a direction to push the inner tube 3, the pin 28 is pushed toward the base end of the elliptical groove 19. At this time, since more than half of the diameter of the pin 28 is in the elliptical groove 19, even if the pin 28 is rotated in this state, the pin 28 does not easily fall into the inner tube guide groove 17 side. When a force is applied in a direction in which the inner tube 3 is pulled out, the pin 28
9 is pushed to the tip side. At this time, since more than half of the diameter of the pin 28 is in the elliptical groove 19, even if the pin 28 is rotated in this state, the pin 28 does not easily fall into the inner tube guide groove 17 side.

Then, as shown in FIG.
With the insertion aid 1 attached to one of the insertion sections 32, the insertion section 32 is inserted into the rectum H2 from the anus H1 of the patient to start the examination. At this time, the surgeon inserts the insertion portion 3 into the body cavity while holding the insertion assisting tool 1 close to the hand so as not to interfere.
Insert 2.

When inserting the insertion portion 32 into the body cavity, the insertion is performed while making full use of the distal end portion 39 and the bending portion 40 of the endoscope 31. Then, as shown in FIG. 5 (B), it exceeds the sigmoid colon H3, which is generally considered difficult to insert.
At this time, the surgeon receives various information on the patient's large intestine, such as various abnormalities in the running of the large intestine, long intestines, adhesions, intestinal tract inflammation and bleeding easily. Observation information can be obtained.

After the distal end portion 39 or the curved portion 40 of the insertion portion 32 has passed over the left colon, the S-shaped colon H3 is generally straightened as shown in FIG. 5C. Thereafter, the insertion aid 1 is inserted into the body cavity. At this time, the insertion aid 1 is adjusted to an appropriate length based on the observation information.

When adjusting the length of the insertion assisting tool 1, the inner tube 3 is extended from the outer tube 2 with the elliptical groove 19 of the grip portion 7 disengaged from the pin 28 of the fixing member 25, and the pin 28 is removed. The elliptical groove 18 at any position is engaged. After adjusting the insertion assisting tool 1 to an appropriate length in this way, the insertion assisting tool 1 is inserted into the body cavity along the insertion section 32. At this time, the inner tube 3 is
Since it is softer, it can be inserted along the insertion portion 32 even if the insertion portion 32 is slightly bent. Further, since the head of the pin 28 has a hemispherical shape, the inside of the body cavity is not damaged. Further, since the outer tube 2 is relatively short, it is rarely inserted into the S-shaped colon H3, and the width of the inner tube guide groove 17 is very small, so that the outer tube 2 is not entangled with living tissues such as mucous membranes. Less likely. Therefore, the insertion portion 32 can be reliably linearized by the insertion assisting tool 1, and can be inserted to a deeper portion.

The inner tube 3 is extended from the outer tube 2 so that the insertion assisting tool 1 has an appropriate length.
By using the slide jig 52 at the time of the operation of engaging with the elliptical groove 18 at a suitable position, the space between the outer tube 2 and the inner tube 3 can be quickly expanded and contracted.

Further, after use, the retaining ring 4
Is removed, the inner tube 3 can be removed from the outer tube 2, and the outer tube 2 can be further removed. Therefore, each part of the insertion assisting tool 1 can be reliably washed and disinfected.

When the parts of the insertion aid 1 are to be set again, the outer tube 2 is inserted into the grip 7.
At this time, the fixing members 9 are attached to the engaging convex portions 22 and 23 of the grip portion 7.
After the grooves 20 and 21 are aligned and inserted, the pin 28 of the fixing member 25 is inserted in accordance with the rear end side guide groove 17b of the grip portion 7, and finally, the retaining ring 4 is merely tightened, so that the insertion aid 1
Can be easily performed.

Further, at the time of tightening the retaining ring 4,
Since the retaining ring 4 presses the end surface on the retaining ring 4 side of the fixing member 9, the tapered surface of the outer tube 2 inserted into the engagement surface 10 a is pressed against the tapered surface 13 of the exterior member 8 of the grip portion 7, and is firmly. It is fixed.

When the insertion assisting tool 1 is inserted into the body cavity, the portion A where the outer tube 2 is hard on the hand side is
The portion B where the hardness of the distal end side of the outer tube 2 is soft and the portion C where the hardness of the proximal side of the inner tube 3 is hard is located in the sigmoid colon H3 from the anus H1 to the rectum H2. Alternatively, the portion D at the distal end of the inner tube 3 where the hardness is soft may be arranged so as to be located in the left colon (descending colon H4). Further, the insertion aid 1 of the present embodiment can be used even when the outer tube 2 is in a single state.

Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the present embodiment, the insertion aid 1
Can be set to an appropriate length according to the observation information of the patient's large intestine during the examination, and the effective length can be adjusted even during the examination. Therefore, for example, during the endoscopy, the insertion aid 1 may be changed depending on the intestinal condition or medical condition of the patient.
The insertion length can be set arbitrarily and optimally. For example, there is little possibility that the insertion assisting tool 1 is inserted into the body cavity up to the part where the patient feels pain, so that an effective and efficient test can be performed. .

Further, in the present embodiment, since a hard portion is provided in the middle portion of the insertion assisting tool 1, the S-shaped colon H3 can be surely brought into a straight state and can be held.

Since the insertion assisting tool 1 is provided with a hollow passage, air, nonflammable gas, body fluid, and the like accumulated in the body cavity during insertion can be removed from the hollow passage of the insertion assisting tool 1.
Therefore, an extremely safe and efficient inspection can be performed.

Further, with the insertion aid 1 of the present embodiment, since the operation of the endoscope 31 is not hindered during the endoscopic examination, the insertion aid can be smoothly inserted into the body cavity over the entire length, so that the endoscope can be used. The mirror 31 does not become difficult to handle, so that the mirror 31 is safe and easy to use.

Further, since each part of the insertion aid 1 can be easily disassembled and assembled, each part of the insertion aid 1 is excellent in cleaning and disinfecting properties, and the insertion aid is always kept clean. The tool 1 can be used.

In the present embodiment, one inner tube guide groove 17 is provided in the connected body of the outer tube 2 and the outer member 8.
Is shown, but the inner tube guide groove 17 is
The outer tube 2 and the outer member 8 are not limited to one.
A plurality of inner tube guide grooves 17 may be provided in the connected body.

FIGS. 6 to 8A to 8E show a second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the endoscope insertion aid 1 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 5A to 5C) is changed as follows.

That is, in the present embodiment, the mechanism for locking the outer tube 2 and the inner tube 3 of the insertion aid 1 and the method of mounting the insertion aid 1 to the endoscope 31 are the first embodiment. Is different from

Outer tube 2 of insertion aid 1 of this embodiment
Has a configuration in which two tube bodies having different hardnesses are connected at a desired length. In other words, as shown in FIG. 7A, a hard tube member 2a having a hardness A is provided on the base end side of the outer tube 2, and a softer member harder than the hard tube member 2a is provided on the distal end side of the outer tube 2. B soft tube bodies 2b are respectively arranged. The distal end of the hard tube 2a and the proximal end of the soft tube 2b are connected by heat welding or the like.

Further, similarly to the outer tube 2, the inner tube 3 has a hard tube body 3a having a hardness of C at the base end and a soft tube body having a hardness of D at the distal end as shown in FIG. The tube 3b is connected to a desired length by heat welding or the like.

On the rear end side of the outer tube 2, a grip portion 61 is provided. The outer peripheral surface of the grip portion 61 is formed with a tapered surface 62 that gradually becomes thicker from the connection portion side with the outer tube 2 toward the rear. In addition, a rear end side guide groove 17b communicating with the front end side guide groove 17a on the outer tube 2 side is formed in the grip portion 61.

Further, the inner tube guide groove 17 has four key-like grooves 6 on the distal end side guide groove 17a of the outer tube 2.
3. One key-shaped groove 64 is formed in the rear end side guide groove 17b. Here, the four key-like grooves 63 are arranged at equal intervals from the tapered surface 6 side of the outer tube 2.

Each key-shaped groove 63 has a circumferential length of the outer tube 2 of 1/10 or less of a circumferential length of an inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 2 and a center line of the outer tube 2. The length in the direction is set to about 1/5 or less. In the present embodiment, the number of the key-like grooves 63 of the outer tube 2 is four, but the number is not limited to this and may be any number.

At the base end of the inner tube 3, there is provided a fixing member 65 formed of a material having elasticity such as spring steel, for example, in a substantially ring shape. As shown in FIG. 8 (C), the fixing member 65 is provided with two tongue pieces 66 and 67 each of which is partially cut away and both ends of which are bent outward at a substantially right angle. .

Further, the fixing member 65 of the present embodiment
As shown in FIG. 8C, in the natural state, the inner diameter of the inner tube 3 is set substantially equal to the inner diameter. Then, as shown in FIG. 8D, when the fixing member 65 is elastically deformed so that the two tongue pieces 66 and 67 are brought into contact with each other, the tongue pieces 66 and 67 of the fixing member 65
Is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the inner tube 3, but in the direction rotated by 90 degrees with respect to the abutting direction of the tongue pieces 66, 67, the inner diameter of the inner tube 3 is smaller than that of the inner tube 3. It becomes narrow.

Here, as shown in FIG. 8D, the width t1 when the two tongue pieces 66 and 67 are brought into contact with each other is smaller than the width t2 of the inner tube guide groove 17 by t1 <. t
2 is set. Furthermore, two tongue pieces 6
The cross sections of the tips of the 6, 67 are formed in a substantially semicircular shape.
When assembling the outer tube 2 and the inner tube 3, the tip portions of the two semicircular tongue pieces 66 and 67 project outward through the inner tube guide groove 17 of the outer tube 2. Has become.

Further, the rear end side of the grip portion 61 is
A retaining ring 68 shown in (C) is removably fitted.
At the rear end of the retaining ring 68, a ring-shaped flange 69 bent inward is formed as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the retaining groove 7 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the retaining ring 68.
0 is formed over the entire circumference.

A retaining ring 7 is provided at the rear end of the retaining ring 68.
1 is detachably attached. The press ring 71 is formed of an elastic material such as silicon or fluorine-based rubber. Further, at the front end of the press ring 71, an engagement convex portion 72 which is removably engaged with the locking groove 70 of the retaining ring 68 is provided so as to project inward. Then, the engaging convex portion 72 of the press ring 71 passes over the flange 69 of the retaining ring 68 and fits into the locking groove 70 so that it can be engaged.

As shown in FIG. 8 (A), the operating portion 33 of the electronic endoscope 31 has a grip 73 and a connecting portion between the operating portion 33 and the inserting portion 32. A connecting ring 75 is interposed between the connecting ring 75 and an old member 74 for preventing bending. Here, the inner diameter dimension d1 of the holding ring 71 and the outer diameter dimension d2 of the connecting ring 75 are set so as to have a relationship of d1 <d2. Note that the connecting ring 75 is not limited to the one in the present embodiment, and may be a part of an operating mechanism with added functions.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described. First, when the inner tube 3 is stored in the outer tube 2 of the insertion aid 1 of the present embodiment, the two tongue pieces 66 and 67 of the fixing member 65 are brought into contact as shown in FIG. The fixing member 65 is elastically deformed in this state. In this state, the distal end of the inner tube 3 is inserted from the grip 61 on the rear end side of the outer tube 2. At this time, the inner tube 3
The two tongue pieces 66 and 67 of the fixing member 65 are inserted into the rear end side guide groove 17b of the holding portion 61 while being kept in contact with each other.

Then, the tongue pieces 66 and 67 are separated from each other at the position of the key-like groove 64 of the grip portion 61. At this time, the fixing member 65
The elastic restoring force restores the space between the tongue pieces 66 and 67 to the natural initial position as shown in FIG. 8C. As a result, the one tongue 66 is locked while being inserted into the key-shaped groove 64 of the grip portion 61. In this state, the outer tube 2
The projecting amount of the inner tube 3 housed in the inside can be held at the initial state where the total length of the insertion assisting tool 1 is the smallest.

When the insertion assisting tool 1 is previously mounted on the operation section 33 of the electronic endoscope 31, the holding ring 71 of the insertion assisting tool 1 is connected to the connecting ring 7 as shown in FIG.
5 is fitted over the small-diameter portion 73a of the grip 73, which is smaller in diameter than the connecting ring 75, and is securely mounted. Therefore, the insertion assisting tool 1 does not slip off from the operation unit 33 of the electronic endoscope 31 at the start of the examination by the electronic endoscope 31.

When extending the entire length of the insertion assisting tool 1, first, the fixing member 65 is elastically deformed so that the two tongue pieces 66, 67 of the fixing member 65 are brought into contact with each other. As a result, the tongue piece 66 is pulled out from the key groove 64 of the grip part 61, and the engagement between the tongue piece 66 and the key groove 64 of the grip part 61 is released. In this state, the inner tube 3 is moved while the contact portion between the two tongue pieces 66 and 67 of the fixing member 65 is slid to the distal end side with the inner tube guide groove 17 of the inner tube 3 as a guide. Thereby, the inner tube 3 protrudes from the outer tube 2 to the outside.

Then, with the amount of protrusion of the inner tube 3 adjusted so that the insertion assisting tool 1 has an appropriate length, the tongue piece 66 is fitted to the key-like groove 63 at any suitable position of the outer tube 2. , 67 apart. At this time, the elastic restoring force of the fixing member 65 restores the space between the tongue pieces 66 and 67 to the initial position in the natural state as shown in FIG. 8C. This allows
One of the tongue pieces 66 is the key-like groove 6 at the selected position of the outer tube 2.
3 and is locked. At this time, the tongue piece 6
6 is locked in the key-like groove 63, and the tongue pieces 66, 6
The tongue 66 does not shift in the front-rear and left-right directions of the key-shaped groove 63 because the elastic force exerts a stress to spread outward between the seven. As a result, it is possible to hold the insertion assisting tool 1 in a state where the entire length is adjusted to an appropriate length.
Therefore, the outer tube 2 can be operated by following the inner tube 3 even if the grip portion 61 is gripped and pushed / pulled back and forth or rotated left and right.

Note that, as shown in FIG.
Since the heads 66a, 67a of the 67 have a semicircular cross section, the tongue piece 6 is inserted when the insertion aid 1 is inserted into the body cavity.
6,67 heads do not damage the body cavity.
Further, since the outer tube 2 is relatively short, it is rarely inserted into the S-shaped colon H3, and the width of the inner tube guide groove 17 is very small, so that the outer tube 2 is not entangled with living tissues such as mucous membranes. Don't worry. Then, the insertion portion 32 of the endoscope 31 can be reliably linearized by the insertion assisting tool 1, and the insertion portion 32 of the endoscope 31 can be inserted to a deeper portion.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, during the examination by the endoscope 31, the insertion assisting tool 1 is securely attached to the operation unit 33, so that the insertion assisting tool 1 may be displaced from the operation unit 33. Therefore, there is an effect that the operation of the electronic endoscope 31 is not hindered.

FIGS. 9 (A) to 9 (C) show another example of the configuration of an endoscope insertion aid in a different form. FIG. 9A shows an endoscope insertion aid 81 of this configuration example.
The insertion aid 81 is provided with a tubular insertion aid main body 82 and a plurality of guide members 83 fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion aid main body 82.

The tube-shaped insertion aid body 82 is formed of a hollow and elastic resin, for example, a resin material such as polytetrafluoroethylene or polyurethane. Further, the insertion assisting device main body 82 is set so that the hardness changes in four stages, for example, as it goes toward the distal end side. Here, the hardness of the insertion assisting device main body 82 changes in four stages of A, B, C, and D in order from the hand side, and the hardness is set to B>C>A> D. The flexible tube 41 of the insertion section 32 of the electronic endoscope 31 is used.
Let E be the softest part of B>C>A>D> E
Is set to Further, a substantially hemispherical tip curved surface 82a is formed on the tip end side of the tube-shaped insertion aid main body 82.

As shown in FIG. 9 (B), the guide member 83 is provided with two substantially arcuate guide pieces 84 and 85 of the same material as the tubular insertion aid body 82 at opposing positions. ing. The space S1 between the opposing guide pieces 84 and 85 on the opening 86 side and the flexible tube 4
1 is set so as to satisfy S1 <D1.

Further, the inner diameter D2 of the virtual circle formed by the two guide pieces 84 and 85 may be equal to or larger than the outer diameter in consideration of the production variation of the flexible tube portion 41. The relationship between the outer diameter D3 of the tubular insertion aid body 82 and the diameter D1 of the flexible tube portion 41 of the insertion portion 32 is set to D1> D3.

The inner surfaces of the guide pieces 84 and 85 may be coated with polytetrafluoroethylene or the like in order to improve the sliding property with the flexible tube portion 41. Also,
Metals such as spring steel may be used.

Further, in the insertion assisting tool 81 of this configuration example, a plurality of minute guide pieces 84, 85 having a width of 10 mm or less of the guide pieces 84, 85 of the guide member 83 are provided. May be provided, for example, at 5 cm intervals, 10 cm intervals, or the like over the entire length of the insertion assisting device main body 82.

An index may be provided on the outer surfaces of the guide pieces 84 and 85 so that the insertion length can be determined. This indicator may be provided on the tube-shaped insertion aid main body 82 side. Further, it is desirable that the guide member 83 on the distal end side is as close to the end as possible.

Further, a suction mouthpiece may be provided at the rear end side of the insertion assisting device main body 82 so as to be able to forcibly suck air, nonflammable gas, body fluid, etc. accumulated in the body cavity. Further, the tube-shaped insertion aid main body 82 may have a larger outer diameter on the hand side than on the tip side. Also,
If the hardness of the tubular insertion aid body 82 is insufficient, a core may be inserted from the rear end side to supplement the hardness.

Next, the insertion aid 8 of the present configuration example having the above-described configuration is used.
1 will be described. Insertion aid 81 of this configuration example
In use, the flexible tube portion 41 of the insertion portion 32 of the endoscope 31 is inserted between the guide pieces 84 and 85 of the guide member 83 as shown in FIG.
The flexible tube portion 41 is locked in a state of sandwiching the flexible tube portion 41 therebetween. Here, since the guide pieces 84 and 85 of the guide member 83 have elasticity, the two guide pieces 84 and 85 are formed only by bringing the flexible tube portion 41 into contact with the tube-shaped insertion aid main body 82 side.
The spacing between 85 is widened. When the flexible tube portion 41 passes, the two guide pieces 84 and 85 return to the original arc shape due to the elastic restoring force.

Thus, the guide piece 8 of the guide member 83
The operation of inserting and locking the flexible tube portion 41 of the insertion portion 32 of the endoscope 31 between the end portions 4 and 85 is performed at the positions of the guide pieces 84 and 85 provided at equal intervals over the entire length by a desired length. ,
The above operation may be repeated to engage the flexible tube 41.

Thereafter, the insertion aid 81 is inserted into the body cavity using the flexible tube 41 as a guide. At this time, the insertion assisting tool 81 is inserted, but the guide pieces 84 and 85 are brought into contact with the body wall in portions where the guide pieces 84 and 85 are not attached to the flexible tube portion 41,
Since insertion becomes impossible, insertion of a desired length or more into the body cavity can be prevented.

The portion having hardness A is located in the rectum H2 from the anus H1, the portion having hardness B to C is located in the sigmoid colon H3, and the portion having hardness D is located in the sigmoid colon H3. Left colon (Descending colon H
4).

Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the insertion assisting tool 81 of this configuration example, the flexible tube is inserted by a simple operation of inserting and locking the flexible tube portion 41 of the insertion portion 32 of the endoscope 31 between the guide pieces 84 and 85 of the guide member 83. The work of attaching and detaching the insertion aid 81 to and from the part 41 can be performed. Therefore, when the surgeon determines that the insertion assisting tool 81 is necessary during the examination, the insertion assisting tool 81 can be attached to the flexible tube portion 41 of the endoscope 31 and used as needed. That is, even when the flexible tube portion 41 of the insertion portion 32 of the endoscope 31 is inserted into the body cavity,
The insertion aid 81 can be attached to the flexible tube 41 later. Further, the desired length can be easily set.

Further, the length of the insertion aid 81 to be inserted into the body cavity can be changed during the examination by the endoscope 31 and even after the insertion aid 81 is inserted into the body cavity.
There is a convenient effect.

FIGS. 10A to 10D show another example of the configuration of the insertion aid 1 for an endoscope. FIG. 10B shows an endoscope insertion aid 91 of this configuration example.
Is shown. As shown in FIG. 10C, the insertion assisting tool 91 includes a tube main body 92 wound in a coil shape. The tube body 92 is made of a hollow and elastic resin, for example, a resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene or polyurethane.

The coil of the tube body 92 is
The pitch is changed toward the distal end, and is set to change in, for example, three stages. Here, assuming that the pitch width of the coil of the tube main body 92 is A, B, and C in this order from the hand side, the pitch width of the coil of the tube main body 92 of this configuration example is A> C.
> B. Therefore, the flexibility of the tube body 92 in the coil state is A>C> B. In addition, assuming that the hardness of the softest part of the flexible tube portion 41 of the insertion portion 32 in the electronic endoscope 31 is E, the relationship is set as A>C>B> E.

Then, the endoscope insertion aid 9 of this configuration example
In FIG. 1, the flexible tube portion 41 of the insertion section 32 of the electronic endoscope 31 is inserted into the coil of the tube main body 92 as shown in FIG. The unit 41 serves as a guide.

On the distal end side of the tube main body 92, a substantially hemispherical distal curved surface 93 is formed as shown in FIG. The outer diameter of the tube itself of the tube body 92 is g1, the inner diameter of the coil is g2,
G1 <g3 <g2 where g3 is the outer diameter of
The relationship is set.

Next, the insertion aid 9 of the present configuration example having the above configuration is described.
1 will be described. Insertion aid 91 of this configuration example
At the time of use, the pitch of one place of the coil of the tube main body 92 is shifted to sandwich the flexible tube portion 41 of the insertion portion 32 of the electronic endoscope 31, and then the insertion assisting tool 91 is moved in the coil winding direction by the flexible tube portion. The tube body 92 of the insertion aid 91 can be attached to the flexible tube portion 41 of the endoscope 31 by rotating the endoscope 31 around the center. At this time, if the tube main body 92 of the insertion assisting tool 91 is attached to the flexible tube portion 41 of the endoscope 31 by a desired length, the non-attached portion collides with the body wall and cannot be inserted. Can be prevented from being inserted into the body cavity.

The tube body 92 of the insertion aid 91 is
A suction cap (not shown) may be provided on the rear end side to force the air, nonflammable gas, body fluid, and the like accumulated in the body cavity from the suction cap. Further, the tube main body 92 may have a larger outer diameter on the proximal side than on the distal side. When the hardness of the tube body 92 is insufficient, a core may be inserted from the rear end side to supplement the hardness.

Thus, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the insertion assisting tool 91 of this configuration example, the pitch of one of the coils of the tube body 92 is shifted, and the flexible tube section 41 of the insertion section 32 of the electronic endoscope 31 is shifted.
In the direction of winding of the coil.
Is rotated around the flexible tube portion 41, the endoscope 3
The tube body 92 of the insertion aid 91 in the flexible tube portion 41
Can be attached. Therefore, when the surgeon determines that the insertion assisting tool 91 is necessary during the examination, the insertion assisting tool 91 can be attached to the flexible tube portion 41 of the endoscope 31 and used as needed. That is, even when the flexible tube 41 of the insertion section 32 of the endoscope 31 is inserted into the body cavity, the insertion assisting tool 91 can be attached to the flexible tube 41 later. Further, there is an effect that the desired length can be easily set.

Further, the length of the insertion assisting tool 91 to be inserted into the body cavity can be changed during the examination by the endoscope 31 and even after the insertion assisting tool 91 has been inserted. Since the tube body 92 of the insertion assisting tool 91 has a coil shape and has elasticity in the axial direction, even if the distal end portion of the insertion assisting tool 91 is caught by a living tissue or the like in a body cavity, the insertion assisting tool 91 is not inserted. The tube main body 92 of the tool 91 is elastically deformed, so that the influence on the living tissue in the body cavity can be reduced.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Next, other characteristic technical matters of the present application will be additionally described as follows. (Note 1) An endoscope insertion aid having a hollow passage through which an endoscope insertion portion can be inserted, the endoscope insertion aid including at least two or more flexible tubes, and the outer diameter of an adjacent flexible tube on the distal end side. The inner diameter of the flexible tube on the more proximal side is increased, and the flexible tube on the distal side is formed longer than the flexible tube on the proximal side. The flexible tube on the proximal end side is provided with one or more grooves that are open from the vicinity of the distal end to the rear end side. At the base end of the flexible tube, a locking portion for locking the groove is provided, and the flexible tube at the time when the base flexible tube is pulled out from the flexible tube at the distal end and extended is locked with the groove. An insertion aid for an endoscope, which is locked by a part.

(Additional Item 2) In the endoscope insertion aid according to Additional Item 1, a grip portion is provided on the proximal end side of the proximal flexible tube, and the grip portion has a groove formed over the entire length thereof. An insertion aid for an endoscope, wherein an opening direction of a groove provided in an end-side flexible tube and an opening direction of a groove provided in the grip portion are made to coincide with each other.

(Additional Item 3) In the endoscope insertion aid according to additional items 1 and 2, one or more of the flexible tubes on the proximal end side may have one or more open ends from the vicinity of the distal end to the rear end. A groove is provided, and a plurality of locking grooves connected in a convex shape in the circumferential direction are provided to lock with a locking portion provided on the base end side of the flexible tube on the distal end side. Insertion aid.

(Additional Item 4) In the endoscope insertion aid according to Additional Items 1 to 3, the flexibility of the flexible tube on the distal end side may be one of the flexibility of the flexible tube of the endoscope insertion portion. An insertion aid for an endoscope, wherein the flexibility is lower than the highest part and the flexibility of the overlapping portion of the flexible tube on the distal side and the flexible tube on the proximal side is the lowest.

(Additional Item 5) In an endoscope insertion aid having a hollow passage through which an endoscope insertion portion can be inserted, at least two of a distal-end-side flexible tube and a proximal-end-side flexible tube. Are connected in the longitudinal axis direction, and the inner diameter of the flexible tube on the proximal side is made larger than the outer diameter of the flexible tube on the distal side, and the flexible tube on the distal side is connected to the proximal side. A groove that penetrates from the surface to the inner cylindrical surface and opens from the vicinity of the distal end to the base end surface. The proximal end of the distal-side flexible tube is provided with an engagement projection that engages with a groove formed in the proximal-side flexible tube, and is provided in the proximal-side flexible tube. The engagement protrusion is engaged with a plurality of notch-shaped engagement portions provided on the side portions of the formed groove, and the flexible tube on the distal end side is extended and contracted from the flexible tube on the proximal end side. Is adjustable An insertion aid for an endoscope, comprising:

(Conventional Techniques of Supplementary Items 1 to 5) Conventionally, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-249542, for example, the prior art is composed of at least two or more outer tubes, the tip side of an outer outer tube, and the inner A guide tube for an endoscope has been proposed in which a base end side of an outer tube is expanded and contracted by a locking mechanism.

Further, as disclosed in JP-A-4-158825, the first-stage tube is pushed out of the second-stage tube, and the first-stage tube is pushed into the second-stage tube so as not to be retracted. There has been proposed a guide tube for an endoscope that is installed and contracted.

(Problems to be Solved by Additional Items 1 to 5)
However, the structure for locking the two mantle tubes or tubes is complicated, and not only the outer diameter becomes large, but also the step between the tube located inside and the tube located outside becomes large. Was difficult to insert into, for example, the large intestine. In addition, only the short state and the long state can be selected, and in order to solve this, it is conceivable to prepare a plurality of mantle tubes or tubes so that the length can be changed arbitrarily, but the locking part is To be multiple,
Further, there has been a problem that the maximum outer diameter is increased and the number of steps is increased.

It is sufficient to insert a long insertion aid as needed, but when the endoscope is attached to the endoscope, the portion where the insertion aid is attached becomes a hard part, making the endoscope difficult to handle. In addition, it tends to be inserted up to the grip portion of the insertion aid, which is not reliable.

(Means for Solving the Problems in Supplementary Items 1 to 5) The endoscope insertion aid of the present invention has at least two or more flexible passages having a hollow passage through which an endoscope insertion portion can be inserted. Tube, the inner diameter of the proximal flexible tube is made larger than the outer diameter of the adjacent distal flexible tube, and the distal flexible tube is longer than the proximal flexible tube. The adjacent flexible tube at the distal end is inserted into the flexible tube at the proximal end so as to be contractible, and the flexible tube at the proximal end is connected to the distal end side and has an open rear end side. At least one groove is provided, and a locking portion for locking the groove is provided on the base end side of the flexible tube on the distal side, and the flexible tube on the proximal side is pulled out from the flexible tube on the distal side. By locking the flexible tubes when extended with the groove and the locking part, the operation of the endoscope is not disturbed at the time of examination, and it is smooth over the entire length and is inside the body cavity even during examination. The effective length inserted into the endoscope can be set to a desired length, and a safe and easy-to-use endoscope insertion aid can be provided.

(Effects of Supplementary Items 1 to 5) Since the insertion aid can be shortened at the time of attachment to the insertion portion of the endoscope, the effective length of the insertion of the endoscope can be sufficiently obtained and the handling does not become difficult.

During the examination, the insertion length of the insertion aid can be arbitrarily set optimally depending on the condition and medical condition of the intestine of the patient, and the insertion aid is not excessively inserted into the body cavity. Since the hard part is provided in the middle part of the insertion assisting tool, the S-shaped colon can be surely brought into a straight state and can be held. Since the hollow path is provided in the insertion aid, air, nonflammable gas, body fluid, and the like accumulated in the body cavity at the time of insertion can be removed from the hollow path. Therefore,
An extremely safe and efficient inspection can be performed.

[0118]

According to the present invention, the engaging protrusion of the inner flexible tube is inserted into the inner flexible tube guide groove of the outer flexible tube, and the engaging protrusion is aligned with the inner flexible tube guide groove. The inner flexible tube is held so as to protrude forward from the outer flexible tube by sliding the inner flexible tube forward. The extension length of the insertion assisting tool main body is adjusted by adjusting the amount of protrusion of the inner flexible tube protruding from the main body. Therefore, the insertion aid can be shortened when the endoscope is attached to the insertion portion, so that the effective length of the insertion of the endoscope can be sufficiently obtained, and the endoscope does not become difficult to handle. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the insertability into the body cavity smoothly over the entire length without disturbing the operation of the endoscope at the time of the endoscopic examination, and set the effective length to be inserted into the body cavity during the examination to a desired length. It is possible to provide a safe and easy-to-use endoscope insertion aid without making the endoscope difficult to handle.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

2A is a perspective view showing an outer tube of the endoscope insertion aid according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing an inner tube, and FIG. 2C is a perspective view showing a retaining ring; FIG.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show the operation of the endoscope insertion aid of the first embodiment, and FIG. 3A shows the inner flexible tube of the endoscope insertion aid of the first embodiment; FIG. 4B is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the length of the insertion assisting tool body is reduced by being housed inside the flexible tube, FIG. 5B is a transverse sectional view showing a grip portion of the outer tube, and FIG. The longitudinal section of the important section showing the state where the inner flexible tube of the insertion aid for endoscopes was projected forward of the outer flexible tube.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire endoscope system inserted into the endoscope insertion aid of the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows the use state of the insertion aid for an endoscope according to the first embodiment, in which (A) shows a state in which the insertion aid is attached to an insertion portion of an electronic endoscope, from the anus to the rectum. For explaining the operation of inserting the distal end portion of the endoscope into the endoscope, and FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of inserting the insertion portion of the endoscope further beyond the sigmoid colon. (C) is an explanatory view for explaining the operation of inserting the insertion assisting tool into the body cavity along the insertion section of the endoscope.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the entire appearance of an endoscope insertion aid according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing an outer tube of an insertion aid for an endoscope according to a second embodiment, FIG. 7B is a perspective view showing an inner tube, and FIG. 7C is a perspective view showing a retaining ring. FIG. 4D is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a state in which a retaining ring is attached to a retaining ring fitted to the rear end side of the grip portion.

FIG. 8A is a side view showing a state in which the gripping portion of the endoscope insertion aid according to the second embodiment is attached to the endoscope;
(B) is a perspective view of an endoscope insertion aid, (C) is a plan view of a main part showing a state in which a tongue piece of a fixing member is in contact, and (D).
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a main part showing a state where two tongue pieces are brought into contact with each other, and FIG.

9A and 9B show another example of the configuration of the endoscope insertion assistant, wherein FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the endoscope insertion assistant, and FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the endoscope insertion assistant. (C) is a plan view of a main part showing a state where the tongue pieces of the fixing member are in contact with each other, and (D) is a perspective view showing a state where the endoscope insertion aid is attached to the insertion section of the endoscope. FIG.

10A and 10B show still another example of the configuration of the endoscope insertion aid, wherein FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing a use state of the endoscope insertion aid, and FIG. 10B is an endoscope. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an insertion aid for use in an endoscope, (C) is a perspective view showing a state in which the distal end of the insertion aid for endoscope is enlarged, and (D) is a perspective view showing a distal end of the insertion aid for endoscope.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Outer tube (outer flexible tube) 3 Inner tube (inner flexible tube) 5 Insertion aid body 17 Inner tube guide groove (inner flexible tube guide groove) 18, 19 Elliptical groove (engagement concave portion) 28 Engagement pin (Engagement protrusion)

Claims (1)

[Claims] An endoscope insertion aid provided with an insertion aid main body having a hollow insertion path through which an insertion portion of an endoscope can be inserted, wherein an outer flexible tube disposed outside the endoscope is provided. A plurality of flexible tubes each including an inner flexible tube inserted into the outer flexible tube, forming the insertion aid main body; and adjusting an outer diameter of the inner flexible tube to an inner diameter of the outer flexible tube. The inner flexible tube is set to be smaller than the dimension to hold the inner flexible tube slidably in the axial direction with respect to the outer flexible tube. Forming at least one or more inner flexible tube guide grooves extending toward the side opening and connected to the opening at the base end of the outer flexible tube; Providing at least one or more engaging projections to be inserted into the flexible tube guide groove; The inner flexible tube guide is provided with a plurality of engagement recesses for regulating the position of the inner flexible tube, the engagement portion being releasably engageable and projecting forward from the outer flexible tube. An insertion aid for an endoscope, which is provided side by side along a groove.