JP2003220033A - Auxiliary device for fluorescent diagnosis - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an auxiliary device for fluorescent diagnosis, capable of effectively making incident an exciting light and effectively detecting fluorescence even if any probe is connected. <P>SOLUTION: When one of a plural kinds of probes P is connected, a control part 39 moves a second regular lens 32 so that the output from a detector Db becomes maximum by controlling a second moving mechanism 32S via a second driver circuit 32D after moving a first regular lens 31 so that the output from the detector Db becomes maximum by controlling a first moving mechanism 31S via a first driver circuit 31D. When the regular lenses 31, 32 are adjusted, the exciting light enters the connected probe P most effectively, and the fluorescence guided to the probe P is detected effectively. <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 fluorescence diagnosis auxiliary device for acquiring information for diagnosis by an operator based on autofluorescence emitted from a living body.

[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,
It is known that the autofluorescence emitted by living tissue in which a lesion such as a tumor occurs has a property different from the fluorescence emitted by normal living tissue. In particular, the intensity of the green band component in the autofluorescence from the lesioned tissue is smaller than that from normal tissue. However, the intensities of the components in the red band in the autofluorescence from the lesioned tissue are similar to those from normal tissue. Therefore, the ratio of the intensity of the green band and the intensity of the red band of the autofluorescence from the lesioned tissue is smaller than that from normal tissue.

Therefore, as useful information for diagnosis (diagnostic information), a fluorescence diagnostic system for measuring the ratio of the intensity of the green band and the intensity of the red band of autofluorescence and providing it to the operator has been developed. Has been done. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the characteristics of the excitation light and the light to be measured. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 10 represents the wavelength of light and the vertical axis represents the intensity thereof. The excitation light is ultraviolet light having an intensity peak at the wavelength λe. The wavelength λe is set to λe = 365 nm, for example. However, light on the short wavelength side in the visible band may be used as the excitation light. Then, the first wavelength band centering on the wavelength λ1 and the second wavelength band centering on the wavelength λ2 in the autofluorescence are the targets of measurement, respectively. The wavelength λ1 and the wavelength λ2 are set in the green band and the red band, respectively, for example. Note that λ1 <λ2.

The above-mentioned fluorescence diagnostic system comprises a probe and an auxiliary device for fluorescence diagnostics. The 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 bundled as a composite bundle on the tip side, and on the base side, as an irradiation bundle of only the irradiation optical fiber and a detection bundle of only the detection optical fiber, Are bundled in. And
The probe is detachably connected to the fluorescence diagnostic auxiliary device via a connector provided on the proximal end side thereof.

The auxiliary device for fluorescence diagnosis is provided with an excitation light source section for emitting excitation light and a detection section for detecting light from a living body. Then, in a state in which the probe is connected to the fluorescence diagnostic auxiliary device, the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source unit enters the irradiation bundle of the probe from its proximal end surface, and is guided to the detection bundle to guide the substrate. The light emitted from the end face is detected by the detection unit.

[0006] Usually, this probe is used with its distal end pulled into the forceps channel of the endoscope. That is, the operator makes the tip of the endoscope face the subject while the probe is protruding from the tip of the endoscope. Then, the operator brings the tip of the probe into contact with the subject.

In this state, the excitation light guided to the irradiation bundle is emitted from the tip of the probe to 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. Light incident on each detection optical fiber in the composite bundle of this probe (detection light)
Is emitted from the base end surface of the detection bundle and detected by the detection unit.

Then, the ratio of the intensity of the detected light in the green band to the intensity of the red band is displayed on the monitor as a character or a graph. The intensity ratio is displayed on the monitor together with the color image of the subject acquired by the endoscope. If the intensity ratio is large, the operator determines that the subject is normal, and if the intensity ratio is small, the operator determines that the subject has a lesion.

Various types of probes are manufactured according to their use. For example, a small diameter probe is manufactured for the bronchus, and a large diameter probe is manufactured for the large intestine. The operator selects a probe suitable for the observation target and uses it by connecting it to the auxiliary device for fluorescence diagnosis.

[0010]

However, when the auxiliary device for fluorescence diagnosis is designed so as to optimize the efficiency of incidence of excitation light on a certain probe and detection of detection light,
The efficiency of incidence of the excitation light and detection of the detection light on other probes having different diameters will be low. That is, in the conventional fluorescence diagnostic auxiliary device, it is impossible to efficiently make the excitation light incident on any probe and efficiently detect the detection light.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an auxiliary device for fluorescence diagnosis, which is capable of performing highly accurate measurement corresponding to any probe regardless of which probe is connected.

[0012]

In order to solve the above problems, the fluorescence diagnostic auxiliary device according to the present invention has the following structure.

That is, a first aspect of the fluorescence diagnostic auxiliary device according to the present invention is a fluorescence diagnostic auxiliary device to which a probe having a first fiber bundle and a second fiber bundle is detachably connected. An excitation light source that emits excitation light for exciting a living body to emit fluorescence, and an excitation light that collects the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source and makes it incident on the proximal end of the first fiber bundle of the probe. A light condensing lens, a first moving mechanism for moving the excitation light condensing lens close to or away from the first fiber bundle, and guided to the first fiber bundle of the probe and emitted from the tip thereof. A detector that detects fluorescence emitted from the subject and guided to the second fiber bundle when excitation light is applied to the subject, and the first moving mechanism to control the detector. And a control unit for the intensity of the fluorescence detection section acquires moves the excitation light focusing lens so as to maximize, characterized by comprising.

With this structure, the pumping light condensing lens is set so that the pumping light is most efficiently incident on the first fiber bundle in the connected probe. Therefore, the excitation light of sufficient intensity is emitted from the tip of the first fiber bundle of the probe. Therefore, no matter which probe of the plurality of types of probes is connected, the excitation light is incident on the probe with high efficiency.

A second aspect of the fluorescence diagnostic auxiliary device according to the present invention is a fluorescence diagnostic auxiliary device to which a probe having a first fiber bundle and a second fiber bundle is detachably connected. An excitation light source unit that emits excitation light for exciting a living body to emit fluorescence and makes it enter the proximal end of the first fiber bundle of the probe, and is guided to the first fiber bundle of the probe. Fluorescence disposed on the optical path of fluorescence emitted from the subject and guided to the second fiber bundle when the excitation light emitted from the tip is irradiated to the subject and is emitted from the base end. A condenser lens, a moving mechanism for moving the fluorescence condenser lens close to or away from the second fiber bundle, and a detector for detecting the intensity of the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescence condenser lens. And a control unit for the intensity of fluorescence which said detector and controlling said moving mechanism is detected by moving the fluorescence condensing lens so as to maximize, characterized by comprising.

With this structure, the fluorescence condensing lens is set so as to detect the fluorescence guided to the second fiber bundle in the connected probe most efficiently. Therefore, the accuracy of fluorescence detection is improved. Therefore, regardless of which probe among a plurality of types of probes is linked, the fluorescence guided to the probe is detected most efficiently.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing the fluorescence observation system of the present embodiment. This fluorescence observation system is an electronic endoscope (hereinafter abbreviated as an endoscope).
1, a light source processor device 2, a probe P, an auxiliary device for fluorescence diagnosis (hereinafter abbreviated as an auxiliary device for diagnosis) 3, and a monitor 4.

<Endoscope> First, the endoscope 1 will be described. The endoscope 1 has a flexible tubular insertion portion that is inserted into a living body. However, in FIG. 1, this endoscope 1
The detailed shape of is not shown. 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.

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 composed of a CCD area sensor. This image sensor 1
The imaging surface 6 is disposed near the position where the objective lens 12 connects the subject image when the distal end of the endoscope 1 is disposed to face the subject. Then, the image sensor 16 acquires image data based on the subject image and outputs the image data to the signal line 17.

<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.

The light source processor device 2 further 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 condenser lens 24 and the light guide 1
A wheel 25 is inserted in the optical path between the five.
The wheel 25 has a disk-shaped outer shape, and three openings are provided in a ring-shaped region along the outer circumference thereof.
Each of these openings has an R filter that transmits only the red band of the incident light, a G filter that transmits only the green band, and a B filter that transmits only the blue band.
Each is fitted.

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 controls the R filter and G of the wheel 25 according to the reference signal from the timing generator 22.
The wheel 25 is rotated so that the filter and the B 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,
Red light (R light), green light (G light), and blue light (B light)
However, they are sequentially and repeatedly incident. The incident R light, G light, and B light are guided to the light guide 15, and the light distribution lens 11
The subject is illuminated by being diffused by the subject and faces the tip of the endoscope 1. Then, on the image pickup surface of the image pickup device 16, an image by the R light of the subject, an image by the G light, and an image by the B light,
It is formed sequentially. Then, the image pickup device 16 forms an image of the subject with R light, an image of G light, and an image of B light,
Each is converted into an image signal and sequentially output to the signal line 17.

Further, the light source processor device 2 includes one pre-stage processing unit 26 connected to the timing generator 22, three memories 27R, 27G, 27B, and 3 respectively.
It is provided with two post-stage processing units 28R, 28G, 28B. The pre-stage processing unit 26 is connected to the signal line 17, sequentially acquires the image signals output from the image sensor 16, performs signal processing and A / D conversion, and outputs the digital image data. The front-end processing unit 26 includes each memory 2
7R, 27G, and 27B are connected to each other. Then, from the timing generator 22, each memory 27R,
Digital image data output from the pre-processing unit 26 during R light irradiation according to the reference signals input to the 27G and 27B is stored in the memory 27R as R image data, and digital image data output from the pre-processing unit 26 during G light irradiation. Is G
The image data is stored in the memory 27G, and the digital image data output from the pre-processing unit 26 during B light irradiation is stored in the memory 27B as B image data.

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

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

Then, both optical fibers F1 and F2 are bundled as a composite bundle in a region of a majority from the tip. This composite bundle and the tube covering it form the composite part P0.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the composite portion P0. The tube T is a flexible thin tubular member, and has an outer diameter that can be inserted into the forceps channel of the endoscope 1.
Then, in this tube T, both optical fibers F1, F2
Is filled. Specifically, the region around the central axis of the tube T is filled with the second optical fiber F2, and the outside thereof is filled with the first optical fiber F1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first optical fibers F1 are bundled as a first branch bundle on the base end side thereof. The first branch bundle is covered with a first branch tube (not shown) which is a flexible tubular member. 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.

As schematically shown in FIG. 4, a connector PT is provided on the base end side of the probe P. The base ends of both branch portions P1 and P2 of the probe P are fixed inside the connector PT. The probe P is detachably connected to the diagnostic auxiliary device 3 by the connector PT. In the state where the probe P is connected to the diagnostic auxiliary device 3, both branch parts P1,
The proximal end surface of the P2 branch bundle is exposed in the diagnostic auxiliary device 3. The probe P is used in a state of being connected to the diagnostic auxiliary device 3 as described above.

Actually, a plurality of types of this probe P are prepared according to the site to be observed. For example, a small-diameter probe P is prepared for the bronchus, and a large-diameter probe P is prepared for the large intestine. Note that if the diameter of the probe P is large, the diameter of the fiber bundle of both the branch portions P1 and P2 is also large. Then, the operator selects the probe P according to the site to be observed, and connects the probe P to the diagnostic auxiliary device 3 for use.

The operator protects the tip by covering the tip with the cap C until the probe P is used for observation. FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of the cap C. The cap C has a shape equivalent to that in which one opening of a thick cylinder is closed with a disc. The inner diameter of the cap C is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tip of the probe P, and the tip of the probe P can be fitted in the cap C.

The inner bottom surface of the cap C is a fluorescent surface CM coated with fluorescent paint. This phosphor screen CM
When irradiated with excitation light, emits fluorescence having characteristics substantially equivalent to autofluorescence from healthy living tissue.

<Diagnosis Auxiliary Device> Next, the diagnosis auxiliary device 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the diagnostic auxiliary device 3 includes an excitation light source E, a first positive lens 31, a first moving mechanism 31S, and a first driver circuit 31D.
Is equipped with. The excitation light source E emits excitation light, which is ultraviolet light in a predetermined band having an intensity peak at the wavelength λe (FIG. 10), as parallel light. The excitation light source E, the first positive lens 31, and the first moving mechanism 31S correspond to the excitation light source unit.

The first moving mechanism 31S includes a pedestal for fixing the first positive lens 31, a ball screw for sliding the pedestal in the optical axis direction of the first positive lens 31, and a motor for driving the ball screw. There is. The first driver circuit 31D is connected to the motor of the first moving mechanism 31S. The driver circuit 31D is used in the moving mechanism 3
By supplying the drive current to the 1S motor, the first positive lens 31 is moved in the optical axis direction. The first
The positive lens 31 of moves in the optical axis direction on the optical path of the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source E. Further, in the state where the probe P is connected to the diagnostic auxiliary device 3, the central axis of the first branch portion P1 of the probe P is the first positive lens 3
It coincides with the optical axis of 1.

The first moving mechanism 31S has a pair of position detectors D1 and D2. First position detector D1
Detects that when the first positive lens 31 comes closest to the first branch portion P1 in the movement range.
The second position detector D2 detects that when the first positive lens 31 is closest to the excitation light source E in the movement range thereof.

The first positive lens 31, as an excitation light condenser lens, collects the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source E as parallel light and emits it as converged light. The excitation light emitted as the convergent light from the first positive lens 31 enters each optical fiber of the first branch portion P1 from its proximal end surface. The incident excitation light is guided to each of these optical fibers F1,
It is ejected from the front end surface of the composite portion P0.

When the tip of the composite portion P0 is fitted to the cap C as shown in FIG. 5, the fluorescent screen CM in the cap C is irradiated with the excitation light emitted from the tip surface of the composite portion P0. To be done. Then, fluorescence is emitted from the fluorescent screen CM. A part of the excitation light is reflected by the fluorescent screen CM. For this reason, a part of the reflected excitation light and the emitted fluorescence goes to the front end surface of the composite portion P0. Then, of the excitation light and the fluorescence, those that have entered the second optical fiber F2 are guided to the second optical fiber F2 and emitted from the base end surface of the second branch bundle.

The diagnostic auxiliary device 3 further includes a second positive lens 32, a second moving mechanism 32S, and a second driver circuit 32D. The second moving mechanism 32S is
A pedestal for fixing the second positive lens 32, a ball screw for sliding this pedestal in the optical axis direction of the second positive lens 32,
A motor for driving this ball screw is provided. Second
The driver circuit 32D is connected to the motor of the second moving mechanism 32S. And this driver circuit 32D
Supplies a drive current to the motor of the moving mechanism 32S to move the second positive lens 32 in the optical axis direction. In the state where the probe P is connected to the diagnostic auxiliary device 3, the optical axis of the second positive lens 32 coincides with the central axis of the second branch portion P2 of the probe P, and the central axis Move in the direction.

The second moving mechanism 32S has a pair of position detectors D3 and D4. Third position detector D3
Detects the fact that the second positive lens 32 is farthest from the second branch portion P2 in the movement range. The fourth position detector D4 detects when the second positive lens 32 is closest to the second branch portion P2 in its movement range.

The second positive lens 32 serves as a fluorescent light condensing lens, and emits the light (detection light) emitted as diffused light from the base end face of the branch bundle in the second branch portion P2.
It is emitted after being converted into parallel light or convergent light or diffused light close to parallel light.

Further, the diagnostic auxiliary device 3 includes an excitation light cut filter 33, a beam splitter BS, a mirror M, bandpass filters 34a and 34b, and a detector Da ,.
It is equipped with Db. The detector Db, and the second positive lens 32 and the second moving mechanism 32S described above correspond to a detector.

The excitation light cut filter 33 and the beam splitter BS are sequentially arranged on the optical path of the detection light emitted from the second positive lens 32. The excitation light cut filter 33 blocks the excitation light component of the incident detection light and transmits the fluorescence component. Therefore, only the fluorescence is emitted from the excitation light cut filter 33.
Then, the beam splitter BS transmits a part of this fluorescence and reflects a part thereof.

The fluorescence transmitted through the beam splitter BS is
It is reflected by the mirror M. On the optical path of the reflected fluorescence, the first filter 34a and the first detector Da are
They are arranged in order. The first filter 34a 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 corresponding to the intensity of the extracted green band component.

On the other hand, the second filter 34b and the second detector Db are sequentially arranged on the optical path of the fluorescence reflected by the beam splitter BS. The second filter 34b 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 corresponding to the intensity of the extracted red band component.

Further, the diagnostic auxiliary device 3 includes an amplifier 35.
a, 35b, filter circuits 36a, 36b, A / D converters 37a, 37b, and an arithmetic unit 38. The first amplifier 35a 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 36a is connected to the first amplifier 35a, acquires the signal output from the amplifier 35a, removes the noise component, and outputs the signal. The first A / D converter 37a is connected to the first filter circuit 36a, converts the analog signal output from the filter circuit 36a into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal as first intensity data. . This first intensity data is data indicating the intensity of the green band in fluorescence.

On the other hand, the second amplifier 35b is connected to the second detector Db, amplifies the signal output from the detector Db with a predetermined amplification factor, and outputs the amplified signal. The second filter circuit 36b is connected to the second amplifier 35b, acquires the signal output from the amplifier 35b, removes noise components, and outputs the signal. Second A / D converter 37
b is connected to the second filter circuit 36b, converts the analog signal output from the filter circuit 36b into a digital signal, and outputs it as second intensity data. The second intensity data is data indicating the intensity of the red band in fluorescence.

The arithmetic unit 38 is composed of both A / D converters 37a, 3a.
7b, and these converters 37a, 37
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 38 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 calculator 38.

Further, the diagnostic assisting device 3 has a second A /
A control unit 39 connected to the D converter 37b and both driver circuits 31D and 32D is provided. This control unit 3
9 monitors both the second intensity data output from the second A / D converter 37b, and outputs both driver circuits 31D and 32D.
The preliminary adjustment described below is executed by controlling D respectively and moving the first positive lens 31 and the second positive lens 32 in order.

<Preliminary Adjustment> Prior to the actual observation, the operator performs the preliminary adjustment with the tip of the probe P covered with the cap C. This pre-adjustment is performed by the diagnostic auxiliary device 3
Is performed in order to optimize the efficiency of incidence of excitation light and detection of detection light corresponding to the probe P connected to.

A switch SW is connected to the system controller 21 of the light source processor device 2.
The operator can start the pre-adjustment by operating the switch SW. This switch SW is
The light source processor device 2 may be a foot switch.
It may be a front panel switch provided on the front panel, or an operation switch provided on the operation unit of the endoscope 1. Further, the switch SW may be a micro switch that detects the connection of the probe P to the diagnostic auxiliary device 3.

When this switch SW is operated, the system controller 21 of the light source processor device 2 instructs the control unit 39 of the diagnostic auxiliary device 3 to execute pre-adjustment. When this instruction is issued, the control unit 39 monitors the second intensity data output from the second A / D converter 37b, adjusts the first positive lens 31, and adjusts the second positive lens 32. The adjustments are carried out in sequence.

The pre-adjustment will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The process of the flowchart of FIG. 6 starts when the control unit 39 receives a pre-adjustment instruction from the system controller 21.

In the first step S1, the control unit 39 controls the driver circuits 31D and 32D respectively to move the moving mechanism 31.
By driving S and 32S, the first positive lens 31
Is moved to its initial position and the second positive lens 3
Move 2 to its initial position.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing the movement of the first positive lens 31. The first positive lens 31 includes the first driver circuit 31D and the first moving mechanism 31 shown in FIG.
Driven by S, it moves within a predetermined movement range in the optical axis direction. The control unit 39 uses the first positive lens 31.
Can be detected on the basis of the output signal from the position detector D1 in the case where it comes closest to the first branch portion P1 in the moving range, and the first positive lens 31 is the most in the moving range. When separated from the first branch portion P1, it can be detected based on the output signal from the position detector D2. The initial position of the first positive lens 31 is the first position within the moving range of the positive lens 31.
It is the position when it is closest to the branch portion P1. FIG. 7A schematically shows the first positive lens 31 in the initial position.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the movement of the second positive lens 32. The second positive lens 32 includes the second driver circuit 32D and the second moving mechanism 32 shown in FIG.
Driven by S, it moves within a predetermined movement range in the optical axis direction. The control unit 39 uses the second positive lens 32.
Can be detected based on the output signal from the position detector D3 in the case where it is separated from the second branch portion P2 most in the moving range, and the second positive lens 32 is the most in the moving range. When approaching the second branch P2, the fact can be detected based on the output signal from the position detector D4. The initial position of the second positive lens 32 is the position when the second positive lens 32 is farthest from the second branch portion P2 in the movement range. FIG. 8A shows the second positive lens 3 in the initial position.
2 is schematically shown.

At the next S2, the control unit 39 causes the second A /
While monitoring the second intensity data output from the D converter 37b, the first driver circuit 31D is controlled to separate the first positive lens 31 from the first branch portion P1.
The control unit 39 has a RAM (not shown), and stores information relating the position of the first positive lens 31 and the second intensity data in the RAM. And the first
When the positive lens 31 of No. 3 reaches the position farthest from the first branch P1 in the moving range, the control unit 39
This positive lens 31 is stopped.

In the next step S3, the control unit 39 specifies the position of the first positive lens 31 associated with the maximum value of the second intensity data. That is, the control unit 39 reads the information that associates the first positive lens 31 and the second intensity data stored in the RAM, and the position of the first positive lens 31 where the second intensity data is maximum. Specify.

At the next step S4, the control section 39 moves the first positive lens 31 to the position specified at step S3. FIG. 7B schematically shows the first positive lens 31 in the state of moving to the specified position. This Figure 7
In the state (B), the efficiency of incidence of the excitation light on the fiber bundle of the first branch portion P1 is optimized.

At the next step S5, the control unit 39 causes the second A /
While monitoring the second intensity data output from the D converter 37b, the second driver circuit 32D is controlled to bring the second positive lens 32 closer to the second branch portion P2. The control unit 39 stores the second positive lens 32 in its RAM.
The information associating the position with the second intensity data is stored. Then, when the second positive lens 32 reaches the position closest to the second branch portion P2 in the moving range, the control unit 39 stops the positive lens 32.

At the next step S6, the control unit 39 specifies the position of the second positive lens 32 associated with the maximum value of the second intensity data. That is, the control unit 39 reads the information in which the second positive lens 32 stored in the RAM is associated with the second intensity data, and the position of the second positive lens 32 where the second intensity data is maximum. Specify.

At the next step S7, the control section 39 moves the second positive lens 32 to the position specified at step S6. FIG. 8B schematically shows the second positive lens 32 that has moved to the specified position. This Figure 8
In the state (B), the detection efficiency of the detection light by the second detector 32 is optimized.

<Operation of Embodiment> First, the operator selects the probe P corresponding to the site in the living body to be observed and connects it to the diagnostic auxiliary device 3. And the surgeon
By performing the above-mentioned pre-adjustment in a state where the tip of the probe P is covered with the cap C, the efficiency of incidence of excitation light and detection of detection light on the selected probe P is optimized.

After this pre-adjustment, the operator removes the cap C from the tip of the probe P, inserts the tip of the probe P into the forceps channel of the endoscope 1 so as to project from the forceps hole 13, and then the actual operation. Start the observation. First, 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. 9, a color image 40 of the subject is displayed on the monitor 4. The surgeon, while watching this color image 40,
The inside of the living body is observed by moving the tip of the endoscope 1.

Through this observation, when a tissue suspected of causing a lesion is found, a diagnosis is made using the diagnostic auxiliary device 3. Specifically, the operator brings the tip of the probe P into contact with the tissue suspected of having a lesion. When the probe P is in contact with the tissue, the tissue is excited by the excitation light emitted from the tip of the probe P,
It emits autofluorescence. Part of this autofluorescence and excitation light
It is incident on the probe P as detection light, and the diagnostic auxiliary device 3
Analyzes autofluorescence from this detection light. As a result of the analysis, the intensity ratio data is output from the computing unit 38 of the diagnostic auxiliary device 3. 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-processing units 28R, 28G and 28B shown in FIG. 1 to include diagnostic information in the image data read from the memories 27R, 27G and 27B. Image data is output. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the monitor 4 displays the character data 41 and the graph 42 indicating the intensity ratio between the green band and the red band of the autofluorescence, respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the intensity ratio between 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.

As described above, the diagnostic auxiliary device 3 optimizes the efficiency of incidence of excitation light and detection of detection light corresponding to the connected probe P. Therefore, this diagnostic auxiliary device 3 can make the excitation light enter the probe P with high efficiency and detect the detection light with high efficiency regardless of which probe P is connected.

[0073]

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION The fluorescence diagnostic auxiliary device of the present invention configured as described above performs measurement corresponding to any of a plurality of types of probes, so that the measurement is performed in correspondence with the probe. The measurement accuracy is improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing a fluorescence diagnostic 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 cross-sectional view of the composite portion of the probe.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram schematically showing an auxiliary device for fluorescence diagnosis according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of the cap.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of pre-adjustment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing adjustment of the first positive lens.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the adjustment of the second positive lens.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a display example including a subject image and diagnostic information.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing characteristics of excitation light and light to be measured.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Electronic endoscope 2 Light source processor device 3 Diagnostic auxiliary device 31 First Positive Lens 31D First driver circuit 31S First moving mechanism 32 Second positive lens 32D second driver circuit 32S second moving mechanism 39 Control unit E excitation light source Da, Db detector D1 to D4 position detector P probe F1 First optical fiber F2 Second optical fiber

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G01N 21/64 G01N 21/64 Z F term (reference) 2G043 AA03 BA16 CA09 EA01 FA01 FA05 FA06 GA02 GA04 GB01 GB19 HA01 HA02 HA05 HA09 JA02 KA02 KA03 KA05 LA03 NA05 NA06 4C061 BB08 GG01

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A fluorescence diagnostic auxiliary device to which a probe having a first fiber bundle and a probe having a second fiber bundle is detachably connected, and emits excitation light for exciting a living body to emit fluorescence. An excitation light condensing lens, an excitation light condensing lens that condenses the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source, and causes the excitation light to enter the proximal end of the first fiber bundle of the probe; A moving mechanism for moving the probe closer to or away from the first fiber bundle, and emitted from the subject when the subject is irradiated with the excitation light guided to the first fiber bundle of the probe and emitted from the tip thereof. The excitation light so as to maximize the intensity of the fluorescence acquired by the detection unit by controlling the moving mechanism and the detection unit that detects the fluorescence guided to the second fiber bundle. Fluorescent diagnostic aid device characterized by comprising a control unit for moving the optical lens. 2. A fluorescence diagnostic auxiliary device to which a probe having a first fiber bundle and a probe having a second fiber bundle is detachably connected, and emits excitation light for exciting a living body to emit fluorescence. Then, the excitation light source unit that is made incident on the base end of the first fiber bundle of the probe, and the excitation light that is guided to the first fiber bundle of the probe and emitted from the end of the probe is irradiated to the subject. In this case, the fluorescence condensing lens disposed on the optical path of the fluorescence emitted from the subject, guided to the second fiber bundle, and emitted from the base end of the second fiber bundle; A moving mechanism that moves the fluorescent bundle to approach or separate from the fiber bundle, a detector that detects the intensity of the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescence condensing lens, and the moving mechanism to control the fluorescence detected by the detector. And a control unit for moving the fluorescent light condensing lens so that the intensity of the fluorescent light is maximized. 3. A fluorescence diagnostic auxiliary device to which a probe having a first fiber bundle and a probe having a second fiber bundle is detachably connected, and emits excitation light for exciting a living body to emit fluorescence. An excitation light condensing lens, an excitation light condensing lens that condenses the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source, and causes the excitation light to enter the proximal end of the first fiber bundle of the probe; A first moving mechanism for moving the probe closer to or away from the first fiber bundle, and the subject when the subject is irradiated with the excitation light guided to the first fiber bundle of the probe and emitted from its tip A fluorescent light condensing lens disposed on the optical path of the fluorescent light emitted from the optical fiber, guided to the second fiber bundle, and emitted from the base end of the second fiber bundle; A second moving mechanism for approaching or separating from the bundle, a detector for detecting the intensity of the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescence condensing lens, and a first moving mechanism and a second moving mechanism are respectively controlled, An auxiliary device for fluorescence diagnosis, comprising: a control unit that moves the excitation light condensing lens and the fluorescence condensing lens so that the intensity of the fluorescence detected by the detector becomes maximum.