JP2014104138A - Endoscope and endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope capable of executing treatment for a lesion part by irradiation of treatment light in a shorter time than before.SOLUTION: An endoscope has: an insertion part formed to have a cylindrical shape capable of being inserted into a body cavity of a subject; an illumination light irradiation part provided in a tip part of the insertion part, and irradiating the front of the tip part with illumination light for illuminating a photographic object present inside the body cavity; and a treatment light irradiation part provided integrally with or separately from the tip part, and simultaneously irradiating the inside of a nearly tubular region beside or in front of the tip part with treatment light used for treatment of a lesion part present inside the body cavity.

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope and an endoscope system, and more particularly to an endoscope and an endoscope system that can be used for treatment of a lesioned part by irradiation with treatment light.

  In endoscopes in the medical field, various techniques have been proposed for reducing the diameter of an insertion portion that is inserted into a body cavity of a subject in order to reduce the burden on the subject. As an example of such a technique, a scanning endoscope that does not include a solid-state imaging device in a portion corresponding to the above-described insertion portion, and a system that includes the scanning endoscope are known. ing.

  Specifically, a system having a scanning endoscope has, for example, a scanning pattern in which a subject is set in advance by swinging a tip of an illumination light fiber that guides illumination light emitted from a light source unit. The two-dimensional scanning is performed, the return light from the subject is received by the light receiving fiber disposed around the illumination light fiber, and the image of the subject is generated based on the return light received by the light receiving fiber. It is configured as follows.

  On the other hand, as a technique for reducing the invasiveness when treating a lesion found under endoscopic observation, for example, treatment light having a wavelength band different from illumination light used for endoscopic observation is used. In recent years, a technique for irradiating a lesioned part has been proposed.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, in a system having an SFE (scanning fiber endoscope) probe corresponding to the above-described scanning endoscope, treatment light is applied to a predetermined region within the scanning range of the SFE probe. The structure which can irradiate is disclosed.

  However, according to the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the region where the treatment light can be irradiated simultaneously is limited to a relatively narrow region within the scanning range of the SFE probe. There has been a problem that it takes time to treat a lesion by irradiation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and provides an endoscope and an endoscope system capable of performing treatment of a lesioned portion by irradiation of treatment light in a shorter time than conventional. The purpose is that.

  An endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention is provided in an insertion portion formed to have a cylindrical shape that can be inserted into a body cavity of a subject, and a distal end portion of the insertion portion, and is present in the body cavity. An illumination light irradiation unit configured to irradiate illumination light for illuminating a subject to the front of the distal end portion, and a lesioned portion that is provided integrally with or separate from the distal end portion and exists in the body cavity A treatment light irradiation section configured to simultaneously irradiate treatment light used for the treatment in a substantially tubular region on the side or front of the tip portion.

  An endoscope system according to an aspect of the present invention is provided with an insertion portion formed to have a cylindrical shape that can be inserted into a body cavity of a subject, and provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion, and is present in the body cavity. An illumination light irradiating unit configured to irradiate an illumination light for illuminating a subject to be moved forward of the distal end portion, and provided integrally or separately from the distal end portion, and supplied from a treatment light supply unit A treatment light transmission unit for transmitting the treatment light; and a light diffusion unit for diffusing and irradiating the treatment light transmitted by the treatment light transmission unit in a substantially tubular region in front of the distal end portion. A treatment light irradiating unit configured to have, a return light of the illumination light irradiated forward of the tip portion, and a return of the treatment light irradiated in a substantially tubular region in front of the tip portion A light receiving portion for receiving each light, and before the light is received by the light receiving portion. Having a light intensity detector for detecting the intensity of return light therapy light.

  An endoscope system according to an aspect of the present invention is provided with an insertion portion formed to have a cylindrical shape that can be inserted into a body cavity of a subject, and provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion, and is present in the body cavity. An illumination light irradiating unit configured to irradiate an illumination light for illuminating a subject to be moved forward of the distal end portion, and provided integrally or separately from the distal end portion, and supplied from a treatment light supply unit A treatment light transmission unit for transmitting the treatment light; and a light diffusion unit for diffusing and irradiating the treatment light transmitted by the treatment light transmission unit in a substantially tubular region in front of the distal end portion. A treatment light irradiating unit configured to have the intensity of the return light of the illumination light irradiated forward of the tip, and the return light of the treatment light irradiated in the substantially tubular region It has an optical characteristic that attenuates the intensity of light at a predetermined attenuation rate. An imaging unit configured to image each return light that has passed through the filter unit, generate and output an imaging signal corresponding to each captured return light, and output from the imaging unit And an image generation unit that generates an image corresponding to the imaging signal to be displayed on the display unit.

  According to the endoscope and the endoscope system of the present invention, treatment of a lesioned part by irradiation with treatment light can be performed in a shorter time than conventional.

The figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the endoscope system which concerns on a 1st Example. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the front-end | tip part of the scanning endoscope contained in the endoscope system of FIG. III-III sectional view taken on the line of FIG. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the main body apparatus contained in the endoscope system of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the wavelength range | band of R light, G light, B light, and T light. The figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the endoscope system which concerns on a 2nd Example. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the front-end | tip part of the scanning endoscope contained in the endoscope system of FIG. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the main body apparatus contained in the endoscope system of FIG. The figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the endoscope system which concerns on a 3rd Example. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the front-end | tip part of the scanning endoscope contained in the endoscope system of FIG. XI-XI sectional view taken on the line of FIG. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the main body apparatus etc. which are included in the endoscope system of FIG. The figure which shows the example different from FIG. 5 of the wavelength range of T light. The figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the endoscope system which concerns on a 4th Example. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the front-end | tip part of the endoscope contained in the endoscope system of FIG. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the main body apparatus contained in the endoscope system of FIG. The figure which shows typically an example of the image displayed on the display apparatus of the endoscope system of FIG.

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

(First embodiment)
1 to 5 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of an endoscope system according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope system 1A includes a scanning endoscope 2A including an insertion portion 11 and a distal end portion 11A, a main body device 3A connected to the scanning endoscope 2A, and a main body device 3A. And a display device 4 such as a monitor connected to the monitor.

  The insertion portion 11 has an elongated cylindrical shape that can be inserted into a body cavity of a subject and has flexibility. In addition, a connector (not shown) or the like for detachably connecting the scanning endoscope 2A to the main unit 3A is provided at the proximal end portion of the insertion portion 11.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the distal end portion of the scanning endoscope included in the endoscope system of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end portion 11A of the insertion portion 11 receives the light emission side end portion of the illumination light fiber 12 that transmits the illumination light supplied from the main body device 3A and the return light from the subject. Then, the light incident side end of the light receiving fiber 13 guided to the main body device 3A and the illumination light emitted from the illumination light fiber 12 are condensed and irradiated to the front (or front) of the tip 11A. The condensing optical system 14 configured, the actuator unit 15 capable of swinging the end of the illumination light fiber 12 on the light output side based on the drive signal output from the main unit 3A, and the main unit 3A Light which is formed so as to diffuse and irradiate the therapeutic light emitted from the light emitting side end of the therapeutic light fiber 51 for transmitting the therapeutic light supplied from and the light emitting surface of the therapeutic light fiber 51 A diffusion member 52 is provided. That.

  The light incident side end of the illumination light fiber 12 is disposed inside the main body device 3A. The end of the illumination light fiber 12 on the light exit side is disposed in the vicinity of the light incident surface of the condensing optical system 14 so as not to be fixed by a fixing member or the like.

  The light incident side end of the light receiving fiber 13 is fixedly disposed around the light exit surface of the condensing optical system 14 at the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11A. Further, the end of the light receiving fiber 13 on the light emitting side is disposed inside the main body device 3A.

  The end of the treatment light fiber 51 on the light incident side is disposed inside the main body device 3A. Further, the end portion on the light emission side of the therapeutic light fiber 51 is provided integrally with the side surface of the distal end portion 11A. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light diffusing member 52 is provided integrally with the side surface of the distal end portion 11A, and the treatment light supplied from the main body device 3A is transmitted from the side surface of the distal end portion 11A to the outside of the distal end portion 11A. It is arranged with a position and an angle so as to diffuse and irradiate sideways. That is, according to the present embodiment, the light diffusing member 52 is disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the side surface of the tip portion 11A, and the tip surface of the tip portion 11A (light of the condensing optical system 14). It is disposed at a position sufficiently away from the emission surface.

  3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the distal end portion 11 </ b> A has a plurality of light receiving fibers 13 at positions that surround the outer portions of the illumination light fiber 12, the condensing optical system 14, and the actuator portion 15 in an annular shape. Further, a plurality of therapeutic light fibers 51 are arranged at positions that surround the outer sides of the plurality of light receiving fibers 13 in an annular shape.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a ferrule 41 as a joining member is disposed between the illumination light fiber 12 and the actuator unit 15. Specifically, the ferrule 41 is made of, for example, zirconia (ceramic) or nickel.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ferrule 41 is formed as a quadrangular prism, and has side surfaces 42 a and 42 c that are perpendicular to the X-axis direction (left-right direction of the paper surface) and the Y-axis direction (up-down direction of the paper surface). Vertical side surfaces 42b and 42d. In addition, the illumination light fiber 12 is fixedly arranged at the center of the ferrule 41. Note that the ferrule 41 may be formed in a shape other than the quadrangular column as long as it is a rectangular column.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the actuator unit 15 includes an actuator 15a disposed along the side surface 42a, an actuator 15b disposed along the side surface 42b, an actuator 15c disposed along the side surface 42c, and a side surface 42d. And an actuator 15d arranged along the line.

  The actuators 15 a to 15 d include, for example, piezoelectric elements and are configured to be driven according to a drive signal output from the driver unit 22.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a main body device included in the endoscope system of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the main unit 3A includes an illumination light supply unit 21A, a treatment light supply unit 21B, a driver unit 22, a detection unit 23, a memory 24, and a controller 25. ing.

  The illumination light supply unit 21A includes a light source 31a, a light source 31b, a light source 31c, and a multiplexer 32.

  The light source 31a includes a laser light source and the like, and based on the control of the controller 25, light in a narrow red wavelength band having a center wavelength of 630 nm (hereinafter also referred to as R light) as illustrated in FIG. The light is output to the multiplexer 32.

  The light source 31b includes a laser light source and the like, and based on the control of the controller 25, light in a narrow green wavelength band having a center wavelength of 550 nm as illustrated in FIG. The light is output to the multiplexer 32.

  The light source 31c includes a laser light source and the like, and based on the control of the controller 25, narrow blue light having a center wavelength of 450 nm (hereinafter also referred to as B light) as illustrated in FIG. The light is output to the multiplexer 32.

  The multiplexer 32 multiplexes the R light emitted from the light source 31a, the G light emitted from the light source 31b, and the B light emitted from the light source 31c, and the light incident surface of the illumination light fiber 12 It is comprised so that it can supply to.

  The treatment light supply unit 21 </ b> B has a function as a supply source of treatment light used for treatment of a lesion, and includes a light source 61 and an optical coupler 62.

  The light source 61 includes an Nd-YAG laser light source and the like. Based on the control of the controller 25, treatment light in a narrow band having a center wavelength of 1064 nm (hereinafter also referred to as T light) as illustrated in FIG. ) To the optical coupler 62. That is, the light source 61 is configured to emit light in a wavelength band that does not overlap with any of R light, G light, and B light to the optical coupler 62 as T light.

  The optical coupler 62 is configured to branch the T light emitted from the light source 61 and supply the branched T light to the light incident surfaces of the plurality of therapeutic light fibers 51.

  The driver unit 22 includes a signal generator 33, D / A converters 34a and 34b, and an amplifier 35.

  Based on the control of the controller 25, the signal generator 33 generates a drive signal for swinging the end of the illumination light fiber 12 on the light emitting side and outputs the drive signal to the D / A converters 34a and 34b. It is configured.

  The D / A converters 34 a and 34 b are configured to convert the digital drive signal output from the signal generator 33 into an analog drive signal and output the analog drive signal to the amplifier 35.

  The amplifier 35 is configured to amplify the drive signals output from the D / A converters 34 a and 34 b and output the amplified drive signals to the actuator unit 15.

  On the other hand, the detection unit 23 includes a duplexer 36, detectors 37a, 37b, and 37c, and A / D converters 38a, 38b, and 38c.

  The demultiplexer 36 includes a dichroic mirror and the like, and separates return light emitted from the light emitting surface of the light receiving fiber 13 into light for each color component of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). And it is comprised so that it may radiate | emit to the detectors 37a, 37b, and 37c.

  The detector 37a detects the intensity of the R light output from the duplexer 36, generates an analog R signal corresponding to the detected intensity of the R light, and outputs the analog R signal to the A / D converter 38a. It is configured.

  The detector 37b detects the intensity of the G light output from the duplexer 36, generates an analog G signal corresponding to the detected intensity of the G light, and outputs the analog G signal to the A / D converter 38b. It is configured.

  The detector 37c detects the intensity of the B light output from the duplexer 36, generates an analog B signal according to the detected intensity of the B light, and outputs the analog B signal to the A / D converter 38c. It is configured.

  The A / D converter 38 a is configured to convert the analog R signal output from the detector 37 a into a digital R signal and output it to the controller 25.

  The A / D converter 38b is configured to convert the analog G signal output from the detector 37b into a digital G signal and output the digital G signal to the controller 25.

  The A / D converter 38 c is configured to convert the analog B signal output from the detector 37 c into a digital B signal and output it to the controller 25.

  The memory 24 stores in advance a control program for controlling the main device 3A.

  The controller 25 includes a CPU and the like, reads a control program stored in the memory 24, and controls the illumination light supply unit 21A, the treatment light supply unit 21B, and the driver unit 22 based on the read control program. It is configured. That is, the actuator unit 15 has a function as an optical scanning unit, and the irradiation position of the illumination light irradiated to the subject based on the drive signal output from the driver unit 22 according to the control of the controller 25 as described above. The illumination light fiber 12 can be swung so as to draw a locus corresponding to a predetermined scanning pattern (for example, a spiral scanning pattern).

  The controller 25 generates an image by performing processing such as mapping, noise removal, and color balance adjustment on the R signal, G signal, and B signal output from the detection unit 23, and displays the generated image. It is configured to be displayed on the device 4.

  Subsequently, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

  After the power of each part of the endoscope system 1A is turned on, the controller 25 controls the illumination light supply unit 21A to control the light sources 31a, 31b and the light source 31c to emit light based on the control program stored in the memory 24. Control for causing the light source 61 to emit light is performed on the treatment light supply unit 21B, and a drive signal for swinging the illumination light fiber 12 in a predetermined scanning pattern is output from the signal generator 33. To the driver unit 22.

  Then, according to the control of the controller 25 as described above, illumination light that is a mixture of R light, G light, and B light is irradiated forward of the distal end portion 11A, that is, a living tissue or the like located in front of the distal end portion 11A. A subject is scanned with illumination light.

  Further, under the control of the controller 25 as described above, the T light diffused by the light diffusing member 52 is simultaneously irradiated into a substantially tubular region on the side of the tip portion 11A, that is, on the side of the tip portion 11A. A lesion such as a lesion tissue located in a substantially tubular region is heated and treated at a time.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to irradiate T light over a wide range on the side of the distal end portion 11A. Therefore, according to the present Example, the treatment of the lesion part by irradiation of treatment light can be implemented in a short time compared with the past.

  Moreover, according to the present Example, the light-diffusion member 52 is arrange | positioned in the position fully away from the front end surface of 11 A of front-end | tip parts. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, even if a foreign substance such as mucus scattered in response to the treatment light irradiation adheres to the light diffusion member 52 and burns, the light from the condensing optical system 14 to the subject is irradiated. Does not adversely affect irradiation. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to irradiate a wide range of treatment light used for the treatment of a lesioned part while preventing the adverse effect on the observation of the subject due to the treatment light irradiation as much as possible.

(Second embodiment)
6 to 8 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, detailed description of portions having the same configuration as the first embodiment is omitted, and portions having different configurations from the first embodiment are mainly described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the endoscope system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the endoscope system 1B includes a scanning endoscope 2B including an insertion portion 11 and a distal end portion 11B, a main body device 3B connected to the scanning endoscope 2B, and a main body device 3B. And a display device 4 connected to the device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the distal end portion of the scanning endoscope included in the endoscope system of FIG.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the light diffusing member 52 is provided integrally with the side surface of the distal end portion 11B, and transmits T light supplied from the main body device 3B obliquely from the side surface of the distal end portion 11B to the distal end portion 11B. It is arranged with a position and an angle so as to diffuse and irradiate forward. That is, according to the present embodiment, the light diffusing member 52 is disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the side surface of the distal end portion 11B, and is disposed at a position close to the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11B. Yes.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a main body device included in the endoscope system of FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the main unit 3B includes an illumination light supply unit 21A, a treatment light supply unit 21B, a driver unit 22, a detection unit 23, a memory 24, a controller 25, a dichroic mirror 63, a light And an intensity detection unit 64.

  The dichroic mirror 63 transmits, for example, R light, G light, and B light in the wavelength band as shown in FIG. 5 to the demultiplexer 36 side in the return light emitted from the light emitting surface of the light receiving fiber 13. In addition, the optical characteristic is such that T light in the wavelength band as shown in FIG. 5 is reflected to the light intensity detection unit 64 side. In other words, the dichroic mirror 63 divides the light emitted from the light emitting surface of the light receiving fiber 13 into light in a wavelength band corresponding to R light, G light, and B light, and light in a wavelength band corresponding to T light, The optical characteristics are such that they are separated. Further, the branching filter 36 of the present embodiment is configured to separate the R light, G light, and B light transmitted through the dichroic mirror 63 for each color component and emit the separated light to the detectors 37a, 37b, and 37c. .

  The light intensity detector 64 is configured to detect the maximum intensity MT1 of the T light reflected by the dichroic mirror 63 every predetermined time, and sequentially output information on the detected maximum intensity MT1 to the controller 25.

  Here, according to the configuration of the distal end portion 11B of the present embodiment, the light condensing optical system 14 is located with the arrangement position of the light diffusion member 52 and the light emitting surface of the light converging optical system 14 being close to each other. The irradiation region of the illumination light irradiated from and the irradiation region of the treatment light irradiated from the light diffusing member 52 partially overlap each other. Therefore, according to the configuration of the distal end portion 11B of the present embodiment, it is possible to observe the state of the tissue or the like that is radiating the treatment light in real time.

  Subsequently, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

  After the power of each part of the endoscope system 1B is turned on, the controller 25 controls the illumination light supply unit 21A to emit light from the light sources 31a, 31b and 31c based on the control program stored in the memory 24. Control for causing the light source 61 to emit light is performed on the treatment light supply unit 21B, and a drive signal for swinging the illumination light fiber 12 in a predetermined scanning pattern is output from the signal generator 33. To the driver unit 22.

  And according to control of the controller 25 as mentioned above, the illumination light which mixed R light, G light, and B light is irradiated ahead of the front-end | tip part 11B, ie, the living tissue etc. which are located ahead of the front-end | tip part 11B, etc. A subject is scanned with illumination light.

  Further, under the control of the controller 25 as described above, the T light diffused by the light diffusing member 52 is simultaneously irradiated into a substantially tubular region in front of the tip portion 11B, that is, substantially tubular in front of the tip portion 11B. A lesion such as a lesion tissue located in the region is heated and treated at a time.

  Furthermore, the return light of the illumination light (R light, G light, and B light) irradiated to the front of the tip portion 11B and the return light of the T light irradiated to a substantially tubular region in front of the tip portion 11B. The light is received by the light receiving fiber 13.

  On the other hand, based on the information output from the light intensity detector 64, the controller 25 responds to the maximum intensity MT1 of the T light included in the return light and the desired therapeutic application (for example, incision, transpiration, coagulation, etc.). The intensity TH1 (at the center wavelength) of the T light as the threshold value set in the above is compared. Further, the controller 25 performs control for adjusting the intensity of the T light emitted from the light source 61 so as to approach the intensity TH1 based on the comparison result between the maximum intensity MT1 and the intensity TH1, with respect to the treatment light supply unit 21B. . By performing such control, for example, even if the distance between the distal end portion 11B and the lesioned portion is changed, T light having a suitable intensity according to a desired treatment application is applied to the lesioned portion. Can be irradiated.

  Further, the controller 25 sets the threshold value set according to the maximum intensity MT1 of the T light included in the return light and the degree of damage to the living tissue based on the information output from the light intensity detection unit 64. And the intensity TH2 (at the center wavelength) of the T light. In addition, the controller 25 controls to stop the irradiation of the T light (for example, the light source 61 is turned on) at the timing when the maximum intensity MT1 exceeds the intensity TH2 based on the comparison result between the maximum intensity MT1 and the intensity TH2. (Control for quenching) is performed on the treatment light supply unit 21B. By performing such control, for example, even if the distal end portion 11B and the lesioned portion are extremely close to each other, before the damage of the biological tissue caused by the T light irradiation is accumulated, the T light Irradiation can be stopped.

  Further, the controller 25 generates visual information such as a character string that can be notified of the maximum intensity MT1 based on the information output from the light intensity detection unit 64, and is output from the generated visual information and the detection unit 23. The display device 4 operates to display the image generated based on the R signal, the G signal, and the B signal together.

  Note that, according to the present embodiment, for example, the maximum intensity MT2 of the T light emitted from the light source 61 is detected in addition to the maximum intensity MT1 of the T light included in the return light. Control for adjusting the intensity of T light emitted from the light source 61 may be performed based on a comparison result between MT1 and maximum intensity MT2.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to irradiate T light over a wide range in front of the distal end portion 11B. Therefore, according to the present Example, the treatment of the lesion part by irradiation of treatment light can be implemented in a short time compared with the past.

  Moreover, according to the present Example, the light-diffusion member 52 is arrange | positioned in the surface different from the front end surface of the front-end | tip part 11B. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, foreign matters such as mucus scattered in response to the treatment light irradiated from the light diffusing member 52 are difficult to adhere to the light exit surface of the condensing optical system 14, that is, the treatment light It is possible to irradiate a wide range of treatment light used for the treatment of a lesion while preventing adverse effects on observation of a subject due to irradiation as much as possible.

(Third embodiment)
9 to 12 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, detailed description of a part having the same configuration or the like as at least one of the first and second embodiments is omitted, and both the first and second embodiments are omitted. A description will be mainly given of parts having different configurations.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the endoscope system according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, an endoscope system 1C includes a scanning endoscope 2C having an insertion portion 11 and a distal end portion 11C, a main body device 3C connected to the scanning endoscope 2C, and a main body device 3C. And a display device 4 connected to the device.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the treatment light supply device 5 having a function as a T light supply source used for treatment of a lesioned portion, the insertion portion 11 and the distal end portion 11C are inserted inside. A sheath member 6 formed with a possible hollow cylindrical shape and flexibility is provided separately from the endoscope system 1C.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the distal end portion of the scanning endoscope included in the endoscope system of FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the distal end portion 11C of the insertion portion 11 receives the end portion on the light emission side of the illumination light fiber 12 that transmits the illumination light supplied from the main body device 3C and the return light from the subject. Then, the light collecting fiber 13 that is guided to the main body 3C and the light incident side end of the light receiving fiber 13 and the illumination light emitted from the illumination light fiber 12 are collected and irradiated forward of the tip 11C. An optical optical system 14 and an actuator unit 15 capable of swinging the light emitting side end of the illumination light fiber 12 based on a drive signal output from the main body device 3C are provided.

  11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the distal end portion 11 </ b> C has a plurality of light receiving fibers 13 at positions that surround the outer portions of the illumination light fiber 12, the condensing optical system 14, and the actuator portion 15 in an annular shape. It is arranged and configured.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a plurality of therapeutic light fibers 51 for transmitting T light supplied from the therapeutic light supply device 5 are provided on the side surface side of the sheath member 6. It is provided in a state covered with a high member. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the distal end portion on the side surface side of the sheath member 6 forms a predetermined angle with respect to the end portion on the light emission side of the therapeutic light fiber 51 and the side surface of the sheath member 6. And a light diffusing member 52 formed so as to diffuse and irradiate the treatment light emitted from the light emission surface of the treatment light fiber 51.

  In this embodiment, alignment is performed with the insertion portion 11 and the distal end portion 11C inserted into the sheath member 6, so that the T light supplied from the treatment light supply device 5 is oblique to the distal end portion 11C. The end portion on the light emitting side of the therapeutic light fiber 51 and the light diffusing member 52 can be arranged at a position where the light is diffused forward and irradiated (position shown in FIG. 10). Specifically, in this embodiment, the alignment is performed in a state where the insertion portion 11 and the distal end portion 11C are inserted into the sheath member 6, so that the position is substantially along the side surface of the distal end portion 11C. The end of the therapeutic light fiber 51 on the light emission side and the light diffusion member 52 can be disposed at a position close to the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11C.

  12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a main body device and the like included in the endoscope system of FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the main unit 3C includes an illumination light supply unit 21A, a driver unit 22, a detection unit 23, a memory 24, a controller 25, a dichroic mirror 63, and a light intensity detection unit 64. It is configured. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the treatment light supply device 5 branches the T light emitted from the light source 61 and the light source 61 that emits T light based on the control of the controller 25, and the branched T light. And an optical coupler 62 for supplying light to the light incident surfaces of the plurality of therapeutic light fibers 51.

  Subsequently, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

  First, a user such as an operator connects the scanning endoscope 2 </ b> C and the display device 4 to the main body device 3 </ b> C, connects the sheath member 6 to the treatment light supply device 5, and further scans the inside of the sheath member 6. The main unit 3C and the display device 4 are powered on with the endoscope 2C inserted.

  Next, the user confirms the image displayed on the display device 4 and inserts the insertion portion 11 into the body cavity of the subject so that the user is positioned near and near the lesioned portion in the body cavity. The distal end portion 11C is disposed on the surface.

  Further, for example, the user slides the sheath member 6 while the distal end portion 11C is placed at the position as described above, so that the distal end portion of the sheath member 6 becomes the positional relationship illustrated in FIG. Perform position alignment.

  Thereafter, when the positioning of the distal end portion 11C and the distal end portion of the sheath member 6 is completed, the user operates, for example, a predetermined input interface (not shown) to thereby generate T light by the therapeutic light supply device 5. Start feeding.

  Here, in a state where the distal end portion 11C and the distal end portion of the sheath member 6 are aligned so that the positional relationship illustrated in FIG. 10 is obtained, the illumination light mixed with the R light, the G light, and the B light is the distal end. An object such as a living tissue that is irradiated in front of the portion 11C, that is, in front of the distal end portion 11C is scanned with illumination light.

  On the other hand, T light diffused by the light diffusing member 52 is forward of the distal end portion 11C in a state where the distal end portion 11C and the distal end portion of the sheath member 6 are aligned so as to have the positional relationship illustrated in FIG. In the substantially tubular region at the same time, the lesioned part such as a lesioned tissue located in the substantially tubular region in front of the distal end portion 11C is heated and treated at a time.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to irradiate T light over a wide range in front of the tip portion 11C. Therefore, according to the present Example, the treatment of the lesion part by irradiation of treatment light can be implemented in a short time compared with the past.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the treatment light supply device 5 and the sheath member 6 are provided separately from the endoscope system 1C. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, even in the case where the T light irradiation is hindered due to damage to either the treatment light fiber 51 or the light diffusion member 52, By replacing the sheath member 6 with a new one, it is possible to easily remove the factors that hinder the T light irradiation.

  On the other hand, by appropriately modifying the configuration of the first to third embodiments, light having a wavelength band overlapping with at least a part of R light, G light, or B light (for example, 532 nm as shown in FIG. 13). Narrowband light having a central wavelength of 2) may be used as therapeutic light. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the wavelength band of T light different from FIG.

  Specifically, in the configurations of the first to third embodiments, for example, illumination light (R light, G light, and B light) and treatment light are alternately emitted, and further detectors 37a to 37c. , The operation timing of the A / D converters 38a to 38c, the timing of image generation by the controller 25, and the detection timing of the maximum intensity MT1 by the light intensity detector 64. By synchronizing each according to the emission timing of light and treatment light, light having a wavelength band overlapping at least part of R light, G light, or B light can be used as treatment light.

(Fourth embodiment)
14 to 17 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  In addition, in this embodiment, detailed description regarding a part having the same configuration as at least one of the first to third embodiments is omitted, and with any of the first to third embodiments. A description will be mainly given of parts having different configurations.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the endoscope system according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the endoscope system 1D includes an endoscope 2D including an insertion portion 11 and a distal end portion 11D, a main body device 3D connected to the endoscope 2D, and a main body device 3D. And a display device 4.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the distal end portion of the endoscope included in the endoscope system of FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the distal end portion 11D of the insertion portion 11 is coupled with the light exit side end portion of the illumination light fiber 71 that transmits the illumination light supplied from the main body device 3D and the return light from the subject. Supplied from the main body device 3D, the objective optical system 72 for imaging, the filter unit 73 provided at the subsequent stage (light emission side) of the objective optical system 72, the color image sensor 74 that receives the return light that has passed through the filter unit 73, and Diffusion member formed so as to diffuse and irradiate the T light emitted from the light emitting side end of the therapeutic light fiber 51 that transmits the T light and the light emitting surface of the therapeutic light fiber 51 52D.

  The end portion on the light incident side of the illumination light fiber 71 is disposed inside the main body device 3D. The end of the illumination light fiber 71 on the light exit side is disposed in the vicinity of the light incident surface of the objective optical system 72.

  The light incident side end of the therapeutic light fiber 51 is disposed inside the main body device 3D. Further, the end portion on the light emission side of the therapeutic light fiber 51 is provided integrally with the side surface of the distal end portion 11D. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the light diffusion member 52D is provided integrally with the side surface of the distal end portion 11D, and the T light supplied from the main body device 3D is obliquely forward of the distal end portion 11D and is illuminated. It is arranged with a position and an angle so as to diffuse and irradiate within the irradiation range of illumination light irradiated from the optical fiber 71 (or within the viewing angle (view angle) range of the objective optical system 72). . That is, according to the present embodiment, the light diffusing member 52D is disposed so as to form a predetermined angle with respect to the side surface of the distal end portion 11D, and the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11D (light incidence of the objective optical system 72). (Position) near the surface.

  For example, the filter unit 73 maintains the intensity of the wavelength band (450 nm to 630 nm wavelength band) corresponding to the B light to R light among the wavelength bands included in the return light incident through the objective optical system 72. In addition, it has an optical characteristic that attenuates the intensity of a wavelength band corresponding to T light (for example, a wavelength band near 1064 nm) with a predetermined attenuation rate.

  The color imaging device 74 is configured by, for example, a color CCD having an RGB color filter provided on the imaging surface (light receiving surface). The color image sensor 74 is driven based on the image sensor drive signal supplied from the main body device 3D, images the return light that has passed through the filter unit 73, and generates an image signal corresponding to the captured return light. And output to the main unit 3D.

  Although not shown, in the present embodiment, the illumination light fiber 71 is disposed on the peripheral edge of the distal end portion 11D, and a plurality of treatments are provided at positions that surround the illumination light fiber 71 in an annular shape. An optical fiber 51 is provided.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a main body device included in the endoscope system of FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, the main body device 3D includes a treatment light supply unit 21B, an illumination light supply unit 21D, an image sensor driving unit 83, an image processing unit 84, a memory 85, and a control unit 86. Configured.

  The illumination light supply unit 21D includes a light source 81 and an optical coupler 82.

  The light source 81 emits white light (hereinafter also referred to as W light) having a wavelength band (450 nm to 630 nm wavelength band) corresponding to B light to R light to the optical coupler 82 based on the control of the control unit 86. It is configured as follows.

  The optical coupler 82 is configured to branch the W light emitted from the light source 81 and supply the branched W light to the light incident surface of the illumination light fiber 71.

  The image sensor drive unit 83 is configured to generate and output an image sensor drive signal for driving the color image sensor 74 based on the control of the control unit 86.

  The image processing unit 84 is configured to generate an image according to the imaging signal output from the color imaging element 74 based on the control of the control unit 86 and to display the generated image on the display device 4. .

  In the memory 85, a control program for controlling the main device 3D is stored in advance.

  The control unit 86 includes a CPU or the like, reads a control program stored in the memory 85, and based on the read control program, the treatment light supply unit 21B, the illumination light supply unit 21D, the image sensor driving unit 83, and The image processing unit 84 is configured to be controlled.

  Subsequently, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

  After the power of each unit of the endoscope system 1D is turned on, the control unit 86 performs control for causing the light source 81 to emit light based on the control program stored in the memory 85, and the illumination light supply unit 21D. Control for causing the light source 61 to emit light is performed on the treatment light supply unit 21B, and control for outputting an image sensor driving signal for driving the color image sensor 74 is performed on the image sensor driving unit 83.

  Then, under the control of the control unit 86 as described above, the W light is irradiated as illumination light to the front (or front) of the distal end portion 11D and is positioned within the range of the viewing angle (view angle) of the objective optical system 72. A subject such as a living tissue is imaged by the color image sensor 74.

  Further, under the control of the control unit 86 as described above, the T light diffused by the light diffusing member 52D is simultaneously irradiated into a substantially tubular region in front of the tip portion 11D, that is, substantially in front of the tip portion 11D. A lesion such as a lesion tissue located in a tubular region is heated and treated at a time.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to irradiate T light over a wide range in front of the distal end portion 11D, and as a result, it is possible to perform treatment of a lesioned portion by irradiation of treatment light in a shorter time than conventional. it can.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the light diffusing member 52D is disposed on a surface different from the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11D. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, foreign matters such as mucus scattered in response to the irradiation of the treatment light irradiated from the light diffusion member 52D are difficult to adhere to the light incident surface of the objective optical system 72, that is, irradiation of the treatment light. It is possible to irradiate a wide range of treatment light used for treatment of a lesioned part while preventing adverse effects on the observation of the subject due to the above as much as possible.

  On the other hand, the image processing unit 84 generates an image corresponding to the imaging signal output from the color imaging element 74 and causes the display device 4 to display the image. FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display device of the endoscope system of FIG.

  In this embodiment, the T light is irradiated within the irradiation range of the W light irradiated from the illumination light fiber 71, and the intensity of the wavelength band corresponding to the T light included in the return light from the subject is high. Due to the attenuation by the filter unit 73, for example, as schematically shown in FIG. 17, a region where both W light and T light are irradiated, a region where only W light is irradiated, Is displayed on the display device 4 (the halation caused by the T light irradiation is suppressed). In other words, in this embodiment, it is possible to easily confirm which part of the currently observed range (the visual field range of the objective optical system 72) is irradiated with the treatment light.

  Note that, by appropriately modifying the configuration of the present embodiment, for example, light having a wavelength band of 2000 nm or more may be used as treatment light.

  Specifically, in the configuration of the present embodiment, for example, the W light is irradiated from the illumination light fiber 71, and the guide light having the same wavelength band and intensity as the W light is coupled to the T light. Irradiation from the light diffusing member 52D, and further using the filter unit 73 whose optical characteristics (attenuation rate) are adjusted so that the return light of the guide light is imaged by the color image sensor 74, the treatment light is irradiated. An image in which the accompanying halation is suppressed can be generated and displayed on the display device 4, that is, light having a wavelength band of 2000 nm or more can be used as treatment light.

  Further, by appropriately modifying the configuration of the present embodiment, for example, a parameter that is included in the return light from the living tissue and that can estimate the intensity of the T light before being attenuated by the filter unit 73 is calculated. It may be.

  Here, the signal level RSL of the R component in the image pickup signal output from the color image pickup device 74 is the signal level RSL1 corresponding to the intensity of the return light of the R light and the return light of the T light attenuated by the filter unit 73. The signal level RSL2 corresponding to the intensity is added. The memory 85 can store the spectral reflectance of the R light, G light, B light, and T light in the living tissue and the attenuation rate of the filter unit 73 as known values. Therefore, for example, the imaging signal from the color imaging element 74 is input to the control unit 86, and the T light before being attenuated by the filter unit 73 by the control unit 86 performing the following calculation. The value of the signal level TSL according to the intensity can be obtained.

  Specifically, the control unit 86, for example, splits the R light spectrum into a value obtained by dividing the G component signal level GSL included in the imaging signal from the color imaging element 74 by the spectral reflectance GR of the G light. The value of the signal level RSL1 is calculated by multiplying the reflectance RR, and the value of the signal level RSL2 is calculated by subtracting the calculated value of the signal level RSL1 from the value of the signal level RSL. By performing an operation such as multiplying the value of the signal level RSL2 by the reciprocal of the attenuation rate of the filter unit 73, the value of the signal level TSL corresponding to the intensity of the T light before being attenuated by the filter unit 73 is obtained. be able to.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is needless to say that various changes and applications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Endoscopic systems 2A, 2B, 2C Scanning endoscope 2D Endoscopes 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D Main unit 4 Display device 5 Treatment light supply device 6 Sheath member 11 Insertion section 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D Tip part 12 Illumination light fiber 13 Light receiving fiber 14 Condensing optical system 15 Actuator part 21A, 21D Illumination light supply part 21B Treatment light supply part 22 Driver unit 23 Detection unit 24 Memory 25 Controller 51 For treatment light Fiber 52 Light diffusing member

Special table 2010-501246 gazette

Claims (12)

An insertion portion formed with a cylindrical shape that can be inserted into a body cavity of a subject;
An illumination light irradiating unit provided at the distal end of the insertion unit and configured to irradiate illumination light for illuminating a subject existing in the body cavity to the front of the distal end; and
It is provided so as to be integrated with the tip portion or separately, and simultaneously radiate treatment light used for treatment of a lesion portion existing in the body cavity into a substantially tubular region on the side or front of the tip portion. A configured therapeutic light irradiation unit;
The endoscope characterized by having. The internal treatment according to claim 1, wherein the treatment light irradiation unit is provided at a distal end portion of an exterior member formed to have a hollow cylindrical shape that can be inserted through the insertion portion. mirror. The therapeutic light irradiation unit includes a therapeutic light transmission unit that transmits the therapeutic light supplied from a therapeutic light supply unit, and the tubular shape of the therapeutic light transmitted by the therapeutic light transmission unit on the side of the distal end portion. The endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising: a light diffusing unit that diffuses and irradiates the region. The therapeutic light irradiation unit includes a therapeutic light transmission unit that transmits the therapeutic light supplied from a therapeutic light supply unit, and the therapeutic light transmitted by the therapeutic light transmission unit. The endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising: a light diffusion unit that diffuses and irradiates the region. A light-receiving unit that receives the return light of the illumination light irradiated to the front of the tip and the return light of the treatment light applied to a substantially tubular region in front of the tip; The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the endoscope is characterized. The illumination light irradiation unit transmits the illumination light supplied from the illumination light supply unit and emits the illumination light from an end, and the illumination light transmission unit draws a locus according to a predetermined scanning pattern The endoscope according to claim 5, further comprising: an optical scanning unit that swings the end portion of the endoscope. Maintaining the intensity of the return light of the illumination light irradiated forward of the tip, and attenuating the intensity of the return light of the treatment light irradiated in the substantially tubular region with a predetermined attenuation rate A filter portion configured to have optical characteristics;
The imaging unit further configured to image the return light that has passed through the filter unit, and to generate and output an imaging signal corresponding to the captured return light. Endoscope. An insertion portion formed with a cylindrical shape that can be inserted into a body cavity of a subject;
An illumination light irradiating unit provided at the distal end of the insertion unit and configured to irradiate illumination light for illuminating a subject existing in the body cavity to the front of the distal end; and
The therapeutic light transmission unit that is provided integrally with or separately from the distal end part and transmits the therapeutic light supplied from the therapeutic light supply unit, and the therapeutic light transmitted by the therapeutic light transmission unit A light diffusing portion for diffusing and irradiating in a substantially tubular region in front of the treatment light irradiation portion,
A light receiving unit for receiving the return light of the illumination light irradiated to the front of the tip part, and the return light of the treatment light irradiated in a substantially tubular region in front of the tip part;
A light intensity detector that detects the intensity of the return light of the treatment light received by the light receiver;
An endoscope system comprising: Based on a comparison result between the intensity of the return light of the treatment light detected by the light intensity detection unit and a threshold value set according to a desired treatment application, the intensity of the treatment light is brought close to the threshold value. The endoscope system according to claim 8, further comprising a control unit that performs control for adjustment. It further has a control unit that performs control for stopping irradiation of the treatment light at a timing when it is detected that the intensity of the return light of the treatment light detected by the light intensity detection unit exceeds a threshold value. The endoscope system according to claim 8. A light detection unit that generates and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the return light of the illumination light received by the light receiving unit;
An image corresponding to a signal output from the light detection unit and visual information capable of reporting the intensity of the return light of the treatment light detected by the light intensity detection unit are generated, and the image and the visual The endoscope system according to claim 8, further comprising: an image processing unit that displays information on the display unit. An insertion portion formed with a cylindrical shape that can be inserted into a body cavity of a subject;
An illumination light irradiating unit provided at the distal end of the insertion unit and configured to irradiate illumination light for illuminating a subject existing in the body cavity to the front of the distal end; and
The therapeutic light transmission unit that is provided integrally with or separately from the distal end part and transmits the therapeutic light supplied from the therapeutic light supply unit, and the therapeutic light transmitted by the therapeutic light transmission unit A light diffusing portion for diffusing and irradiating in a substantially tubular region in front of the treatment light irradiation portion,
Maintaining the intensity of the return light of the illumination light irradiated forward of the tip, and attenuating the intensity of the return light of the treatment light irradiated in the substantially tubular region with a predetermined attenuation rate A filter portion configured to have optical characteristics;
An imaging unit configured to image each return light that has passed through the filter unit, and to generate and output an imaging signal corresponding to each captured return light;
An image generation unit that generates an image corresponding to the imaging signal output from the imaging unit and displays the image on a display unit;
An endoscope system comprising:

Images