JP2012139308A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope which enables to make the diameter of an endoscope body thin and enables attainment of a light image of an observation region.SOLUTION: The endoscope 1 includes the endoscope body 2 of a long shape, an imaging element 3 installed at the tip of the endoscope body 2, an imaging optical system 4 installed at the tip of the imaging element 3, and a light guide 5. A lumen for the light guide is formed in the endoscope body 2 and the light guide 5 is so inserted into the lumen for the light guide as to be movable in the axial direction of the endoscope body 2 and rotatable around the central axis of the light guide 5. Besides, a side hole 22 opening in the lateral side of the endoscope body 2 and communicating with the tip part of the lumen for the light guide is formed in the tip part of the endoscope body 2. The side hole 22 is formed nearer to the base end side than the imaging element 3.

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope.

  Endometriosis is a disease in which the endometrium and similar tissues grow in the pelvis other than the uterine lumen and the uterine body, and it takes 1 in 10 women. Symptoms such as dysmenorrhea and excessive menstruation due to endometriosis significantly reduce QOL. In addition, there are reports that about half of endometriosis becomes infertile. On the other hand, infertility occurs at a rate of 1 out of 10 couples. Causes of infertile women include fallopian tube factor, ovulation factor, uterine factor, cervical factor and the like. In particular, the fallopian tube factor is very high due to increased endometriosis and Chlamydia infection.

  A definitive diagnosis of endometriosis or fallopian tube factor infertility is performed by a laparoscope (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This laparoscope, that is, an endoscope, is installed at the long endoscope main body, the distal end portion of the endoscope main body, and guides light that illuminates the observation site, an imaging element that images the observation site, And a plurality of light guides for emitting the light from the tip. Further, the distal end portion of the light guide is positioned on the distal end side with respect to the image sensor, and the light guide is disposed on the outer side of the image sensor when viewed from the axial direction of the endoscope body.

  However, since there are no facilities or sufficient facilities for performing laparoscopes, and laparoscopes are highly invasive, the number of implementations is small. For this reason, there is a need for a less invasive test method for early detection and early treatment.

  That is, the problem with a laparoscope that inserts an endoscope from the abdomen is that scars remain in the abdomen and that hospitalization by general anesthesia is required. Further, when it is desired to observe the back side of the organ, it is necessary to lift the target organ with forceps or the like and observe it, and damage or adhesion to the organ becomes a problem.

  Therefore, examination and treatment with a transvaginal laparoscope have attracted attention. A transvaginal laparoscope is a small endoscope that is difficult to treat or test, but does not hurt the abdomen, can be used for local anesthesia day tests, and is very minimally invasive . In addition, since the abdominal cavity is filled with physiological saline or the like at the time of examination, the organ is in a floating state, and movement of the organ can be performed simply by avoiding pushing, so there is no worry of damage.

  As described above, the transvaginal laparoscope is minimally invasive and very good. However, since the diameter of the endoscope is still as thick as about 3 mm, puncture resistance and bleeding from the puncture site become problems, and There is a great burden on patients and a thinner endoscope is required.

  By the way, an endoscope is installed at a long endoscope main body, a distal end portion of the endoscope main body, an imaging unit having an imaging element and an imaging optical system for imaging an observation site, and light that illuminates the observation site And a light guide that emits the light from the tip. In order to reduce the diameter of such an endoscope, it is necessary to reduce the size of the imaging unit and the diameter of the light guide.

  However, when the imaging unit is downsized, the amount of light received by the imaging unit decreases, and when the diameter of the light guide is reduced, the amount of emitted light decreases, so that the image of the observation site imaged by the imaging unit is reduced. There is a problem that it gets dark.

Japanese Patent No. 4530128

  An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope capable of reducing the diameter of an endoscope main body and obtaining an image of a bright observation site.

Such an object is achieved by the present inventions (1) to (14) below.
(1) an elongated endoscope body having at least one light guide lumen and inserted into a living body lumen;
An imaging unit installed at the distal end of the endoscope main body and imaging an observation site;
Including at least one light guide inserted into the light guide lumen, guiding light that illuminates an observation site, and emitting the light from a tip portion;
The light guide is inserted into the light guide lumen so as to be movable in the axial direction of the endoscope main body, and is rotatable about the central axis of the light guide.
The endoscope body has a hole that opens at a distal end portion of the endoscope body and communicates with a distal end portion of the light guide lumen;
By moving the light guide in the axial direction of the endoscope main body, the distal end portion of the light guide protrudes from the hole portion and is disposed closer to the distal end side than the imaging unit, and the endoscope An endoscope that is configured to be able to take a state of being housed in the body.

  (2) The endoscope according to (1), further including an operation unit that is provided on a proximal end side of the endoscope main body and operates the light guide.

(3) The operation means includes a main body portion,
A base installed to be movable in the axial direction of the endoscope main body with respect to the main body and the light guide are connected, and the base can be rotated around the central axis of the light guide. The endoscope according to (2), further including a moving unit having a rotation operation member installed on the endoscope.

  (4) The endoscope according to (3), wherein the rotation operation member is detachably installed on the base.

  (5) The endoscope according to (3) or (4), wherein the light guide is detachably connected to the rotation operation member.

  (6) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein a distal end portion of the light guide lumen is inclined with respect to a central axis of the endoscope body.

  (7) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the light guide lumen is positioned inside the imaging unit when viewed from an axial direction of the endoscope body. mirror.

  (8) The device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein when viewed from an axial direction of the endoscope body, at least a tip portion of the endoscope body does not protrude outward from the imaging unit. Endoscope.

(9) The imaging unit is installed at a distal end of the endoscope body,
The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the hole is formed on a side surface closer to a base end side than the imaging unit of the endoscope body.

  (10) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the hole is formed on a distal end surface of the endoscope body.

  (11) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the light guide is configured to emit light from at least a part of a side surface of the distal end portion and the distal end.

  (12) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein a distal end portion of the light guide is bent or bent into a predetermined shape in a natural state.

  (13) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein a reinforcing layer is provided on at least a part of a portion exposed to the outside of the light guide.

(14) The endoscope body includes a treatment lumen that is arranged in parallel to the light guide lumen and communicates laterally with the light guide lumen;
The endoscope is inserted into the light guide lumen and the treatment lumen so as to be movable in the axial direction of the endoscope main body, and is arranged in parallel with the first lumen and the first lumen. A connecting tube having a second lumen,
By moving the connection tube in the axial direction of the endoscope main body, it is possible to adopt a state in which the distal end portion of the connection tube protrudes from the hole portion and a state in which the connection tube is accommodated in the endoscope main body. Configured,
The light guide is inserted in the first lumen so as to be movable in the axial direction of the endoscope main body and to be rotatable about the central axis of the light guide. The endoscope according to any one of the above.

According to the present invention, the light guide is movable in the axial direction and can be rotated around the axis, so that the tip end portion of the light guide can be arranged at an optimum position. This makes it possible to illuminate the observation site brightly while reducing the diameter of the endoscope body by reducing the size of the imaging unit, reducing the diameter of the light guide, and the like. Moreover, the optimal illumination according to a condition can be performed.
Further, by reducing the diameter of the endoscope body, it is possible to reduce the burden on the examinee and the patient.

It is the top view and side view which show 1st Embodiment of the endoscope of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the endoscope shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the operation part in the AA line in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the operation part in the BB line in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the endoscope shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the endoscope shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the endoscope shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the front-end | tip part in 2nd Embodiment of the endoscope of this invention. It is a top view which shows the front-end | tip part in 3rd Embodiment of the endoscope of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the base end part of the connection tube of the endoscope shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the endoscope main body in the CC line | wire in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the endoscope main body in the DD line | wire in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the endoscope main body in the EE line | wire in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the endoscope main body, a connection tube, a light guide, and a treatment tube in the EE line | wire in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the base end part of the endoscope shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, an endoscope of the present invention will be described in detail based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of an endoscope of the present invention, in which FIG. 1 (a) is a plan view and FIG. 1 (b) is a side view. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the endoscope shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation unit taken along line AA in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 are sectional views of the endoscope shown in FIG. 1.

  In the following description, the left side in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 to 10, and 15 is referred to as “tip”, the right side is “base”, the upper side is “upper”, and the lower side is “lower”. .

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the endoscope 1 is installed at a long endoscope main body 2 to be inserted into a lumen of a living body and at the distal end of the endoscope main body 2, and an observation site is displayed. The imaging device 3 for imaging, the imaging optical system 4 that is installed at the tip of the imaging device 3 and configured by a plurality or a single lens, and the like, guides the light that illuminates the observation site, and emits the light from the tip And a light guide 5.

  Although the use of the endoscope of the present invention is not particularly limited, for example, it is preferably used as a hysteroscope for observing the inside of the uterus, a colposcope for observing the inside of the vagina, and a laparoscope used transvaginally. In the present embodiment, a case where the endoscope 1 is a laparoscope, that is, a transvaginal laparoscope will be described as a representative example.

Hereinafter, each component of the endoscope 1 will be sequentially described.
As the imaging device 3, for example, a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor can be used.

  In the illustrated configuration, the imaging element 3 and the imaging optical system 4 are housed in a casing and integrated into a single package. In this specification, the part of the image pickup device 3 including the casing is referred to as the image pickup element 3, and the portion of the image pickup optical system 4 is referred to as the image pickup optical system 4. The imaging unit 30 is configured by the imaging element 3 and the imaging optical system 4. Needless to say, the imaging device 3 and the imaging optical system 4 may be provided separately.

  In addition, the outer shapes of the imaging element 3 and the imaging optical system 4 when viewed from the axial direction of the endoscope body 2 are not particularly limited, but are circular in the illustrated configuration. Further, the outer diameter of the image sensor 3 and the outer diameter of the imaging optical system 4 are equal.

  Further, the outer shape of the endoscope main body 2 when viewed from the axial direction is not particularly limited, but is circular in the illustrated configuration. The endoscope main body 2 has a linear shape, and is composed of a flexible member, that is, a flexible member over the entire length thereof. When the endoscope body 2 is linear, the endoscope body 2 can easily penetrate the living body. Although it does not specifically limit as a constituent material of the endoscope main body 2, For example, various resin materials can be used.

  Note that the proximal end portion of the endoscope body 2 may be formed of a hard member, and the portion on the distal end side of the proximal end portion may have flexibility, and the distal end portion of the endoscope body 2 may be flexible. May have flexibility, and the part of the base end side rather than the tip may be constituted by a hard member. Moreover, the endoscope main body 2 may be comprised with the hard member over the full length.

  A light guide lumen 21 is formed in the endoscope body 2. The light guide lumen 21 is formed from the proximal end to the distal end of the endoscope body 2. That is, the distal end portion of the light guide lumen 21 is located at the distal end portion of the endoscope body 2, and the proximal end is open to the proximal end of the endoscope body 2. Further, the light guide lumen 21 is eccentric from the central axis O of the endoscope body 2 in the illustrated configuration.

  Further, when viewed from the axial direction of the endoscope body 2, at least the distal end portion of the endoscope body 2 does not protrude outward from the image sensor 3. In the illustrated configuration, the outer diameter of the endoscope body 2 is constant over its entire length, and the endoscope body 2 captures images over its entire length when viewed from the axial direction of the endoscope body 2. It does not protrude outward from the element 3. That is, the outer diameter of the endoscope body 2 is equal to the outer diameter of the image sensor 3, and the outer peripheral surface of the image sensor 3 and the outer peripheral surface of the endoscope body 2 form a continuous surface without a step. Further, when viewed from the axial direction of the endoscope body 2, the light guide lumen 21 is located inside the image sensor 3.

  Thereby, the outer diameter of the endoscope main body 2 can be reduced, and thereby, the burden on the examinee and the patient can be reduced.

  The outer diameters of the endoscope body 2 and the image sensor 3 are each preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably about 0.3 to 5.0 mm, and about 0.5 to 2.0 mm. More preferably.

  In addition, a cable lumen 23 is formed in the endoscope body 2. The cable lumen 23 is formed from the proximal end to the distal end of the endoscope body 2. That is, the distal end portion of the cable lumen 23 opens at the distal end of the endoscope body 2, and the proximal end opens at the proximal end of the endoscope body 2. The cable lumen 23 is disposed at the center of the endoscope body 2.

  The cable 6 including each wiring of the image sensor 3 is inserted through the cable lumen 23, and the base end portion of the cable 6 is connected to the connector 72.

  The connector 72 is detachably connected to a corresponding connector of a control / light source device having a light source, a control unit, etc. (not shown), and each image signal, control signal, etc. is connected between the control / light source device and the image sensor 3. Signals are transmitted and received.

  The light guide 5 is movable in the axial direction of the endoscope body 2 and is inserted into the light guide lumen 21 so as to be rotatable about the central axis of the light guide 5.

  The light guide 5 is not particularly limited as long as it can guide light, but in the present embodiment, from the viewpoint of efficiently guiding light, one optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers formed by bundling a plurality of optical fibers. It consists of Each optical fiber of the optical fiber bundle is fixed and integrated with each other. Examples of the constituent material of the optical fiber include various resin materials and glass, and a resin material is preferable. Examples of the resin material constituting the fiber include polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, styrene acrylonitrile, polycarbonate, and polychlorostyrene.

  Further, the tip portion of the light guide 5 is bent or bent into a predetermined shape in a natural state where no external force is applied. Therefore, when the front end portion of the light guide 5 protrudes to the outside from a side hole 22 described later, it returns to the original curved or bent shape due to its restoring force.

Moreover, the corner | angular part of the front-end | tip of the light guide 5 is roundish. Thereby, safety is improved.
A light projection lens (not shown) may be provided at the tip of the light guide 5.

  Moreover, it is preferable that a marker (not shown) that can be detected by ultrasonic waves or X-rays, that is, an ultrasonic marker or X-ray marker, is provided at the tip of the light guide 5. Thereby, when an ultrasonic marker is provided, for example, an ultrasonic probe can be used and an operation can be performed while confirming the position of the tip portion of the light guide 5 by viewing the obtained image. Further, when the X-ray marker is provided, the operation can be performed while confirming the position of the tip portion of the light guide 5 under X-ray fluoroscopy.

  The ultrasonic marker includes, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel, aluminum or an aluminum alloy, titanium or a titanium alloy, and a plurality of minute irregularities provided on the surface.

  Further, the X-ray marker is made of an X-ray opaque material, that is, a material having X-ray contrast properties. Examples of the radiopaque material include noble metals such as gold, platinum, and tungsten, or alloys containing them, such as platinum-iridium alloys.

  Further, the light guide 5 is not limited to a configuration that emits light only from the tip thereof, and may be configured to emit light from at least a part of the side surface of the tip portion and the tip, for example. In this case, for example, the light guide 5 can be configured to emit light from the entire side surface of the tip portion, or can be configured to emit light from a plurality of discontinuous portions of the side surface. .

  Thereby, the whole observation part imaged with the image pick-up element 3 can be illuminated brightly, and a visual field can be widened. In addition, by providing a scale at the tip of the light guide 5, the scale can be imaged by the image pickup device 3, thereby making it easier to grasp the position of the diagnosis unit.

  As a method of emitting light from the side surface of the front end portion of the light guide 5, for example, the front end portion of the light guide 5, that is, the side surface of the front end portion of the optical fiber constituting the light guide 5 is polished or ground, or a plurality of minute A concave portion is formed.

  In addition, a reinforcing layer 51 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the portion exposed to the outside of the light guide 5 to cover the outer peripheral surface. Specifically, the reinforcing layer 51 is provided at a portion and a base end portion of the distal end portion of the light guide 5 excluding a portion that emits light. Thereby, the site | part exposed to the exterior of the light guide 5 can be reinforced, and the kink of the light guide 5 can be prevented.

  Examples of the reinforcing layer 51 include a coil formed by spirally winding a wire around the outer peripheral surface of the light guide 5, and a coating layer that covers the outer peripheral surface of the light guide 5.

  When the reinforcing layer 51 is formed of a coil, the constituent material of the coil is not particularly limited, but a metal material is preferable. Examples of the metal material constituting the coil include stainless steel, superelastic alloys, cobalt alloys, noble metals such as gold, platinum, and tungsten, or alloys containing them, such as platinum-iridium alloys. In particular, when the coil is made of a radiopaque material such as a noble metal, the coil also functions as an X-ray marker.

  Further, when the reinforcing layer 51 is formed of a coating layer, the constituent material of the coating layer is not particularly limited, but a resin material is preferable. Examples of the resin material constituting the coating layer include polyurethane. When the covering layer is made of polyurethane, the friction of the light guide 5 is reduced and the slidability is improved.

  Here, a side hole (hole) 22 is formed at the distal end portion of the endoscope main body 2 so as to open to the side surface of the endoscope main body 2 and communicate with the distal end portion of the light guide lumen 21. The side hole 22 is formed closer to the base end side than the image sensor 3.

  As a result, the endoscope 1 moves the light guide 5 in the axial direction of the endoscope body 2 so that the distal end portion of the light guide 5 protrudes from the side hole 22 (hereinafter also referred to as “projection state”). ) (See FIGS. 5 to 7) and a state of being housed in the endoscope main body 2 (hereinafter also referred to as “retracted state”) (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

  By placing the endoscope 1 in the retracted state, the endoscope body 2 can be smoothly moved.

  Then, by placing the endoscope 1 in a protruding state, the observation site can be illuminated with light emitted from the distal end portion of the light guide 5. Further, by moving the light guide 5 according to the situation and disposing its tip at an optimum position, it is possible to perform optimum illumination according to the situation.

  The tip of the light guide lumen 21 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the central axis O. Thereby, the front-end | tip part of the light guide 5 can be smoothly protruded from the side hole 22. FIG.

  The inclination angle θ of the distal end portion of the light guide lumen 21 with respect to the central axis O is preferably about 1 to 45 °, and more preferably about 1 to 30 °. Thereby, the amount of movement of the light guide 5 when the tip portion of the light guide 5 protrudes from the side hole 22 can be made relatively small, and the tip portion of the light guide 5 can be smoothly protruded from the side hole 22. .

  Further, the inner peripheral surface of the light guide lumen 21 of the endoscope body 2 may be subjected to a friction reduction process such as applying a lubricant. Thereby, the light guide 5 can be moved smoothly.

  The light guide 5 is inserted through the light guide lumen 21, and the base end of the light guide 5 is connected to the connector 71.

  The connector 71 is detachably connected to a corresponding connector of the control / light source device. Light emitted from the light source of the control / light source device enters from the proximal end of the light guide 5, is guided by the light guide 5, exits from the distal end of the light guide 5, and a predetermined part is illuminated. The illumination light is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include monochromatic light such as white light and laser light.

  In addition, at the proximal end portion of the endoscope body 2, an operation unit 8 is provided as an operation means for moving the light guide 5 in the axial direction of the endoscope body 2 and rotating the light guide 5 about its axis. Is installed.

  The operation unit 8 includes a main body unit 9 and a moving unit 11 installed so as to be movable in the axial direction with respect to the main body unit 9.

  The main body 9 has a cylindrical shape. That is, the main body portion 9 is formed with through holes 93 that extend in the axial direction and open to the distal end and the proximal end, respectively.

  A stopper 91 is provided at the distal end of the main body 9, and a stopper 92 is provided at the proximal end.

  Further, the stopper 91 is provided with a side port 911, and a through hole 912 of the side port 911 is open to the tip of the stopper 91.

  The proximal end of the endoscope body 2 is fixed to the distal end of the stopper 91, the through hole 912 communicates with the light guide lumen 21, and the through hole 93 communicates with the cable lumen 23. ing.

  The cable 6 is inserted through the through hole 93, and the light guide 5 is inserted through the through hole 912.

  When the base 12 of the moving part 11 described later comes into contact with the stopper 91 of the main body 9, the movement of the moving part 11 in the distal direction is prevented, and the base 12 comes into contact with the stopper 92. The movement of the moving part 11 in the proximal direction is prevented. That is, the moving unit 11 can move between a position where the base 12 is in contact with the stopper 91 and a position where the base 12 is in contact with the stopper 92.

  The moving part 11 is rotatable about the central axis of the light guide 5 with respect to the base 12 that is installed so as to be movable in the axial direction of the endoscope main body 2 with respect to the main body 9. And a rotational operation member 13 that is detachably installed, and a cap 14 that is detachably installed at the tip of the rotational operation member 13.

  The base 12 is formed with a through-hole 121 that extends in the axial direction and opens to the distal end and the proximal end. The main body 9 is inserted through the through hole 121. Further, the base 12 has support portions 122 and 123 protruding upward at the distal end portion and the proximal end portion, respectively. Grooves 124 and 125 are formed in the support portions 122 and 123, respectively.

  The rotation operation member 13 has a cylindrical shape. That is, the rotation operation member 13 is formed with a through hole 137 that extends in the axial direction and opens at the distal end and the proximal end. The rotation operation member 13 includes a large diameter part 131, a reduced diameter part 132, a large diameter part 133, a reduced diameter part 134, and a large diameter part 135 that are sequentially arranged from the distal end side toward the proximal end side. ing.

  The reduced diameter portions 132 and 134 of the turning operation member 13 are inserted into the grooves 124 and 125 of the base 12, respectively, and are rotatably supported. Since the rotation operation member 13 is detachable with respect to the base 12, the rotation operation member 13 can be removed from the base 12 and operated, and there is an advantage that it is easy to operate.

  In addition, four ribs 136 extending in the axial direction are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 133 of the rotation operation member 13. The ribs 136 are arranged in parallel with each other at equal intervals. When the turning operation member 13 is turned with fingers, the ribs 136 can prevent the fingers from slipping. Therefore, each rib 136 constitutes an anti-slip means.

  A through hole 141 is formed at a position corresponding to the through hole 137 of the cap 14. The light guide 5 is inserted through the through holes 141 and 137.

  In the through hole 137, for example, a packing (not shown) made of silicone rubber or the like may be installed. Thereby, the kink of the light guide 5 can be prevented.

  A male screw 1311 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base end portion of the large diameter portion 131. And the outer peripheral surface of the site | part of the front end side rather than the external thread 1311 of the large diameter part 131 comprises the taper surface 1312 in which the outer diameter reduces gradually toward a front end direction.

  On the other hand, on the inner peripheral surface of the base end portion of the cap 14, a female screw 142 that is screwed with the male screw 1311 of the large diameter portion 131 is formed. The inner peripheral surface of the cap 14 on the tip side of the female screw 142 forms a tapered surface 143 whose inner diameter gradually decreases in the tip direction.

  When the cap 14 is rotated in a predetermined direction, the cap 14 moves in the proximal direction, the large diameter portion 131 is compressed in the radial direction from the tapered surface 143, and the inner diameter of the through hole 137 of the large diameter portion 131 decreases. The light guide 5 is held by the large diameter portion 131. Thereby, the light guide 5 is displaced in the axial direction integrally with the moving part 11. That is, when the moving unit 11 is moved in the axial direction, the light guide 5 moves in the axial direction together with the moving unit 11. When the turning operation member 13 is turned around the axis, the light guide 5 is turned around the axis together with the turning operation member 13.

Further, when the cap 14 is rotated in the opposite direction, the cap 14 moves in the distal direction, and the compression of the large diameter portion 131 in the radial direction by the tapered surface 143 is released, so that the large diameter portion 131 has the original shape. And the inner diameter of the through-hole 137 increases, and the holding of the light guide 5 by the large-diameter portion 131 is released. Thereby, the light guide 5 can be moved in the axial direction with respect to the rotation operation member 13. Thus, the light guide 5 can be further protruded from the side hole 22 when the protrusion length of the light guide 5 from the side hole 22 is insufficient only by the movement of the moving portion 11.
Thus, the light guide 5 is detachably connected to the rotation operation member 13.

  When the moving unit 11 of the operation unit 8 described above is moved in the distal direction, the light guide 5 is moved in the distal direction together with the moving unit 11, and when the moving unit 11 is moved in the proximal direction, the moving unit 11 is moved. 11 and the light guide 5 move in the proximal direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the moving portion 11 is in contact with the stopper 92, the distal end portion of the light guide 5 is inside the light guide lumen 21, that is, the endoscope body 2. It is stored inside.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the moving portion 11 is moved in the distal direction, the light guide 5 moves in the distal direction, and the distal end portion of the light guide 5 protrudes from the side hole 22 to the outside.

  When the moving portion 11 is further moved in the distal direction, the light guide 5 is further moved in the distal direction, and the distal end portion of the light guide 5 further protrudes from the side hole 22 to the outside. The protrusion of the front end of the light guide 5, that is, the movement of the light guide 5 in the front end direction can be performed until the moving unit 11 contacts the stopper 91 as shown in FIG.

  Here, the endoscope 1 is configured such that the distal end of the light guide 5 can be positioned closer to the distal end side than the distal end of the imaging optical system 4. Then, by moving the moving unit 11 in the axial direction, the light guide 5 moves in the axial direction, and the position of the tip portion of the light guide 5 in the axial direction can be changed.

  Further, as described above, the tip portion of the light guide 5 is curved or bent, and as shown in FIG. 7, the light guide 5 is rotated about the axis by rotating the rotation operation member 13 about the axis. It rotates and can change the direction of the front-end | tip part of the light guide 5. FIG.

  Thereby, for example, the front end portion of the light guide 5 can be disposed at an optimal position, for example, the front end portion of the light guide 5 is brought close to the observation site. As a result, the observation site can be reliably illuminated. That is, it is possible to brightly illuminate the observation site while reducing the diameter of the endoscope main body 2 by reducing the size of the imaging optical system 4 and the imaging element 3, reducing the diameter of the light guide 5, and the like. Moreover, the optimal illumination according to a condition can be performed.

  Moreover, since the front-end | tip part of the light guide 5 can be moved to a desired direction, the light guide 5 can also be used as a guide wire. That is, first, the light guide 5 is moved in the distal direction, then the endoscope body 2 is moved in the distal direction along the light guide 5, and this is repeated, whereby the endoscope body 2 is moved to the light guide 5. Can be moved to a desired position.

  Note that the maximum value of the protrusion length of the light guide 5 at the front end side relative to the front end of the imaging optical system 4 is not particularly limited, but is preferably set within a range of about 0 to 200 mm. More preferably, it is set within a range. Thereby, an observation site can be illuminated reliably.

  As described above, according to the endoscope 1, the endoscope main body 2 can be reduced in diameter, thereby reducing the burden on the examinee and the patient.

  Further, by moving the light guide 5 according to the situation and disposing its tip at an optimum position, it is possible to perform optimum illumination according to the situation. The light guide 5 can also be used as a guide wire.

  In the present invention, the moving operation means may be provided with a function of regulating the protruding length of the light guide 5 from the side hole 22.

  As an example of this configuration, a plurality of irregularities are formed on one of the main body 9 and the base 12 of the operation unit 8 along the axial direction of the endoscope main body 2 and the other is inserted into the concave / convex recesses. Protrusions are formed. Thereby, the movement part 11 is positioned with respect to the main-body part 9 in the axial direction of the endoscope main body 2, and this can prevent the movement part 11 from moving unintentionally. Moreover, when moving the moving part 11, a click feeling is acquired because the moving part 11 moves, while a protrusion gets over the convex part of each unevenness | corrugation.

  Therefore, the click mechanism which is a means for positioning the moving part 11 in the axial direction of the endoscope body 2 by the plurality of projections and depressions, that is, the main means for regulating the protruding length from the side hole 22 of the light guide 5. The part is composed.

  In the present invention, the main body 9 or the like may be provided with a scale indicating the protruding length from the side hole 22 of the light guide 5 or the protruding length from the tip of the imaging optical system 4. Thereby, the protrusion length from the side hole 22 of the light guide 5 and the protrusion length from the front-end | tip of the imaging optical system 4 can be grasped | ascertained easily and reliably.

  In the present embodiment, the distal end portion of the light guide 5 is curved or bent into a predetermined shape in a natural state where no external force is applied. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, linear. Good.

  The number of light guides 5 and light guide lumens 21 is not limited to one, and may be two or more.

  When the endoscope 1 has two or more light guides 5 and the endoscope main body 2 has two or more light guide lumens 21, when two or more light guides 5 are provided, The light guide 5 may be configured to move integrally, or each light guide 5 may be configured to move separately. Moreover, each light guide 5 may be comprised so that it may rotate integrally, and each light guide 5 may be comprised so that it may rotate separately.

  When the endoscope 1 has two or more light guides 5 and the endoscope main body 2 has two or more light guide lumens 21, each light guide lumen 21 is arranged around the endoscope main body 2. It is preferable to arrange at equal intervals along the direction. Needless to say, the arrangement of the light guide lumens 21 may not be equal.

  In the present invention, the endoscope body 2 may be provided with other lumens for performing puncture, administration / aspiration of a liquid such as a drug solution, biopsy, suturing, clipping, and the like. In this case, the distal end of the lumen opens on the side surface closer to the proximal end side than the imaging element 3 of the endoscope body 2. Thereby, the diameter of the endoscope body 2 can be reduced.

  In addition, a predetermined lumen of the lumens other than the light guide lumen 21 and the light guide lumen 21 may merge at the tip portion thereof.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a distal end portion in the second embodiment of the endoscope of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with a focus on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the same matters will be omitted.

  In the endoscope 1 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the imaging device 3 and the imaging optical system 4 are installed at the distal end portion of the endoscope body 2, and a hole portion 26 is provided instead of the side hole 22. It is formed on the distal end surface of the endoscope body 2. The hole portion 26 communicates with the distal end portion of the light guide lumen 21, and the distal end portion of the light guide 5 protrudes from the hole portion 26.

  Further, the image pickup device 3 and the image pickup optical system 4 are arranged at a position decentered from the center of the endoscope body 2 when viewed from the axial direction of the endoscope body 2. The hole 26 is disposed on the side opposite to the side on which the imaging element 3 and the imaging optical system 4 are biased when viewed from the axial direction of the endoscope body 2. Thereby, when viewed from the axial direction of the endoscope main body 2, the diameter of the endoscope main body 2 is made smaller than when the imaging element 3 and the imaging optical system 4 are not decentered from the center of the endoscope main body 2. be able to.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a distal end portion in the third embodiment of the endoscope of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a proximal end portion of a connection tube of the endoscope shown in FIG. 9, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the endoscope body taken along line CC in FIG. 9, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the endoscope body taken along line DD in FIG. 9, and FIG. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the endoscope main body taken along line EE, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the endoscope main body, connection tube, light guide, and treatment tube taken along line EE in FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a proximal end portion of the endoscope shown in FIG. 9.

  Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment described above, and descriptions of the same matters will be omitted.

  The endoscope 1 of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 15 further includes a connection tube 15, and the endoscope body 2 further includes a tube lumen as a lumen other than the light guide lumen 21. (Treatment lumen) 27 is provided.

  The tube lumen 27 is formed in the same manner as the light guide lumen 21 and is juxtaposed with the light guide lumen 21. That is, the distal end portion of the tube lumen 27 is located at the distal end portion of the endoscope body 2, and the proximal end is open to the proximal end of the endoscope body 2. The distal end portion of the tube lumen 27 communicates with the side hole 22. Further, the tube lumen 27 is eccentric from the central axis O of the endoscope body 2. Further, the tube lumen 27 and the light guide lumen 21 communicate with each other on the side thereof.

  The connecting tube 15 is inserted into the tube lumen 27 and the light guide lumen 21 so as to be movable in the axial direction of the endoscope body 2. The proximal end portion of the connection tube 15 protrudes from the side port 911 of the stopper 91 of the operation portion 8 so that the connection tube 15 can be moved and operated by gripping the proximal end portion of the connection tube 15. Yes.

  Further, the endoscope 1 is housed in the endoscope main body 2 in a state in which the distal end portion of the connection tube 15 protrudes from the side hole 22 by moving the connection tube 15 in the axial direction of the endoscope main body 2. It is possible to take the state that was made. The distal end of the connection tube 15 is configured to be positioned on the distal end side with respect to the distal end of the imaging optical system 4.

  The connection tube 15 includes a light guide lumen (first lumen) 151 having a shape corresponding to the light guide lumen 21 and a tube lumen (second lumen) having a shape corresponding to the tube lumen 27. 152. The light guide lumen 151 and the tube lumen 152 communicate with each other on the side thereof.

  In the light guide lumen 151 of the connection tube 15, the light guide 5 is inserted so as to be movable in the axial direction of the endoscope body 2 and rotatable about the central axis of the light guide 5. .

  The treatment tube 16 is inserted into the tube lumen 152 so as to be movable in the axial direction of the endoscope body 2.

  The treatment tube 16 may not be able to move in the axial direction of the endoscope body 2 with respect to the connection tube 15. Specific examples thereof include a method of bonding the connection tube 15 to the treatment tube 16 with an adhesive, a method of fusing, and the like. Further, the light guide lumen 151 and the tube lumen 152 may not communicate with each other on the side thereof.

  In this endoscope 1, first, the distal end portion of the connection tube 15 is arranged in the vicinity of the target portion while illuminating the target portion with the light emitted from the light guide 5. Then, the treatment tube 16 is moved in the distal direction, and the distal end portion of the treatment tube 16 is further brought closer to the target site. At this time, since the light guide lumen 151 and the tube lumen 152 are formed in parallel in the connection tube 15, each operation can be performed while illuminating the target portion with the light guide 5.

  As mentioned above, although the endoscope of the present invention has been described based on the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of each part is replaced with an arbitrary configuration having the same function. can do. In addition, any other component may be added to the present invention.

  Further, the present invention may be a combination of any two or more configurations of the above embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope 2 Endoscope body 21 Light guide lumen 22 Side hole 23 Cable lumen 26 Hole portion 27 Tube lumen 3 Imaging element 30 Imaging portion 4 Imaging optical system 5 Light guide 51 Reinforcement layer 6 Cable 71, 72 Connector 8 Operation part 9 Body part 91 Stopper 911 Side port 912 Through hole 92 Stopper 93 Through hole 11 Moving part 12 Base 121 Through hole 122, 123 Support part 124, 125 Groove 13 Rotating operation member 131, 133, 135 Large diameter part 1311 Male screw 1312 Tapered surface 132, 134 Reduced diameter portion 136 Rib 137 Through hole 14 Cap 141 Through hole 142 Female screw 143 Tapered surface 15 Connection tube 151 Lumen for light guide 152 Lumen for tube 16 Treatment tube

Claims (14)

An elongated endoscope body that has at least one light guide lumen and is inserted into the lumen of a living body;
An imaging unit installed at the distal end of the endoscope main body and imaging an observation site;
Including at least one light guide inserted into the light guide lumen, guiding light that illuminates an observation site, and emitting the light from a tip portion;
The light guide is inserted into the light guide lumen so as to be movable in the axial direction of the endoscope main body, and is rotatable about the central axis of the light guide.
The endoscope body has a hole that opens at a distal end portion of the endoscope body and communicates with a distal end portion of the light guide lumen;
By moving the light guide in the axial direction of the endoscope main body, the distal end portion of the light guide protrudes from the hole portion and is disposed closer to the distal end side than the imaging unit, and the endoscope An endoscope that is configured to be able to take a state of being housed in the body.   The endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit that is provided on a proximal end side of the endoscope main body and operates the light guide. The operating means includes a main body part,
A base installed to be movable in the axial direction of the endoscope main body with respect to the main body and the light guide are connected, and the base can be rotated around the central axis of the light guide. The endoscope according to claim 2, further comprising a moving unit having a rotation operation member installed on the endoscope.   The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the rotation operation member is detachably installed on the base.   The endoscope according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the light guide is detachably connected to the rotation operation member.   The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a distal end portion of the light guide lumen is inclined with respect to a central axis of the endoscope body.   The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when viewed from an axial direction of the endoscope main body, the light guide lumen is positioned inside the imaging unit.   The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least a distal end portion of the endoscope main body does not protrude outward from the imaging unit when viewed from an axial direction of the endoscope main body. The imaging unit is installed at the tip of the endoscope body,
The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the hole is formed on a side surface of the endoscope main body closer to the base end side than the imaging unit.   The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hole is formed in a distal end surface of the endoscope main body.   The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the light guide is configured to emit light from at least a part of a side surface of a distal end portion thereof and the distal end.   The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a distal end portion of the light guide is bent or bent into a predetermined shape in a natural state.   The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a reinforcing layer is provided on at least a part of a portion exposed to the outside of the light guide. The endoscope body has a treatment lumen that is arranged in parallel to the light guide lumen and communicates laterally with the light guide lumen;
The endoscope is inserted into the light guide lumen and the treatment lumen so as to be movable in the axial direction of the endoscope main body, and is arranged in parallel with the first lumen and the first lumen. A connecting tube having a second lumen,
By moving the connection tube in the axial direction of the endoscope main body, it is possible to adopt a state in which the distal end portion of the connection tube protrudes from the hole portion and a state in which the connection tube is accommodated in the endoscope main body. Configured,
The light guide is inserted into the first lumen so as to be movable in the axial direction of the endoscope main body and rotatable about the central axis of the light guide. The endoscope according to 1.

Images