JP2011520563A5 - - Google Patents

Claims (26)

A distal non-rotating portion that is disposed on the distal end side and does not rotate; a proximal non-rotating portion that is disposed on the proximal end side and does not rotate; and the distal non-rotating portion and the proximal non-rotating portion. An intermediate rotating part that is rotatable about the longitudinal axis with respect to the distal end side non-rotating part and the proximal end non-rotating part, and a lumen through which a visualization device for visualizing tissue can be inserted. A tube provided along the longitudinal axis;
A drive unit for rotating the intermediate rotating part;
A helical screw disposed on the outer surface of the intermediate rotating part and formed in a spiral shape;
An in vivo introduction device. The in vivo introduction device of claim 1, wherein the instrument comprises a visualization instrument disposed within the lumen of the tube. The in vivo introduction device according to claim 2, wherein the driving unit transmits a driving force for rotating the intermediate rotating unit from the inside of the proximal end non-rotating unit to the intermediate rotating unit. The in-vivo introduction device according to claim 3, wherein the drive unit extends between the intermediate rotation portion and a proximal end side of the proximal end non-rotation portion in the tube. The in-vivo introduction device according to claim 4, wherein the drive unit includes a drive shaft capable of transmitting a rotational motion to a distal end side of the proximal end non-rotating portion. The in vivo introduction device according to claim 4, wherein the drive unit includes a circumferential gear provided on an inner surface of the proximal end non-rotating portion. The in-vivo introduction device according to claim 5, wherein the drive unit includes a circumferential gear provided on an inner surface of the proximal-side non-rotating part.   The in-vivo introduction device according to claim 7, wherein the drive unit includes a transmission gear unit that transmits the rotational motion from the drive shaft to the circumferential gear so that the intermediate rotation unit rotates.   The in-vivo introduction device according to claim 8, wherein the transmission gear unit includes a pair of transmission gears. The helical screw is arranged to engage the tube with an internal sidewall of a body passage and rotate the rotatable portion of the distal end of the tube to cause the tube and the interior of the body passage 2. The in-vivo introduction device according to claim 1, having structural integrity and surface contours such that relative movement between the side walls only occurs.   The in vivo introduction device according to claim 1, further comprising a torque limiter that limits a torque generated in the drive unit. The in vivo introduction device according to claim 1, wherein the visualization instrument includes an endoscope, and the tube receives the endoscope. The in vivo introduction device according to claim 1, wherein the visualization instrument and the tube include various components of an endoscope. The in vivo introduction device according to claim 1, wherein the helical screw has a hollow structure. The in vivo introduction device according to claim 1, wherein the spiral screw has a semi-oval cross-sectional screw profile. The in vivo introduction device according to claim 1, wherein the helical screw has an asymmetric cross section. The in vivo introduction device according to claim 1, wherein the spiral screw has a contour that changes along a length of the spiral. The in vivo introduction device according to claim 1, wherein the visualization system is inserted in an antegrade manner. The in vivo introduction device according to claim 1, wherein the visualization system is inserted in a retrograde manner. The in vivo introduction device according to claim 1, wherein the tube includes a flexible tube. The in-vivo introduction device according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate rotation unit is rotated by a power supply type driving device. The in-vivo introduction device according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate rotation unit rotates independently of the visualization instrument. The in-vivo device of claim 2, wherein the visualization instrument terminates substantially flush with the tube. The in vivo introduction device according to claim 2, wherein the visualization instrument extends beyond the tube. 25. The tube is inserted through a body passage, and after a portion of the body passage is drawn onto the tube, the visualization instrument is advanced further through the body passage than the tube. The in vivo introduction device according to 1.   The tube is inserted into a body passage, and after the part of the body passage is drawn onto the tube, the intermediate rotation portion is rotated in the opposite direction to remove the body passage from the tube. The in vivo introduction device according to 1.