JP2003180614A - Probe and endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a prove in which the position of the distal end is easily visually recognized, and also to provide an endoscope system equipped with the probe. <P>SOLUTION: A ring-shaped member PR is fitted in the vicinity of the distal end of the main body in which many optical fibers F1, F2 are bundled. A plurality of third optical fibers are arranged to surround the main body of the probe and make the distal end surfaces thereof to abut on the base surface of the ring-shaped member PR comprising a transparent base material and a reflective membrane M deposited on the base material. Light emitted from the distal end surface of the third optical fiber F3 is incident on the ring-shaped member PR and directed toward the distal end thereof and then reflected by the reflective membrane M, and thereafter the reflected light is outwardly emitted from the outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member PR as a light for visual recognition. An operator can accurately recognize the distal end position of the probe P by watching the light for visual recognition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a probe and an endoscope system including the probe.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, it is known that when a living tissue is irradiated with ultraviolet light (excitation light), the living tissue is excited and emits fluorescence (autofluorescence). further,
Fluorescence emitted from living tissue in which a lesion such as a tumor occurs has a property different from that emitted from normal living tissue,
Are known. Specifically, the fluorescence emitted by normal living tissue has an intensity in the green band that is considerably larger than that in the red band. On the other hand, the fluorescence emitted by the living tissue in which the lesion has occurred has a smaller intensity difference between the green band and the red band than in normal tissue. An endoscopic system for fluorescence diagnosis that diagnoses the presence or absence of a lesion in a biological tissue by comparing the intensity of the green band and the intensity of the red band of autofluorescence by utilizing this characteristic has been developed. .

This endoscope system includes a probe that irradiates the living body with excitation light and guides light from the living body. This probe is configured by bundling a large number of irradiation optical fibers that guide excitation light and a large number of detection optical fibers that guide fluorescence. Specifically, both optical fibers are
On the tip side, they are bundled as a composite bundle, and on the base side, an irradiation bundle of only the irradiation optical fiber,
They are individually bundled as a detection bundle containing only the detection optical fiber. Furthermore, this endoscope system includes an excitation light source unit that causes excitation light to enter the irradiation bundle from its proximal end surface, and a detection unit that is connected to the proximal end side of the detection bundle and that detects light from a living body. Is prepared.

[0004] Usually, this probe is used with its tip side pulled into the forceps channel of the endoscope. An objective optical system and an image sensor are provided at the tip of the endoscope. Then, the image signal of the subject imaged by the image sensor is processed by the processor and displayed on the monitor. Then, the operator observes the inside of the subject while watching the image displayed on the monitor. As a result of this observation, if a tissue in which a lesion is suspected is found, fluorescence diagnosis using a probe is performed.

Specifically, the operator brings the probe into contact with the tissue suspected to have a lesion, with the probe protruding from the tip of the endoscope. In this state, the excitation light guided to the irradiation bundle is emitted from the tip of the probe toward the subject through the composite bundle. Then, the subject is irradiated with the excitation light and emits autofluorescence. Therefore, this autofluorescence is incident on the probe from its tip together with the excitation light reflected on the surface of the subject. The light (detection light) incident on each detection optical fiber in the composite bundle of the probe is emitted from the base end surface of the detection bundle and detected by the detection unit. Then, the green band intensity and the red band intensity of the detection light are displayed in a predetermined area on the monitor. The surgeon
If the intensity difference between the two is large, it is determined that the subject is normal, and if the intensity difference between the two is small, it is determined that the subject has a lesion.

[0006]

However, since the image is displayed in two dimensions on the monitor, it is difficult for the operator to recognize the depth of the displayed object. Therefore, when an image of the probe extended toward the subject is displayed, the operator may have difficulty in recognizing the position of the tip of the probe. In this case, it is difficult for the operator to accurately bring the tip of the probe into contact with the tissue suspected to have a lesion.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a probe whose tip position is easily visible to the operator and an endoscope system equipped with this probe.

[0008]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following configurations.

That is, the probe of the present invention is a probe which is inserted into an insertion channel which terminates at an insertion hole opened at the tip of an endoscope and which is used with its tip protruding from the insertion hole. And a light emitting portion which is provided in the vicinity of the tip of the body and which emits visible light for indicating the position of the tip.

With this construction, the operator can accurately recognize the position of the tip of the probe by looking at the visual recognition light emitted from the light emitting section. Then, the surgeon guides the tip of the probe to a desired position while looking at the visual recognition light.

The light emitting portion may emit light by itself, or may emit light by reflecting or diffusing light guided from the base end side of the probe. The probe may also be utilized through the forceps channel of the endoscope. This endoscope may be an electronic endoscope or a fiberscope. Moreover, it is preferable that the light for visual recognition is light in a band that is visible to the operator and does not affect the measurement by the probe. This probe may be a probe for fluorescence diagnosis that measures autofluorescence emitted from a living body.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing the endoscope system of the present embodiment. This endoscope system includes an electronic endoscope 1, a light source processor device 2, a probe P, a diagnostic auxiliary device 3, and a monitor 4.

<Electronic Endoscope> First, an electronic endoscope (hereinafter, referred to as
1 will be described. This endoscope 1
Has a flexible tubular insertion portion that is inserted into the living body. However, the detailed shape of the endoscope 1 is not shown in FIG. A bending portion is incorporated at the tip of the insertion portion, and a tip portion made of a hard member is fixed to the tip of the bending portion. Further, the operation portion is connected to the base end of the insertion portion. The operation section is provided with a dial and various operation switches for bending the bending section.

At least 3 at the tip of the endoscope 1.
One through hole is bored, and the light distribution lens 11 and the objective lens 12 are respectively fitted into the pair of through holes. The other one through hole is used as the forceps hole 13. Specifically, a tube connecting the forceps hole 13 and the opening (forceps hole 14 on the proximal end side) opened in the operation portion is
A tube that is drawn through the endoscope 1 and is formed between the forceps holes 13 and 14 through this tube is used as a forceps channel. The forceps channel corresponds to the insertion channel, and the forceps hole 13 on the tip side corresponds to the insertion hole.

Further, the endoscope 1 includes a light guide 15
have. The light guide 15 is a fiber bundle formed by bundling a large number of optical fibers. The light guide 15 is drawn through the endoscope 1 with its tip end surface facing the light distribution lens 11, and its base end is drawn through the light source processor device 2.

Further, the endoscope 1 has an image pickup device 16 which is a CCD area sensor. This image sensor 16
The imaging surface of is disposed near the position where the objective lens 12 connects the subject image when the distal end portion of the endoscope 1 is disposed to face the subject. The objective lens 12 corresponds to an objective optical system. Then, the image sensor 16 acquires image data based on the subject image and outputs the image data to the signal line 17. An excitation light cut filter that blocks ultraviolet light and transmits visible light may be inserted in the optical path between the objective lens 12 and the image sensor 16.

<Light Source Processor Device> Next, the light source processor device 2 will be described. The light source processor device 2 includes a system controller 21 and a timing generator 22 which are connected to each other. The system controller 21 is a controller that controls the entire light source processor device 2. Timing generator 22
Is a circuit for generating various reference signals, and various processes in the light source processor device 2 proceed according to the reference signals.

Further, the light source processor device 2 includes a white light source 23 and a condenser lens 24. The white light source 23 emits white light as parallel light. Condensing lens 2
4 is arranged on the optical path of the white light emitted by the white light source 23, and focuses the white light on the base end surface of the light guide 15. The white light source 23, the condenser lens 24, the light guide 15 and the light distribution lens 11 of the endoscope 1 correspond to an illumination optical system.

A wheel 25 is inserted in the optical path between the condenser lens 24 and the light guide 15. The wheel 25 has a disk-shaped outer shape, and three openings are provided in a ring-shaped region along the outer circumference thereof. A B filter that transmits only the blue band of the incident light, a G filter that transmits only the green band, and an R filter that transmits only the red band of the incident light are fitted in the respective openings.

The center of the wheel 25 is a motor 25M.
It is fixed to the output shaft of. This motor 25M
Are connected to the timing generator 22. Then, the motor 25M, according to the reference signal from the timing generator 22, the B filter, G
The wheel 25 is rotated so that the filter and the R filter are sequentially and repeatedly inserted in the optical path between the condenser lens 24 and the light guide 15.

Then, on the base end surface of the light guide 15,
Blue light (B light), green light (G light), and red light (R light)
However, they are sequentially and repeatedly incident. The incident B light, G light, and R light are guided to the light guide 15, and the light distribution lens 11
The subject is irradiated with the light that is diffused by and is opposed to the tip of the endoscope 1. Then, on the image pickup surface of the image pickup device 16, an image by the B light, an image by the G light, and an image by the R light of the subject,
It is formed sequentially. Then, the image pickup device 16 forms an image of the subject with B light, an image of G light, and an image of R light.
It is converted into a B image signal, a G image signal, and an R image signal, respectively, and sequentially output to the signal line 17.

Further, the light source processor device 2 has one pre-processing unit 26, three memories 27R, 27G, 27B, and 3 connected to the timing generator 22, respectively.
It is provided with two post-stage processing units 28R, 28G, 28B. It should be noted that the pre-stage processing unit 26, the memories 27R, 2
7G, 27B, and each post-processing unit 28R, 28G, 28
B corresponds to a video processing unit.

The pre-processing unit 26 is connected to the signal line 17, and sequentially acquires and holds the B image signal, G image signal, and R image signal output from the image sensor 16, and performs signal processing and A / D conversion. By doing so, B image data, G image data, and R image data are sequentially output. The memories 27B, 27G, and 27R are connected to the pre-stage processing unit 26, respectively. Then, the B image data, the G image data, and the R image data output from the pre-processing unit 26 are stored in the memories 27B, 27G, and 27R, respectively.

Each of the memories 27R, 27G, and 27B is connected to each of the subsequent processing units 28R, 28G, and 28B. Then, the respective post-stage processing units 28R, 28G, 2
The 8B reads the R image data, the G image data, and the B image data stored in the memories 27R, 27G, and 27B, respectively, and performs signal processing and D / A conversion to obtain the R image signal and the G image signal. , And the B image signal are output. The output R image signal, G image signal, and B image signal together with the synchronization signal (Sync) output from the timing generator 22 as a set of video signals,
It is output to a video output terminal (not shown).

The monitor 4 is connected to this video output terminal, acquires the output video signal, and displays it on the screen. That is, a color image of the subject is displayed as a moving image on the monitor 4. The system controller 21 is
Each of the latter-stage processing units 28R, 28G, and 28B is connected to each of the latter processing units 28R, 28G, and 28B, and the diagnostic information output from the diagnostic auxiliary device 3 is included in the video signal as described later. Therefore, the monitor 4 displays an image in which the diagnostic information is superimposed. This diagnostic information will be described later.

<Probe> Next, the probe P will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the probe P. The probe P is a first optical fiber F1, which guides excitation light for exciting living tissue to emit autofluorescence.
In addition, a large number of second optical fibers F2 for guiding the light from the living tissue are provided. The first optical fiber F1 corresponds to the irradiation optical fiber, and the second optical fiber corresponds to the detection optical fiber.

The optical fibers F1 and F2 are bundled as a composite bundle having a circular cross section in a region of a majority from the tip. Further, the probe P includes a plurality of third optical fibers bundled so as to surround a composite bundle composed of both optical fibers F1 and F2. These optical fibers F1, F2, F3, and the tubes that cover them constitute the composite section P0.

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. The tube T shown in FIG.
Is a flexible thin tubular member, and has an outer diameter that can be inserted into the forceps channel of the endoscope 1. And
Optical fibers F1, F2 and F3 are filled in the tube T. Specifically, the region around the central axis of the tube T is filled with the second optical fiber F2, the outside thereof is filled with the first optical fiber F1, and the outside is filled with the third optical fiber F3. ing.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the structure near the tip of the probe P. As shown in FIG. This probe P has a ring-shaped member PR
I have it. FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the ring-shaped member PR. The ring-shaped member PR includes a base material (cylindrical member) made of a transparent optical member such as glass formed in a flat cylindrical shape, and a reflection film M deposited on one end surface of the base material. ing. Both end surfaces of the ring-shaped member PR are both formed as planes perpendicular to the central axis of the ring-shaped member PR.

FIG. 4B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the tip of the probe P. As shown in FIG. 4B,
The front end surface of the composite bundle composed of both optical fibers F1 and F2 is formed perpendicular to the central axis. on the other hand,
Each of the optical fibers F3 has both optical fibers F1, F
The composite bundle consisting of two ends at a position of a predetermined plane slightly on the base end side of the front end surface. That is, the tip end surface of each optical fiber F3 is perpendicular to the central axis thereof, and the plane including the tip end surface of each optical fiber F3 is the tip end surface of the composite bundle composed of both optical fibers F1 and F2. Parallel. The tip of the tube T is
It is terminated so as to coincide with the tip of each optical fiber F3.

The axial length of the ring-shaped member PR is shorter than the distance between the plane including the tip surface of each optical fiber F3 and the tip surface of the composite bundle composed of both optical fibers F1 and F2. ing. Further, the inner diameter of the ring-shaped member PR is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the composite bundle composed of both optical fibers F1 and F2. And the ring-shaped member PR
Is in a state where the end surface on the side where the reflection film M is not formed is brought into contact with the tip end surface of each optical fiber F3.
It is fitted and fixed to the composite bundle composed of 1 and F2.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the first optical fibers F1 are bundled as a first branch bundle on the base end side thereof. This first branch bundle is
The first branch tube (not shown), which is a flexible tubular member, is covered. The first branch bundle and the first branch tube form a first branch portion P1.

Similarly, the second optical fiber F2 is bundled as a second branch bundle on its proximal end side. The second branch bundle is covered with a second branch tube (not shown) that is a flexible tubular member. The second branch bundle and the second branch tube form the second branch portion P2.

Similarly, the third optical fiber F3 is bundled as a third branch bundle on its proximal end side. The third branch bundle is covered with a third branch tube (not shown) that is a flexible tubular member. The third branch bundle and the third branch tube form a third branch portion P3.

Then, the probe P is used with its tip side being inserted into the forceps channel. In addition,
The proximal ends of the respective branch portions P1, P2, P3 of the probe P are drawn into the diagnostic auxiliary device 3, respectively.

<Auxiliary Device for Diagnosis> Next, the auxiliary device for diagnosis 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The diagnostic auxiliary device 3 includes an excitation light source 31 and a condenser lens L1 for excitation light. The excitation light source 31 emits ultraviolet light (excitation light) in a predetermined band for exciting a living body to emit autofluorescence as parallel light. The condenser lens L1 is arranged on the optical path of the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source 31, and converges the excitation light on the base end surface of the branch bundle in the first branch portion P1. The converged excitation light enters each optical fiber F1 in the first branch portion P1. The incident excitation light is guided to each optical fiber F1,
It is ejected from the tip surface.

With the tip end surface of the composite portion P0 facing the subject such as a biological tissue, the subject is irradiated with the excitation light emitted from the tip end surface of each optical fiber F1. Then, the subject is excited and emits autofluorescence.
A part of the excitation light is reflected on the surface of the subject. Therefore, a part of the reflected excitation light and the emitted autofluorescence goes to the tip surface of the probe P. Then, of the excitation light and the autofluorescence, the one that has entered the second optical fiber F2 is guided to the second optical fiber F2 and emitted from the base end face of the second branch bundle.

Further, the diagnostic auxiliary device 3 includes a collimator lens L2, an excitation light cut filter 32, a beam splitter 33, a mirror 34, and band pass filters 35a, 3a.
5b and detectors Da and Db.

The collimator lens L2 has a second branch P.
It is arranged on the optical path of the light (detection light) emitted from the base end surface of the branch bundle in 2 and converts this detection light into parallel light. The excitation light cut filter 32 and the beam splitter 33 are sequentially arranged on the optical path of the parallel light emitted from the collimator lens L2. The excitation light cut filter 32 blocks the excitation light component of the incident detection light and transmits the autofluorescence component.
Therefore, only the autofluorescence is emitted from the excitation light cut filter 32. Then, the beam splitter 33 transmits a part of this autofluorescence and reflects a part thereof.

The autofluorescence transmitted through the beam splitter 33 is reflected by the mirror 34. A first filter 35a and a first detector Da are sequentially arranged on the optical path of the reflected autofluorescence. First filter 35a
Transmits only the green band (first wavelength band) component of the incident light and blocks the other components. Therefore, only the green band component of the incident autofluorescence is extracted. Then, the first detector Da outputs an electric signal indicating the intensity of the extracted green band component.

On the other hand, on the optical path of the autofluorescence reflected by the beam splitter 33, the second filter 35b and the second detector Db are sequentially arranged. The second filter 35b transmits only the component in the red band (second wavelength band) of the incident light and blocks the other components. Therefore, of the incident autofluorescence, only the red band component is extracted. Then, the second detector Db
Outputs an electric signal indicating the intensity of the extracted red band component.

Further, the diagnostic auxiliary device 3 includes an amplifier 36.
a, 36b, filter circuits 37a, 37b, A / D converters 38a, 38b, and a computing unit 39. The first amplifier 36a is connected to the first detector Da, amplifies the signal output from the detector Da with a predetermined amplification factor, and outputs the amplified signal. The first filter circuit 37a is connected to the first amplifier 36a, acquires the signal output from the amplifier 36a, removes the noise component, and outputs the signal. The first A / D converter 38a is connected to the first filter circuit 37a, converts the analog signal output from the filter circuit 37a into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal as first intensity data. . The first intensity data is data showing the intensity of the green band in autofluorescence.

On the other hand, the second amplifier 36b is connected to the second detector Db and amplifies the signal output from the detector Db with a predetermined amplification factor and outputs it. The second filter circuit 37b is connected to the second amplifier 36b, acquires the signal output from the amplifier 36b, removes the noise component, and outputs the signal. Second A / D converter 38
b is connected to the second filter circuit 37b, converts the analog signal output from the filter circuit 37b into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal as second intensity data. This second intensity data is data indicating the intensity of the red band in autofluorescence.

The arithmetic unit 39 is composed of both A / D converters 38a, 3a.
8b, and these converters 38a, 38
The ratio of the first intensity data and the second intensity data respectively output from b is calculated and output as intensity ratio data.
The arithmetic unit 39 is connected to the system controller 21 of the light source processor device 2. Then, the system controller 21 acquires the intensity ratio data output from the computing unit 39.

Further, the diagnostic auxiliary device 3 is the first auxiliary device described above.
The light source S that emits visible light in a wavelength band other than the second wavelength band or the second wavelength band, and the condenser lens L3. The condenser lens L3 is arranged on the optical path of the light emitted from the light source S, and converges this light on the base end surface of the branch bundle in the third branch portion P3. The converged light enters each optical fiber F3 in the third branch portion P3.

The light incident on each of these optical fibers F3 is
As shown in FIG. 6, the ring-shaped member PR is guided while being guided to each optical fiber F3 and emitted from the tip surface thereof.
Is incident on the base end face. The light emitted from each optical fiber F3 propagates in the ring-shaped member PR while being diffused. Specifically, some of the light rays emitted from each optical fiber F3 are inclined and proceed so as to approach the outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member PR, and after being reflected by the reflective film M, the ring-shaped member PR. Is injected outward from the outer peripheral surface of. Also, some of the other light rays emitted from each optical fiber F3 incline so as to approach the inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member PR, are totally reflected by this inner peripheral surface, and then are reflected by the reflection film M. Is reflected by and is emitted outward from the outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member PR.

As described above, the traveling direction of the light emitted from the ring-shaped member PR is the outward component in the radial direction of the ring-shaped member PR and the component toward the base end in the axial direction of the ring-shaped member PR. have. The ring-shaped member PR corresponds to a light emitting unit that emits visible light for allowing the operator to visually recognize the position of the tip of the probe P.

The excitation light source 31 and the condenser lens L1 of the diagnostic auxiliary device 3 and the first optical fiber F1 of the probe P correspond to an irradiation optical system. In addition, the probe P
The second optical fiber F2, the collimator lens L2, the excitation light cut filter 32, the beam splitter 33, the mirror 34, and the bandpass filters 35a and 35b of the diagnostic auxiliary device 3 correspond to a detection optical system. Moreover, both detectors Da and Db, both amplifiers 36a and 36b, both filter circuits 37a and 37b, and both A of the diagnostic auxiliary device 3.
The / D converters 38a and 38b and the calculator 39 correspond to an analysis unit.

<Operation of Embodiment> By using the endoscope system having the above-mentioned configuration, the operator can observe the inside of the living body. Specifically, the operator inserts the insertion portion of the endoscope 1 into the living body, and makes the tip end face a desired site in the living body.
Then, as shown in FIG. 7, a color image 40 of the subject is displayed on the monitor 4. Then, the operator can observe the inside of the living body by moving the tip of the endoscope 1 while watching the color image 40.

Through this observation, when a tissue in which a lesion is suspected is found, a diagnosis is made using the diagnostic auxiliary device 3. Specifically, the operator inserts the tip of the probe P into the forceps channel and causes it to protrude from the forceps hole 13. Visual recognition light is emitted from the ring-shaped member PR at the tip of the probe P. This visual recognition light is also reflected in the color image 40 on the monitor 4. Therefore, the operator can accurately recognize the position of the tip of the probe P by looking at the visual recognition light in the color image 40. Therefore, the operator can surely bring the tip of the probe P into contact with the tissue suspected of having a lesion.

With the probe P abutting,
The tissue is excited by the excitation light emitted from the tip of the probe P and emits autofluorescence. A part of this autofluorescence and excitation light is incident on the probe P as detection light, and the diagnostic auxiliary device 3 extracts and analyzes autofluorescence from this detection light. As a result of the analysis, the computing unit 39 of the diagnostic auxiliary device 3
To output intensity ratio data. Then, the system controller 21 of the light source processor device 2 acquires the output intensity ratio data, creates character data in which the value indicated by the intensity ratio data is expressed as a percentage, and a graph (image) showing the intensity ratio data. Data). These character data and graphs are collectively called diagnostic information.

Then, the system controller 21 controls the respective post-stage processing units 28R, 28G, 28B shown in FIG. 1 to include diagnostic information in the image data read from the memories 27R, 27G, 27B. Image data is output. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, character data 41 and a graph 42 showing the intensity ratio of the green band and the red band of the autofluorescence are displayed on the monitor 4, respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the intensity ratio of the green band and the red band of the autofluorescence is displayed as “50%” in percentage. The operator refers to the character data 41 and the graph 42 to diagnose whether or not the lesion actually occurs in the tissue.

<Modification> FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view showing the vicinity of the tip of a probe P ′ according to a modification. This probe P ′ is characterized in that the ring-shaped member PR ′ shown in FIG. 8 is incorporated instead of the ring-shaped member PR in the configuration of the probe P (FIG. 4).

The ring-shaped member PR 'of FIG. 8 is provided with a base material made of a transparent optical member formed in a flat cylindrical shape,
The outer diameter and the inner diameter are the same as those of the ring-shaped member PR of FIG. Further, the base end surface of the ring-shaped member PR ′ in FIG. 8 is formed as a plane perpendicular to the central axis thereof.
However, the tip end surface of the ring-shaped member PR ′ is formed as a concave tapered surface that is rotationally symmetric with respect to the central axis thereof.

On this tapered surface, the first reflection film M1 is formed.
Is vapor-deposited. Further, the second reflection film M2 is vapor-deposited on the inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member PR ′, and the third reflection film M3 is vapor-deposited on the region near the tip of the outer peripheral surface.

The light incident on each optical fiber F3 in the probe P'is guided to each optical fiber F3,
The light is emitted from the tip end face thereof, and is incident on the ring-shaped member PR ′ from the base end face thereof as shown in FIG. Many of the incident rays are the ring-shaped member P.
After proceeding to the tip of R ′ and being reflected by the first reflecting film M1,
The third reflection film M3 on the outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member PR ′
The light that has not been applied is emitted to the outside as visible light. It should be noted that many of the light rays that are incident on the ring-shaped member PR ′ and then proceed to be inclined toward the inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member PR ′ also have a tapered reflection film M1 after being reflected by the reflection film M2. Is reflected on the outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member PR ′, and is emitted to the outside. Therefore, the ring-shaped member P
The light incident on R ′ is efficiently emitted to the outside as the light for visual recognition.

The visual recognition light is emitted only from the portion of the outer peripheral surface of the probe PR 'where the reflection film M3 is not provided. Therefore, this visible light does not interfere with the emission of the excitation light from the tip surface of each optical fiber F1 and the incidence of the detection light on the tip surface of each optical fiber F2. Therefore, the probe P ′ can emit the excitation light and obtain the detection light without being influenced by the visual light, while emitting the visual light for allowing the operator to visually recognize the tip position of the probe P ′. it can.

[0058]

According to the present invention configured as described above, the operator can accurately recognize the tip position of the probe by looking at the visual recognition light emitted from the tip of the probe. . Therefore, the operator can accurately guide the tip of the probe to a desired position.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing an endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a probe.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration near the tip of the probe.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a diagnostic auxiliary device.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing light emitted from a ring-shaped member.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an output example including a subject image and diagnostic information.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration near a tip of a probe according to a modification.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing light emitted from a ring-shaped member according to a modified example.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Electronic endoscope 11 Light distribution lens 12 Objective lens 15 Light guide 16 Image sensor 2 Light source processor device 21 System Controller 22 Timing generator 23 White light source 24 Condensing lens 25 wheels 26 Front-stage processing section 27R, 27G, 27B memory 28R, 28G, 28B post-stage processing unit 3 Diagnostic auxiliary device 31 Excitation light source 39 arithmetic unit Da, Db detector S Light source for visual recognition P probe F1 First optical fiber F2 Second optical fiber F3 Third optical fiber PR ring-shaped member M reflective surface 4 monitors

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A probe which is inserted into an insertion channel terminating at an insertion hole opened at the distal end of an endoscope and whose distal end projects from the insertion hole, and which has an elongated main body portion, A probe provided with a light emitting portion which is provided in the vicinity of the tip of the main body portion and which emits visible light for indicating the position of the tip. 2. A light source that emits visible light, and a light guide unit that guides the light emitted from the light source to the light emitting unit, wherein the light emitting unit emits the light guided by the light guiding unit. The probe according to claim 1, further comprising a reflector for reflecting the light. 3. The light guide unit has a plurality of optical fibers,
The optical fiber, the distal end side is provided along the longitudinal direction of the main body portion so as to surround the main body portion, the proximal end side is bundled as a fiber bundle, the light source, to the light guide portion, Visible light is made incident from the base end face of the fiber bundle, and the reflector reflects at least a part of the light emitted from the optical fiber in a direction including a component in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main body. The probe according to claim 2, wherein 4. The light emitting portion is provided near the tip of the main body portion,
While having a transparent tubular member fixed so as to surround the main body, the reflector is a reflective film formed on at least the tip surface of the tubular member, and the optical fiber has a tip surface thereof. The probe according to claim 3, wherein the probe is disposed so as to face the base end surface of the tubular member. 5. The probe according to claim 4, wherein the cylindrical member has a tip end surface formed as a concave tapered surface. 6. The reflection film is formed on the tip surface of the tubular member, a predetermined region near the tip on the outer surface of the tubular member, and the inner surface of the tubular member. Item 4. A probe according to item 4 or 5. 7. The body comprises an irradiation optical fiber that guides excitation light for exciting a living body to emit autofluorescence, and autofluorescence emitted from the subject by being irradiated with the excitation light. 7. A probe according to claim 1, further comprising: a detection optical fiber for guiding the light. 8. An endoscope system comprising a probe which is inserted into an insertion channel terminating in an insertion hole opened at the tip of the endoscope and which is used with its tip protruding from the insertion hole. The probe has an elongated main body and a light emitting portion which is provided in the vicinity of the tip of the main body and emits visible light for indicating the position of the tip, and illuminates the subject with visible light. Illumination optical system, an objective optical system that forms an image of the subject illuminated by the illumination optical system, and an imaging device that captures the image of the subject formed by the objective optical system and converts it into an image signal And an image processing unit that generates image data of the subject based on the image signal converted by the image sensor, and the endoscope system. 9. A main body of the probe comprises an irradiation optical system for guiding excitation light for exciting a living body to emit autofluorescence, and an autogenous body emitted from the subject by the irradiation of the excitation light. A detection optical system for acquiring fluorescence, and a predetermined first part of the autofluorescence acquired by the detection optical system.
An analysis unit that acquires diagnostic information based on the ratio of the intensity of the component of the wavelength band and the intensity of the component of the predetermined second wavelength band
The endoscope system according to claim 8, further comprising: 10. The light emitting section of the probe emits visible light in a predetermined band other than the first wavelength band or the second wavelength band,
The endoscope system according to claim 9, wherein the endoscope system is emitted as light for visual recognition.