JP2005130942A - Capsule device for ultrasonic diagnosis - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a capsule device for ultrasonic diagnosis for obtaining continuous ultrasonic images by easily moving the capsule device for ultrasonic diagnosis forward and backward around a target region. <P>SOLUTION: The capsule device 1 for ultrasonic diagnosis comprises a capsule 2 for ultrasonic diagnosis capable of obtaining an ultrasonic image, and a slender cylindrical balloon 3 having the capsule 2 for ultrasonic diagnosis inside, allowing the capsule 2 to move forward/backward in an ultrasonic transmitting medium 25. The cylindrical balloon 3 is mounted at the distal end 4b of an insertion part of an endoscope 4. When the cylindrical balloon 3 is filled with a fed ultrasonic transmitting medium 25, the cylindrical balloon 3 is inflated slenderly in the longitudinal axial direction, so that the capsule 2 for ultrasonic diagnosis can move forward/backward in the ultrasonic transmitting medium 25. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a capsule device for ultrasonic diagnosis for ultrasonic diagnosis in a living body or the like.

In recent years, diagnostic capsule devices have come to be used in the medical field. This diagnostic capsule device is formed so that a subject can easily swallow it.
As such a conventional diagnostic capsule device, for example, an ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-135832 has been proposed.

  The capsule device for ultrasonic diagnosis described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-135732 discloses an ultrasonic tomographic image (hereinafter referred to as an ultrasonic image) based on echo information obtained by transmitting / receiving ultrasonic pulses to / from a living tissue. It is a device to obtain. For this reason, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device can acquire an ultrasonic image by passing the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule through a portion where it is difficult to insert the elongated insertion portion with a normal ultrasonic endoscope. .

  In general, when performing an ultrasonic inspection, it is necessary to fill an area between an ultrasonic transducer and a target site with an ultrasonic transmission medium. In the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device, an ultrasonic transducer is filled with an ultrasonic transmission medium inside the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule. On the other hand, the capsule for ultrasonic diagnosis requires a balloon for filling the space between the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule and the wall of the body cavity such as the digestive tract wall with an ultrasonic transmission medium.

Such a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic capsule apparatus uses, for example, an ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 100 as shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic capsule used in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic capsule apparatus.
The ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 100 is provided with a balloon 101 on the distal end side, and an ultrasonic transducer 100a is superposed on a target site in a body cavity via an ultrasonic transmission medium 103 filled in the balloon 101. A sound wave pulse is transmitted and received.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-135832

  However, in the capsule device for ultrasonic diagnosis, there is a possibility that the balloon 101 provided on the distal end side stays in close contact with the intra-body cavity duct wall such as the digestive tract wall. In this case, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device can scan only the same cross section of the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 100, so that it is difficult to acquire an ultrasonic image of a desired target portion.

  Here, in order to acquire an ultrasonic image of a desired target portion, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device must once contract the balloon 101 to move the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 100 and inflate again. Therefore, very complicated work is required.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device capable of acquiring a continuous ultrasonic image by easily moving the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule forward and backward in the vicinity of a target site. Objective.

A first ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic diagnostic capsule capable of acquiring an ultrasonic image and the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule inside, and the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule transmits ultrasonic waves. An elongated cylindrical balloon that can advance and retreat in the medium is provided.
According to a second ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device of the present invention, in the first ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device, the balloon is provided at a distal end of an elongated insertion portion of an endoscope for obtaining an optical image. It is characterized in that the ultrasonic transmission medium can be supplied through an internal tube of the insertion portion of the endoscope.
According to a third ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device of the present invention, in the first ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device, the balloon extends a tube from a rear end portion, and transmits the ultrasonic wave through the tube. It is characterized in that a medium can be supplied.

  The capsule device for ultrasonic diagnosis of the present invention has an effect that it is possible to acquire a continuous ultrasonic image by easily moving the capsule for ultrasonic diagnosis in the vicinity of a target site.

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

  1 to 5 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the capsule device for ultrasonic diagnosis of the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the capsule for ultrasonic diagnosis of FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the endoscope insertion portion reaching the duodenum, supplying an ultrasonic transmission medium, and inflating the balloon. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram when the balloon is inflated from the state of FIG. 4 and ultrasonic observation is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an ultrasonic diagnostic capsule apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention has an ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 capable of acquiring an ultrasonic image, and an elongate body having the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 therein. A cylindrical balloon 3 is provided.

  The cylindrical balloon 3 is provided at the distal end portion 4b of the elongated insertion portion 4a of the endoscope 4 that obtains an optical image in the body cavity. The endoscope 4 is, for example, a side-view type endoscope, and a side-view type objective optical system 11a that captures reflected light from a subject illuminated by an illumination optical system (not shown) as an optical image, and the side-view type. An imaging unit 11 having an imaging element 11b such as a CCD (charge imaging element) that images an optical image formed on the imaging surface by the objective optical system 11a is provided.

  In addition, the endoscope 4 is filled with, for example, a treatment instrument insertion channel 12 as an insertion portion internal conduit, which will be described later, and can be supplied to the cylindrical balloon 3 from the channel opening 12a. In addition to the treatment instrument insertion channel 12, for example, a forward water-feeding channel for washing the subject may be used as another conduit in the insertion section for supplying the ultrasonic transmission medium. good.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 extends a cable 13 from the rear end as a string member that is pushed and pulled to advance and retract in the cylindrical balloon 3. An end of the cable 13 is connected to an ultrasonic observation apparatus (not shown) through the treatment instrument insertion channel 12 as an insertion portion internal conduit of the endoscope 4, for example. In addition to the treatment instrument insertion channel 12, the inner pipe line through which the cable 13 is inserted may be, for example, another pipe line in the insertion section such as a forward water supply channel for washing the subject.

  The cable 13 is formed of a hard material, and the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 is advanced and retracted by pushing and pulling as described later (see FIG. 3). The cable 13 is provided with a power line for transmitting power from the ultrasonic observation apparatus, a signal line for controlling and driving an ultrasonic transducer described later, and the like.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 is supplied with power from the ultrasonic observation apparatus so that the ultrasonic transducer is driven and controlled. The ultrasonic observation apparatus processes the echo signal obtained from the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 to construct, for example, three-dimensional image data and display it on a monitor (not shown).

First, a specific configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 used in this embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 includes a substantially tubular capsule main body 20, and a main body cover 21 and a vibrator cover 22 having end portions formed in a hemispheric shape.

  The main body cover 21 is fixedly arranged in a watertight manner at one end of the capsule main body 20, and the vibrator cover 22 is fixedly arranged in a watertight manner at the other end.

  A central through hole having a central large diameter hole 20a and a central small diameter hole 20b is formed in the central part of the capsule body 20. An O-ring 23 is disposed in the central narrow hole 20b. The O-ring 23 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the transducer shaft 24 and the inner peripheral surface of the central small-diameter hole 20b to ensure liquid-tightness, and pivotally supports the transducer shaft 24.

  An ultrasonic transmission medium 25 such as liquid paraffin, water, carboxymethyl cellulose aqueous solution or the like is sealed in an internal space formed by the vibrator cover 22, the capsule body 20, and the O-ring 23. Yes. On the other hand, a slip ring 26, an encoder 27, and a drive motor 28 are arranged and fixed in the central large diameter hole 20a.

  An ultrasonic transducer 31 held by a transducer holding member 29 is disposed at the distal end portion of the transducer shaft 24 that protrudes from the capsule body 20 toward the transducer cover 22. The vibrator shaft 24 is supported by, for example, a ball bearing provided on the slip ring 26 so as to be substantially concentric with the longitudinal center axis of the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2.

  As a result, the ultrasonic transducer 31 is disposed on the longitudinal central axis in the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 and rotates, so that the ultrasonic transducer 31 is super perpendicular to the radial direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis. A sound wave pulse is emitted. That is, in this ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2, radial scanning for obtaining an ultrasonic tomographic image in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis is performed by rotating the ultrasonic transducer 31.

In the internal space formed by the capsule body 20 and the body cover 21, the other end of the drive motor 28, a rotation direction reversing mechanism 32 having an output rotating shaft 32a, and a rotating weight 33 are arranged. Yes.
The rotation direction reversing mechanism 32 is provided on the other end face of the drive motor 28. The rotational direction reversing mechanism 32 is provided with a gear train (not shown) that reverses the rotational force of the rotational shaft 28a of the drive motor 28 and transmits a desired torque to the output rotational shaft 32a. The rotating shaft 28a and the vibrator shaft 24 are mechanically integrated.

  The rotating weight 33 is fixed to the rotating portion 34 formed in a cylindrical shape with a highly rigid material such as stainless steel disposed on the output rotating shaft 32a, and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating portion 34 by means such as adhesion. For example, it is comprised with the weight 35 formed in the tubular shape with members with large specific gravity, such as lead and tungsten.

  The rotating portion 34 is attached to the output rotating shaft 32 a of the rotating direction reversing mechanism portion 32. Specifically, the rotating portion 34 is screwed with, for example, a screw (not shown) in a state where the output rotating shaft 32a is disposed in a through hole 34a formed in a central portion, and is integrated with the output rotating shaft 32a. It is fixed. Thus, the rotary weight 33 is rotatably arranged.

  Further, the cable 13 is extended to the rear end portion of the main body cover 21, and a signal line or the like passing through the cable 13 is connected to a circuit board 36 provided in the capsule main body portion 20. . Although not shown, the circuit board 36 includes a drive motor rotation control circuit that controls the rotation of the drive motor 28 and a transmission / reception circuit that causes the ultrasonic transducer 31 to transmit and receive ultrasonic pulses via the slip ring 26. A signal processing circuit that performs signal processing on a reception signal from the transmission / reception circuit, a transmission circuit that performs predetermined signal processing on the echo signal processed by the signal processing circuit, and transmits the processed signal to the ultrasonic observation apparatus, and the like. .

The ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device 1 is filled with an ultrasonic transmission medium 25 in which the cylindrical balloon 3 is supplied from outside the body via the treatment instrument insertion channel 12 of the endoscope 4 as shown in FIG. As a result, the cylindrical balloon 3 is elongated in the longitudinal direction, and the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 can be advanced and retracted in the ultrasonic transmission medium 25.
At this time, the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 is advanced and retracted by pushing and pulling the cable 13.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device 1 configured as described above is provided with an elongated cylindrical balloon 3 having the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 therein, as shown in FIG. Ultrasound observation is performed using the endoscope 4.

  The endoscope 4 is inserted into a body cavity tube through an elongated insertion portion 4a from the oral cavity of a subject and passes through the stomach. For example, the distal end portion 4b of the insertion portion reaches the duodenum. In this duodenum, the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device 1 performs ultrasonic observation with the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 to obtain an ultrasonic image of the pancreas as a target site.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the endoscope 4, the insertion portion distal end portion 4 b reaches the duodenum. The endoscope 4 is fed with the ultrasonic transmission medium 25 from the treatment instrument insertion channel 12 and supplied to the cylindrical balloon 3 through the channel opening 12a.

  As a result, the cylindrical balloon 3 is elongated along the duodenal duct by the ultrasonic transmission medium 25 supplied as shown in FIG. 5, and the columnar balloon 3 passes between the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 and the duodenal tube wall. Filled by the sonic transmission medium 25.

The ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 is advanced and retracted by pushing and pulling the cable 13, and at the same time, ultrasonic observation is performed.
First, the ultrasound diagnostic capsule 2 advances to the rear end side of the duodenum when the cable 13 is pushed out and is radially scanned by the control drive from the ultrasonic observation apparatus.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 is supplied with power from the ultrasonic observation apparatus, and a drive signal is output from the drive motor rotation control circuit on the circuit board 36, so that the rotation shaft 28a of the drive motor 28 is rotated. As a result, in the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2, the transducer shaft 24 rotates and the ultrasonic transducer 31 rotates, and the output rotation shaft 32a of the rotation direction reversing mechanism 32 is in the opposite direction to the rotation shaft 28a. The rotating weight 33 integral with the output rotating shaft 32a is rotated in the direction opposite to the rotating direction of the ultrasonic transducer 31.

  At this time, in the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2, the ultrasonic transducer 31 is rotated to generate an inertial force to rotate with respect to the longitudinal central axis, while the output of the rotation direction reversing mechanism unit 32 is generated. By rotating the rotating weight 33 by the rotation of the rotating shaft 32a, the rotating weight 33 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotating direction of the ultrasonic transducer 31 with respect to the longitudinal central axis, and has the same magnitude in the direction opposite to the inertial force. Generate inertial force. This prevents the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 from rotating.

  In addition, a transducer drive signal is output to the ultrasonic transducer 31 from the transmission / reception circuit on the circuit board 36. This transducer drive signal is supplied to the ultrasonic transducer 31 via the slip ring 26 and the like. Then, the ultrasonic transducer 31 transmits / receives an ultrasonic pulse to / from the living tissue and performs radial scanning to obtain an echo signal from the living tissue.

The echo signal obtained from the ultrasonic transducer 31 is transmitted to the transmission / reception circuit via the slip ring 26 and the like, and is transmitted to the signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit generates an ultrasonic signal from the received echo signal, and transmits the ultrasonic signal to the ultrasonic observation apparatus via the transmission circuit.
The ultrasonic observation apparatus performs signal processing on the echo signal obtained from the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2, constructs three-dimensional image data, and displays the data on a monitor (not shown).

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device 1, when the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 reaches the distal end of the cylindrical balloon 3, the cable 13 is pulled and the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 is returned to the distal end of the endoscope 4. It is. Note that the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device 1 may perform a radial scan to obtain an ultrasonic image even when the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 is returned. Also, the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device 1 may advance and retract the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 as many times as necessary until a sufficient ultrasonic image is obtained, and perform a radial scan to obtain an ultrasonic image. .

  When a sufficient ultrasonic image is obtained, the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device 1 uses the suction device (not shown) to transfer the ultrasonic transmission medium in the cylindrical balloon 3 from the channel opening 12a through the treatment instrument insertion channel 12. The columnar balloon 3 is contracted by being sucked and discharged outside the body. Then, in the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule apparatus 1, the endoscope 4 is removed from the body cavity, and the ultrasonic observation is completed.

  As a result, the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can easily advance and retract the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule in the vicinity of the target site and acquire a continuous ultrasonic image.

  In this embodiment, a cable 13 connected to the ultrasonic observation apparatus as a string member is extended from the rear end portion of the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2, and the cable 13 is pushed and pulled to form the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a string member that is not connected to the ultrasonic observation apparatus is extended from the rear end portion of the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule, and the string member is pushed and pulled. Then, the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule may be configured to advance and retract. In this case, the capsule for ultrasonic diagnosis may include a battery as a power supply unit and a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the ultrasonic observation apparatus.

  Further, in this embodiment, the cylindrical balloon 3 having the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 inside is provided protruding from the insertion portion distal end 4a of the endoscope 4, but the present invention is not limited to this. Although not shown in the drawings, an accommodating portion capable of accommodating the cylindrical balloon 3 having the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 therein is formed on the distal end surface of the insertion portion distal end portion 4a of the endoscope 4, and the cylindrical balloon 3 Until it expands, it may be stored in the storage portion so as not to protrude from the distal end side of the insertion portion distal end portion 4a. In this case, a channel opening 12a of the treatment instrument insertion channel 12 is formed in the storage portion.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing an ultrasonic diagnostic capsule apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
In the first embodiment, an elongated cylindrical balloon 3 having an ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 inside is provided at the distal end 4b of the insertion portion of the endoscope 4, but the second embodiment is ultrasonic. A tube is extended to the rear end side with respect to an elongated cylindrical balloon having a diagnostic capsule therein. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and the same components will be described with the same reference numerals.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, in the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule apparatus 1B of the second embodiment, the tube 51 is extended to the rear end side of the elongated cylindrical balloon 3B having the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2B inside. Configured.
More specifically, in the cylindrical balloon 3B, the end portion of the tube 51 extending from the rear end portion is connected to the syringe 52 outside the body, for example, and the ultrasonic transmission medium 25 is supplied through the tube 51. It has come to be.

  When the cylindrical balloon 3B is filled with the ultrasonic transmission medium 25 from the syringe 52 near the target site in the body cavity, the cylindrical balloon 3B is elongated in the longitudinal direction, and the ultrasonic transmission is performed. The ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 </ b> B can advance and retreat in the medium 25. At this time, the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2B is advanced and retracted by the action of gravity, for example, by tilting the subject.

  Although not shown, the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2B includes a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the ultrasonic observation apparatus, and is controlled and driven by wireless communication. The ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2B is driven by generating power from the wireless communication unit and transmitting the obtained echo data to the ultrasonic observation apparatus.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device 1B configured as described above is swallowed by the subject as it is while the elongated cylindrical balloon 3B having the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2B inside is contracted.

In the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule apparatus 1B, the cylindrical balloon 3B passes through the stomach in the same manner as described in the first embodiment, and reaches, for example, the duodenum.
Here, in the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule apparatus 1B, the ultrasonic transmission medium 25 is supplied by the syringe 52 in which the cylindrical balloon 3B is disposed outside the body via the tube 51.

  Then, the cylindrical balloon 3B is elongated along the duodenal duct by the supplied ultrasound transmission medium 25, and the space between the ultrasound diagnostic capsule 2B and the duodenal tube wall is filled with the ultrasound transmission medium 25. It is.

The ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2B is advanced and retracted by the action of gravity by tilting the subject, and at the same time, ultrasonic observation is performed.
Hereinafter, since the ultrasonic observation by the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule apparatus 1B is substantially the same as that described in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

When the ultrasonic image is sufficiently obtained, the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device 1B is discharged from the body by the ultrasonic transmission medium 25 in the cylindrical balloon 3B being sucked by the syringe 52 through the tube 51 and discharged from the body. The columnar balloon 3B is contracted.
In the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule apparatus 1B, the cylindrical balloon 3B is pulled out from the body cavity by pulling out the tube 51, and the ultrasonic observation is completed.

  As a result, the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device 1B of the second embodiment contracts the cylindrical balloon 3B having the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2B inside, in addition to obtaining the same effects as the first embodiment. Since it only needs to be swallowed in a state, it is easier than the first embodiment.

The ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device 1B of the present embodiment is configured so that the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2B is advanced and retracted by the action of gravity. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 1B is used. The capsule may be configured to be provided with a propulsion unit that generates a propulsive force, or may be configured to advance and retract by extending and pushing a string member that passes through the tube 51.
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[Appendix]
(Additional item 1)
An ultrasonic diagnostic capsule capable of acquiring an ultrasonic image;
A thin cylindrical balloon having the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule inside, and the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule capable of moving back and forth in the ultrasonic transmission medium;
A capsule apparatus for ultrasonic diagnosis, comprising:

(Appendix 2)
The balloon is provided at a distal end portion of an elongated insertion portion of an endoscope for obtaining an optical image, and the ultrasonic transmission medium can be supplied through a treatment instrument insertion channel of the endoscope. Item 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device according to Item 1.

(Additional Item 3)
The capsule device for ultrasonic diagnosis according to claim 1, wherein the balloon is capable of extending a tube from a rear end portion and supplying the ultrasonic transmission medium via the tube.

(Appendix 4)
The ultrasonic diagnostic capsule device according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule extends a string member for advancing and retreating in the cylindrical balloon by pushing and pulling.

(Appendix 5)
The capsule device for ultrasonic diagnosis according to claim 2, wherein the string member is a cable connectable to an ultrasonic observation device.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the capsule apparatus for ultrasonic diagnosis of 1st Example. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the capsule for ultrasonic diagnosis of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of the capsule apparatus for ultrasonic diagnosis of FIG. It is explanatory drawing when the insertion part front-end | tip part of an optical endoscope arrives at the duodenum, an ultrasonic transmission medium is supplied, and a balloon expand | swells. It is explanatory drawing at the time of inflating a balloon from the state of FIG. 4, and performing ultrasonic observation. It is explanatory drawing which shows the capsule apparatus for ultrasonic diagnosis which concerns on 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the capsule for ultrasonic diagnosis used for the conventional capsule device for ultrasonic diagnosis.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Capsule device for ultrasonic diagnostics 2 Capsule for ultrasonic diagnostics 3 Cylindrical balloon 4 Optical endoscope 4a Insertion part 4b Insertion part front-end | tip 12 Channel for treatment implement insertion 13 Cable (string member)
25 Ultrasonic Transmission Medium 31 Ultrasonic Vibrator Agent Patent Attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (3)

An ultrasonic diagnostic capsule capable of acquiring an ultrasonic image;
A thin cylindrical balloon having the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule inside, and the ultrasonic diagnostic capsule capable of moving back and forth in the ultrasonic transmission medium;
A capsule apparatus for ultrasonic diagnosis, comprising:   The balloon is provided at a distal end portion of an elongated insertion portion of an endoscope that obtains an optical image, and the ultrasonic transmission medium can be supplied through an inner passage of the insertion portion of the endoscope. The capsule device for ultrasonic diagnosis according to 1. The capsule device for ultrasonic diagnosis according to claim 1, wherein the balloon is capable of extending a tube from a rear end portion and supplying the ultrasonic transmission medium through the tube.

Images