JP2014161506A - Endoscope and endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope allowing efficient removal of adhering matters on the tip face.SOLUTION: An endoscope 1 includes: an insertion part having an observation window at a tip part; a grip part; a universal cord; and a connector 40. A washing water pipe 31 carrying washing water 52 washing the tip face of the insertion part is inserted through inside the insertion part, the grip part and the universal cord; the washing water pipe 31, a first water pipe 41A through which alkaline ionized water having pH of 9-11 is carried, and a second water pipe 41B through which purified water having pH of 5-7 is carried are connected; a washing water changeover part 47 carrying at least one of the alkaline ionized water and the purified water into the washing water pipe 31 as the washing water 52 is disposed in the connector 40; and a setting part setting an operation condition of the washing water changeover part 47 is disposed in the grip part.

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope that sprays cleaning water onto the distal end surface of an insertion portion to remove deposits, and an endoscope system that sprays cleaning water onto the distal end surface of an insertion portion of an endoscope to remove deposits. .

  Endoscopes are widely used in the medical field and the like. An endoscope observes the inside of a body by inserting an elongated insertion portion into the body, and performs various treatments using a treatment tool inserted into a treatment tool channel. An observation window on the outermost surface of the imaging optical system is provided on the distal end surface of the insertion portion. If cells, blood, fat, or the like adheres to the surface of the observation window, observation is hindered.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-294714 discloses an endoscope that ensures a clear field of view by spraying washing water from a nozzle disposed in the vicinity of an observation window to wash away deposits.

  Purified water is used as the washing water, but depending on the attached matter, it cannot be washed out sufficiently, and it is not easy to secure a clear view.

JP-A-9-294714

  An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope that can efficiently remove deposits on the distal end surface, and an endoscope system that can efficiently remove deposits on the distal end surface of the endoscope.

  An endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an insertion portion having an optical member at a distal end portion, a grip portion disposed on the proximal end side of the insertion portion, a universal cord extending from the grip portion, A connector disposed on a base end side of the universal cord, and a cleaning water supply pipe for supplying cleaning water for cleaning a distal end surface of the insertion portion, the insertion portion, the gripping portion, and the universal cord. The washing water water pipe, a first water pipe to which alkaline ion water having a pH of 9 to 11 is fed, and a second water to which purified water having a pH of 5 to 7 are fed. A cleaning water switching unit that is connected to the water supply pipe and supplies at least one of the alkaline ionized water or the purified water as the cleaning water to the cleaning water water supply pipe is disposed in the connector, The operating conditions of the washing water switching unit Setting unit constant to have been disposed on the grip portion.

  An endoscope according to another embodiment of the present invention includes an insertion portion having an optical member at a distal end portion, a washing water supply pipe to which washing water for washing the distal end surface of the insertion portion is fed, and a first washing water Are connected to the first water pipe to which water is fed, the second water pipe to which the second wash water is fed, the wash water pipe, the first water pipe and the second water pipe. A washing water switching unit that feeds at least one of the first washing water and the second washing water as the washing water to the washing water supply pipe, and a setting unit that sets operating conditions of the washing water switching unit. And.

  An endoscope system according to another embodiment of the present invention includes an endoscope having an insertion portion having an optical member at a distal end portion, the insertion portion of the endoscope, and cleaning for cleaning the distal end surface of the insertion portion. A wash water water pipe through which water is fed, an overtube through which the water is passed, a first water pipe through which the first wash water is fed, and a second water pipe through which the second wash water is fed , The water pipe, the first water pipe, and the second water pipe, and at least one of the first washing water and the second washing water is used as the washing water. And a water supply unit having a setting unit for setting operating conditions of the cleaning water switching unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the endoscope system which can remove efficiently the endoscope which can remove the deposit | attachment of a front end surface efficiently, and the front end surface of an endoscope can be provided.

It is a perspective view of the endoscope of a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view of the front-end | tip part of the endoscope of 1st Embodiment. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the air / water supply unit of the endoscope of the first embodiment. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the endoscope of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the endoscope of 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the endoscope system of a 4th embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment includes an elongated insertion portion 10, a gripping portion 20 disposed on the proximal end side of the insertion portion 10, and a universal cord extending from the gripping portion 20. 30 and a connector 40 disposed on the proximal end side of the universal cord 30.

  The insertion portion 10 includes a distal end portion 11, a bending portion 12, and a flexible portion 13. The distal end portion 11 is provided with an imaging optical system and an illumination optical system that are optical members for observation. The bending portion 12 changes the direction of the tip portion 11 in the vertical and horizontal directions according to the operation of the angle knob 23 of the grip portion 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an imaging optical system observation window 15, an illumination optical system illumination window 19, a forceps hole 18, a nozzle 17, and a front water pipe opening 16 are provided on the distal end surface 11 SA of the distal end portion 11. And are arranged. The observation window 15 and the illumination window 19 are made of the outer surface of the outermost lens of the optical system or a cover glass.

  The nozzle 17 is arranged so that the cleaning water supplied through a cleaning water supply pipe (hereinafter simply referred to as “water supply pipe”) 31 can be sprayed to the observation window 15 of the tip end surface 11SA. The front water pipe opening 16 is disposed so that water can be sprayed onto the front observation target.

  The grip 20 has an insertion port 24 for a treatment instrument channel inserted through the forceps hole 18. The treatment tool can be inserted from the insertion port 24, and the treatment tool tip can protrude from the forceps hole 18 for treatment.

  The surgeon sprays cleaning water or blows air from the nozzle 17 by operating the air / water feeding button 21 of the grip 20. That is, the nozzle 17 is also connected to the air supply pipe 32 (see FIG. 3), but the description of the air supply is omitted.

  As will be described later, in the endoscope 1, the operator can switch the type of cleaning water sprayed from the nozzle 17 by setting the setting unit (SW) 22 of the grasping unit 20.

  The electrical connector 45 of the connector 40 is connected to a processor (not shown), the light guide 48 is connected to a light source device (not shown), and the air supply pipe connector 49 is connected to an air supply pump (not shown). The processor processes the imaging signal to generate an endoscopic image and displays it on a monitor (not shown). The light guide 48 is inserted through the universal cord 30, the grip portion 20, and the insertion portion 10, and emits illumination light from the illumination window 19 of the illumination optical system at the distal end portion 11.

  The connector 40 of the endoscope 1 is provided with two water supply pipes 41 (first water supply pipe 41A and second water supply pipe 41B).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first cleaning water 52A of the first bottle 51A is supplied to the first water supply pipe 41A via the water supply tube 43A. On the other hand, the second cleaning water 52B of the second bottle 51B is supplied to the second water supply pipe 41B via the water supply tube 43B.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when the air supply / water supply switching unit 46 is switched, the first bottle 51A and the pressurizing tube 44 (44A, 44B) and the first bottle 51A are switched via the pressurizing tube 42 (42A, 42B). Pressurized air is introduced into the second bottle 51B. Then, the cleaning water inside the bottle is fed to the water pipe by air pressure.

  One pressurizing tube may be provided. In this case, a branch portion may be provided outside the endoscope 1 and the two pressurizing tubes 44 (44A, 44B) may be connected. Further, the washing water may be directly fed by a pump.

  The washing water switching unit 47 (hereinafter also referred to as “switching unit”) is connected to the water supply pipe 31, the first water supply pipe 41 </ b> A, and the second water supply pipe 41 </ b> B, and according to the setting of the setting unit 22, For example, it is a flow path adjustment valve (Valve) that supplies the first cleaning water 52A or the second cleaning water 52B to the water supply pipe 31 as the cleaning water. That is, the switching unit 47 supplies one of the two types of wash water that has been supplied to the water supply pipe.

  The water supply pipe 31 is inserted through the inside of the universal cord 30, the grip part 20, and the insertion part 10, and is connected to the nozzle 17 of the tip part 11. Then, the cleaning water 52 (the first cleaning water 52A or the second cleaning water 52B) supplied through the water supply pipe 31 is sprayed from the nozzle 17 to the observation window 15.

  Here, it is preferable that the first wash water 52A is alkaline having a pH of 9 to 11, and the second wash water 52B is weakly acidic having a pH of 5 to 7. “˜” means “more than or less than”.

  The first wash water 52A having a pH in the above range can efficiently wash away and remove deposits that are difficult to remove with purified water, for example, oil and fat stains, without adversely affecting the living tissue. That is, if the pH is less than the above range, the deposit removal effect may not be significant. If the pH is above the range, the body tissue may be altered or the body tissue may be stimulated.

As the first washing water, alkali ion water is particularly preferable. Alkaline ion water is water made alkaline by increasing the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH ⁻ ) by releasing hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) as hydrogen gas by an electrolysis reaction. Alkaline ion water, which contains relatively few alkali metal ions and alkaline earth metal ions as components, has low alteration and low irritation to body tissues and is excellent in equipment maintenance. Alkaline ion water is produced using a commercially available alkaline ion water generator.

  The second wash water 52A is particularly preferably medical purified water from which impurities and the like have been removed by, for example, a reverse osmosis membrane treatment device, a deionization device, a distillation device or the like. Purified water may be neutral (pH 7), but in actual use, it absorbs carbon dioxide in the air and is weakly acidic within the above range.

  It should be noted that a biocompatible surfactant may be included in at least one of the first cleaning water 52A and the second cleaning water 52B. For example, commercially available products include Tween 80 (ICI Americas), Nonion, Pronon (Nippon Yushi), Emargen (Kao), Neugen (Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku), Triton (Rohm and Haas), Sterox (Monsanto), etc. Can be used.

  Note that only the alkaline first cleaning water 52A can be used as the cleaning water in order to easily remove the deposits. However, the first wash water 52A is more expensive than the second wash water 52B made of purified water. For this reason, if the 1st washing water 52A is used to a slight dirt, it will become high cost.

  On the other hand, in the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, the operator can use the first cleaning water 52A or the second cleaning water 52B depending on the dirt, so that treatment can be performed at low cost. it can.

  As described above, the insertion portion 10 having an optical member at the distal end portion 11, the cleaning water supply pipe 31 to which the cleaning water 52 for cleaning the distal end surface 11SA of the insertion portion 10 is supplied, and the first cleaning water 52A. The first water pipe 41A to which water is fed, the second water pipe 41B to which the second washing water 52B is fed, the washing water water pipe 31, the first water pipe 41A and the second water pipe 41B The operating conditions of the wash water switching unit 47 and the wash water switching unit 47 connected to each other and supplying either the first wash water 52A or the second wash water 52B as the wash water 52 to the wash water feed pipe 31 are as follows. The endoscope 1 of the present embodiment including the setting unit 22 for setting can efficiently remove the deposit on the distal end surface 11SA.

Second Embodiment
Since the endoscope 1A of the second embodiment is similar to the endoscope 1 of the first embodiment, it will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and the like which are the same as those of the first embodiment. In addition, the same components as those in the endoscope 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The cleaning water switching unit 47A of the endoscope 1A shown in FIG. 3 mixes the first cleaning water 52A and the second cleaning water 52B at a predetermined ratio based on the setting of the setting unit 22A. As shown in FIG. The mixing ratio is 0% or more and 100% or less.

  In general, the higher the pH of the washing water, the higher the effect of removing deposits. However, as already described, wash water with a high pH is not only expensive, but may alter or irritate living tissue. Deterioration / stimulation of living tissue by washing water having a pH of less than 11 is extremely small. However, for example, washing water with a pH of 10.5 has a higher possibility of alteration or irritation compared with washing water with a pH of 9.5.

  In the endoscope 1A, alkaline ionized water having a maximum allowable pH, for example, pH 10.9 is used as the first washing water 52A. Then, by mixing the first cleaning water 52A and the weakly acidic second cleaning water 52B to form the cleaning water 52, it is possible to use cleaning water having a pH corresponding to dirt.

  For example, when deposits could not be removed even by first cleaning with the second cleaning water 52B, the first cleaning water 52A was slightly mixed with the second cleaning water 52B, and the pH was slightly higher. For example, washing water having a pH of 7.5 is used. If it cannot be removed even with pH 7.5 wash water, wash water with a higher pH is used.

  That is, the switching unit 47A sends the first washing water 52A, the second washing water 52B, or the mixed washing water to the water pipe 31 as the washing water.

  The endoscope 1 of the present embodiment has the effect of the endoscope 1 and can use cleaning water having the minimum necessary pH. Therefore, the amount of the expensive alkaline first cleaning water 52A used is small. Therefore, it is economical, and there is less risk of altering or stimulating living tissue.

<Third Embodiment>
Since the endoscope 1B according to the third embodiment is similar to the endoscope 1A, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a pH sensor 63 for measuring the pH of the cleaning water 52 is disposed at the distal end portion 11 of the endoscope 1B. The cleaning water 52 that has been supplied through the water supply pipe 31 is discharged from the nozzle 17 and cleans the observation window 15 on the distal end surface 11SA of the imaging unit 15A.

  The cleaning water switching unit 47B controls the first cleaning water 52A and the second cleaning water 52B so that the cleaning water becomes a value set by the setting unit 22B under the control of the CPU (60) which is the cleaning water control unit. Are automatically mixed at a predetermined ratio.

  As already described, in the endoscope 1A, it was possible to use cleaning water having different pH by changing the mixing ratio of the first cleaning water 52A and the second cleaning water 52B. However, it was necessary for the operator to select the optimum mixing ratio by trial and error.

  On the other hand, in the endoscope 1B, the operator can use cleaning water having a desired pH more easily by setting the pH with the setting unit 22B. For example, pH 10 alkaline ionized water is used for strong soils, pH 6 purified water is used for light soils, and alkaline ionized water and purified water are mixed at a ratio of 1: 1 for normal soils. It is easy for the endoscope 1B to use this mixed water as the cleaning liquid.

  That is, the endoscope 1B of the present embodiment has the effect of the endoscope 1A, and can more efficiently remove the deposit on the distal end surface 11SA.

<Fourth embodiment>
Since the endoscope 1C according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the endoscopes 1, 1A, and 1B, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. That is, the endoscope 1 </ b> C supplies water to the water supply pipe 31 as the cleaning water 52 using at least one of the first cleaning water and the second cleaning water according to the setting of the setting unit 22 </ b> C similarly to the endoscope 1 and the like. A washing water switching unit 47C.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the endoscope 1 </ b> C includes a heating unit 61 that heats the cleaning water 52 inside the water supply pipe 31 and a temperature sensor 62 that measures the temperature of the cleaning water 52 at the distal end portion 11. In addition.

  FIG. 6 shows an example in which two temperature sensors 62 are provided for measuring the temperature before and after heating. However, if one temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heated cleaning water 52 is provided. Good.

  The cleaning effect of the cleaning water 52 is more effective as the temperature is higher. In endoscope 1C, CPU (60) which is a washing water control part heats washing water according to setting of setting part 22C. That is, in the endoscope 1C, when the surgeon sets the pH and temperature of the washing water with the setting unit 22C, the CPU (60) controls the switching unit 47C and the heating unit 61 to set the pH. The cleaning water 52 having a temperature is supplied.

  The heating temperature of the washing water is preferably 25 ° C to 40 ° C, particularly preferably 33 ° C to 37 ° C. If it is at least the lower limit, dirt can be efficiently removed, and if it is less than the upper limit, there is no possibility of altering or stimulating living tissue.

  Here, for example, when the cleaning water in the bottle is heated, the cleaning water that is not used is heated. Moreover, it takes time to change the temperature. On the other hand, the endoscope 1C is efficient because it heats only the cleaning water that is actually sprayed because it heats at the distal end portion 11. Furthermore, the temperature of the cleaning water can be adjusted in a short time.

  As described above, the endoscope 1 </ b> C has the effects of the endoscopes 1, 1 </ b> A, and 1 </ b> B, and further uses a heated cleaning solution, so that the attached matter on the distal end surface 11 </ b> SA can be more efficiently removed. .

<Fifth Embodiment>
Since the endoscope system 2 according to the fifth embodiment is similar to the endoscope 1 or the like, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The endoscope 1D of the endoscope system 2 does not have a function of supplying cleaning water for cleaning the distal end surface 11SA. However, as shown in FIG. 6, the endoscope system 2 includes a water supply unit 71 and an overtube 70 through which the insertion unit 10 is inserted. The water supply pipe 31 passes through the inside of the overtube 70.

  The first cleaning water 52A of the first bottle 51A is supplied to the first water supply pipe 41A of the water supply unit 71. On the other hand, the second cleaning water 52B of the second bottle 51B is supplied to the second water supply pipe 41B. The wash water switching unit 47D is connected to the water supply pipe 31, the first water supply pipe 41A, and the second water supply pipe 41B. Depending on the setting of the setting unit 22D, the first wash water 52A or the second water supply pipe 41B is connected. At least one of the cleaning water 52B is supplied to the water supply pipe 31D as cleaning water.

  The endoscope 1D of the endoscope system 2 has the same effect as the endoscope 1 and the like when used in combination with the overtube 70 and the water supply unit 71. Needless to say, the overtube 70 may be provided with the same pH adjustment function or temperature adjustment function as the endoscopes 1A to 1C.

  In addition, as endoscope 1D, what is called a rigid endoscope in which an insertion part does not have a soft part and a bending part may be sufficient.

  Here, in the description of the first to fourth embodiments, the endoscope or the like that sprays the cleaning water 52 onto the observation window 15 has been described. However, the cleaning water 52 is sprayed onto the illumination window 19 of the illumination optical system. May be. Furthermore, with respect to the water discharged from the front water supply pipe opening 16, blood or the like adhering to the site to be observed can be efficiently removed by using the same configuration.

  Moreover, you may use what is called nano bubble water which contains the ultrafine bubble whose diameter is less than 1 micrometer in water as 1st washing water. The nanobubble water is generated, for example, by releasing air into water through a porous filter or the like to form fine bubbles, and further irradiating the fine bubbles with ultrasonic waves to give physical stimulation to the fine bubbles. Nanobubble water is excellent in cleaning effect even at low pH.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the like, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A-1D ... Endoscope, 10 ... Insertion part, 11 ... Tip part, 20 ... Grasping part, 21 ... Air / water supply button, 22 ... Setting part, 30 ... Universal code, 31 ... Washing water / water supply pipe, 40 ... Connector, 41A ... first water pipe, 41B ... second water pipe, 47 ... washing water switching section, 52 ... washing water, 52A ... first washing water, 52B ... second washing water, 61 ... heating , 62 ... temperature sensor, 63 ... pH sensor, 70 ... overtube, 71 ... water supply unit

Claims (10)

An insertion portion having an optical member at a distal end portion, a gripping portion disposed on the proximal end side of the insertion portion, a universal cord extending from the gripping portion, and a proximal end side of the universal cord. An endoscope in which a cleaning water supply pipe for supplying cleaning water for cleaning the distal end surface of the insertion portion is inserted through the insertion portion, the gripping portion, and the universal cord. There,
The washing water pipe is connected to a first water pipe to which alkaline ionized water having a pH of 9 to 11 is fed, and a second water pipe to which purified water having a pH of 5 to 7 is fed. A washing water switching unit for feeding at least one of the alkaline ion water or the purified water to the washing water pipe as the washing water is disposed in the connector;
An endoscope, wherein a setting unit for setting an operation condition of the washing water switching unit is provided in the gripping unit. An insertion part having an optical member at the tip part;
A washing water feed pipe to which washing water for washing the distal end surface of the insertion portion is fed;
A first water pipe through which the first wash water is fed;
A second water pipe through which the second wash water is fed;
The cleaning water supply pipe, the first water supply pipe and the second water supply pipe are connected, and at least one of the first cleaning water and the second cleaning water is used as the cleaning water. A washing water switching section for sending water to the water pipe;
An endoscope, comprising: a setting unit that sets operating conditions of the washing water switching unit.   The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the pH of the first washing water is 9 to 11, and the pH of the second washing water is 5 to 7.   The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the first washing water is alkali ion water and the second washing water is purified water.   5. The washing water switching unit mixes the first washing water and the second washing water at a predetermined ratio based on the setting of the setting unit, and sends the washing water as the washing water. The endoscope according to 1. The flush water pipe is inserted through the insertion portion;
The endoscope according to claim 5, wherein the setting portion is disposed on a grip portion disposed on a proximal end side of the insertion portion. While having a pH sensor for measuring the pH of the washing water at the tip,
The endoscope according to claim 6, further comprising a cleaning water control unit that controls the cleaning water switching unit so that the pH of the cleaning water becomes a value set by the setting unit. A heating unit for heating the washing water and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the washing water are provided at the tip part,
The endoscope according to claim 7, wherein the cleaning water control unit controls the heating unit so that a temperature of the cleaning water becomes a value set by the setting unit.   The endoscope according to claim 5, wherein the cleaning water supply pipe is inserted through an inside of an overtube through which the insertion portion is inserted. An endoscope having an insertion portion having an optical member at a distal end portion;
An overtube through which the insertion portion of the endoscope and a cleaning water supply pipe to which cleaning water for cleaning the distal end surface of the insertion portion is supplied;
A first water pipe through which the first wash water is fed, a second water pipe through which the second wash water is fed, the water pipe, the first water pipe, and the second water pipe. A cleaning water switching unit connected to supply at least one of the first cleaning water or the second cleaning water to the cleaning water water pipe as the cleaning water, and operating conditions of the cleaning water switching unit are set. An endoscope system comprising: a water supply unit having a setting unit.

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