JP3874299B2 - Balloon control device for endoscope apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a balloon control device for an endoscope apparatus, and more particularly to a balloon control apparatus that controls a balloon used in an endoscope apparatus that observes a deep digestive tract such as a small intestine or a large intestine.

  When inserting the insertion part of the endoscope into the deep digestive tract such as the small intestine, simply pushing the insertion part makes it difficult for force to be transmitted to the distal end of the insertion part due to the complicated bending of the intestinal tract. Have difficulty. For example, if excessive bending or bending occurs in the insertion portion, the insertion portion cannot be inserted further deeper. Therefore, a method has been proposed in which an insertion aid is put on the insertion portion of the endoscope and inserted into the body cavity, and the insertion portion is guided by this insertion aid to prevent excessive bending or bending of the insertion portion. Yes.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an endoscope apparatus in which a first balloon is provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope and a second balloon is provided at a distal end portion of an insertion assisting tool (also referred to as an overtube or a sliding tube). Is described. By inflating the first balloon and the second balloon, the insertion portion and the insertion aid can be fixed in the intestinal tract such as the small intestine. Therefore, by inserting the insertion portion and the insertion aid alternately while repeating the expansion and contraction of the first balloon and the second balloon, the insertion portion can be inserted into a deep portion of the intestinal tract that is bent in a complicated manner, such as the small intestine. .
JP 2002-301019 A

  However, the conventional balloon-type endoscope apparatus has a problem in that it is difficult to operate the operation buttons accurately and the operability is poor because the number of operation buttons for operating expansion and contraction of the balloon is large. In particular, when the operation button is provided on the foot switch arranged at the foot, there is a problem that the operability is poor because the operation button must be operated while visually recognizing the many operation buttons at the foot.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a balloon control device for an endoscope apparatus that can improve the operability by reducing the number of operation buttons.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is attached to a balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope or an insertion assisting tool that covers the insertion portion and assists insertion of the insertion portion. In a balloon control device for an endoscope apparatus that supplies and sucks fluid to a balloon, when the operation button is operated once within a predetermined time, pressurization processing and decompression processing of the balloon are performed. A switching process for switching is executed, and when the operation button is operated twice within a predetermined time, a stop process for stopping the pressurizing process or the depressurizing process of the balloon is executed. Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the switching process is executed with a single click of the operation button, and the stop process is executed with a double click.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 2 is attached to a balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope or an insertion assisting tool that covers the insertion portion and assists insertion of the insertion portion. Switching processing for switching between pressurization and decompression of the balloon according to the amount of operation of the operation button in a balloon control device for an endoscopic device that supplies and sucks fluid to the balloon, One of the stop processing for stopping the pressurization or decompression of the balloon is selected and executed. In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 3 is attached to a balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope or an insertion assisting tool that covers the insertion portion and assists insertion of the insertion portion. Switching processing for switching between pressurization and decompression of the balloon according to the amount of operation of the operation button in a balloon control device for an endoscopic device that supplies and sucks fluid to the balloon, One of the stop processing for stopping the pressurization or decompression of the balloon is selected and executed.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 4 is attached to a balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope or an insertion assisting tool that covers the insertion portion and assists insertion of the insertion portion. In the balloon control device for an endoscope apparatus that supplies and sucks fluid to the balloon, switching processing for switching between pressurization and decompression of the balloon according to the time during which the operation button is operated, One of the stop processing for stopping pressurization or decompression of the balloon is selected and executed. In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 5 is attached to a balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope or an insertion assisting tool that covers the insertion portion and assists insertion of the insertion portion. In a balloon control device for an endoscope apparatus that supplies and sucks fluid to a balloon, the balloon pressurization process, the balloon depressurization are performed according to the number of times the operation button is operated within a predetermined time. One of stop processing for stopping the pressurization or decompression of the processing and the balloon is selected and executed.

  According to the balloon control device for an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, since a plurality of different processes are selected and executed by one operation button, the number of operation buttons can be reduced, and the operability is greatly improved. Can be made.

  A preferred embodiment of a balloon control device for an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an endoscope apparatus to which a balloon control device according to the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope apparatus mainly includes an endoscope 10, an insertion assisting tool 70, and a balloon control device 100.

  The endoscope 10 includes a hand operation unit 14 and an insertion unit 12 that is connected to the hand operation unit 14 and is inserted into a body cavity. A universal cable 16 is connected to the hand operation unit 14, and an LG connector 18 is provided at the tip of the universal cable 16. The LG connector 18 is detachably connected to the light source device 20, thereby sending illumination light to an illumination optical system 54 (see FIG. 2) described later. In addition, an electrical connector 24 is connected to the LG connector 18 via a cable 22, and the electrical connector 24 is detachably coupled to the processor 26.

  The hand operation unit 14 is provided with an air / water supply button 28, a suction button 30, a shutter button 32, and a function switching button 34, and a pair of angle knobs 36 and 36. A balloon air supply port 38 is formed at the proximal end portion of the hand operation unit 14 by a tube bent in an L shape. By supplying or sucking fluid such as air to the balloon air supply port 38, the first balloon 60 described later can be inflated or deflated.

  The insertion part 12 is composed of a flexible part 40, a bending part 42, and a tip part 44 in this order from the hand operation part 14 side. The bending part 44 is remotely controlled by rotating the angle knobs 36, 36 of the hand operation part 14. Bending operation. Thereby, the front-end | tip part 44 can be turned to a desired direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an observation optical system 52, illumination optical systems 54 and 54, an air / water supply nozzle 56, and a forceps port 58 are provided on the distal end surface 45 of the distal end portion 44. A CCD (not shown) is disposed behind the observation optical system 52, and a signal cable (not shown) is connected to a substrate that supports the CCD. The signal cable is inserted into the insertion portion 12, the hand operating portion 14, the universal cable 16, and the like of FIG. 1, extends to the electrical connector 24, and is connected to the processor 26. Therefore, the observation image captured by the observation optical system 48 is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD and converted into an electric signal, and this electric signal is output to the processor 26 via the signal cable and converted into a video signal. Is done. Thereby, an observation image is displayed on the monitor 50 connected to the processor 26.

  An exit end of a light guide (not shown) is disposed behind the illumination optical systems 54 and 54 in FIG. The light guide is inserted through the insertion portion 12, the hand operating portion 14, and the universal cable 16 of FIG. 1, and an incident end is disposed in the LG connector 18. Therefore, by connecting the LG connector 18 to the light source device 20, the illumination light emitted from the light source device 20 is transmitted to the illumination optical systems 54 and 54 via the light guide, and irradiated forward from the illumination optical systems 54 and 54. Is done.

  The air / water supply nozzle 56 in FIG. 2 is connected to a valve (not shown) operated by the air / water supply button 28 in FIG. 1, and this valve is also connected to the air / water supply connector provided in the LG connector 18. 48 is communicated. An air / water supply means (not shown) is connected to the air / water supply connector 48 to supply air or water. Therefore, by operating the air / water supply button 28, air or water can be ejected from the air / water supply nozzle 56 toward the observation optical system 52.

  The forceps port 58 in FIG. 2 communicates with the forceps insertion portion 46 in FIG. Therefore, by inserting a treatment tool such as a forceps from the forceps insertion portion 46, the treatment tool can be led out from the forceps port 58. The forceps port 58 communicates with a valve (not shown) operated by the suction button 30, and this valve is further connected to the suction connector 49 of the LG connector 18. Therefore, by connecting a suction means (not shown) to the suction connector 49 and operating the valve with the suction button 30, a lesioned part or the like can be sucked from the forceps opening 58.

  A first balloon 60 made of an elastic material such as rubber is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 12. The first balloon 60 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with both ends narrowed. After the insertion portion 12 is inserted and the first balloon 60 is disposed at a desired position, the first balloon 60 is disposed as shown in FIG. The first balloon 60 is fixed to the insertion portion 12 by fitting rubber fixing rings 62 and 62 into both ends of the 60.

  A vent hole 64 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 12 where the first balloon 60 is attached. The ventilation hole 64 communicates with a balloon air supply port 38 provided in the hand operation unit 14 of FIG. 1, and is connected to the balloon control device 100 via a tube 110 described later. Therefore, the first balloon 60 can be inflated and deflated by supplying and sucking air by the balloon control device 100. The first balloon 60 is inflated into a substantially spherical shape by supplying air, and sticks to the outer surface of the insertion portion 12 by sucking air.

  On the other hand, the insertion assisting tool 70 shown in FIG. 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape, has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 12, and has sufficient flexibility. A rigid gripping portion 72 is provided at the proximal end of the insertion assisting tool 70, and the insertion portion 12 is inserted from the gripping portion 72.

  A second balloon 80 is mounted near the distal end of the insertion assisting tool 70. The second balloon 80 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with both ends narrowed, and is attached in a state where the insertion assisting tool 70 is penetrated, and is fixed by winding a thread (not shown). A tube 74 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion assisting tool 70 is communicated with the second balloon 80, and a connector 76 is provided at the proximal end portion of the tube 74. A tube 120 is connected to the connector 76, and is connected to the balloon control device 100 via the tube 120. Therefore, the second balloon 80 can be inflated and deflated by supplying and sucking air with the balloon control device 100. The second balloon 80 is expanded into a substantially spherical shape by supplying air, and is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion assisting tool 70 by sucking air.

  An injection port 78 is provided on the proximal end side of the insertion assisting tool 70. The injection port 78 communicates with an opening (not shown) formed on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion assisting tool 70. Therefore, the lubricant can be supplied into the insertion aid 70 by injecting the lubricant (for example, water) from the injection port 78 with a syringe or the like. Therefore, when the insertion portion 12 is inserted into the insertion assisting tool 70, the friction between the inner peripheral surface of the insertion assisting tool 70 and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 12 can be reduced, and the relative relationship between the insertion portion 12 and the insertion assisting tool 70 can be reduced. Movement can be performed smoothly.

  The balloon control device 100 is a device that supplies and sucks fluid such as air to the first balloon 60 and supplies and sucks fluid such as air to the second balloon 80. The balloon control device 100 mainly includes a device main body 102 and a hand switch 104 for remote control.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a power switch SW1, a stop switch SW2, a first pressure display unit 106, a second pressure display unit 108, a first function stop switch SW3, and a second function stop switch are provided on the front surface of the apparatus main body 102. SW4 is provided. The first pressure display unit 106 and the second pressure display unit 108 are panels for displaying the pressure values of the first balloon 60 and the second balloon 80, respectively. When an abnormality such as balloon breakage occurs, the pressure display units 106 and 108 are displayed. An error code is displayed.

  The first function stop switch SW3 and the second function stop switch SW4 are switches for turning on / off the functions of an endoscope control system A and an insertion assisting tool control system B, which will be described later. When only one of the two balloons 80 is used, the function stop switches SW3 and SW4 which are not used are operated to turn off the function. In the control system A or B in which the function is turned off, air supply and suction are completely stopped, and the pressure display unit 106 or 108 of the system is also turned off. The function stop switches SW3 and SW4 can be set to an initial state by turning off both of them. For example, the calibration with respect to the atmospheric pressure is performed by turning off both function stop switches SW3 and SW4 and simultaneously pressing all the switches SW5 to SW9 of the hand switch 104.

  A tube 110 that supplies and sucks air to the first balloon 60 and a tube 120 that supplies and sucks air to the second balloon 80 are connected to the front surface of the apparatus main body 102. The connection portions between the tubes 110 and 120 and the apparatus main body 102 are provided with backflow prevention units 112 and 122 for preventing backflow of body fluid when the first balloon 60 or the second balloon 80 is torn. The backflow prevention units 112 and 122 are configured by incorporating a gas-liquid separation filter in a hollow disk-like case (not shown) that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 102. The filter prevents the liquid from flowing in.

  In addition, the pressure display units 106 and 108, the function stop switches SW3 and SW4, and the backflow prevention units 112 and 122 are always arranged in a constant manner for the endoscope 10 and the insertion assisting tool 70. That is, the pressure display unit 106, the function stop switch SW3, and the backflow prevention unit 112 for the endoscope 10 are respectively connected to the pressure display unit 108, the function stop switch SW4, and the backflow prevention unit 122 for the insertion assisting tool 70. Located on the right side.

  On the other hand, the hand switch 104 includes a stop switch SW5 similar to the stop switch SW2 on the apparatus main body 102 side, an ON / OFF switch SW6 for instructing pressurization / decompression of the first balloon 60, and the pressure of the first balloon 60. A pause switch SW7 for holding, an ON / OFF switch SW8 for instructing pressurization / depressurization of the second balloon 80, and a pause switch SW9 for holding the pressure of the second balloon 80 are provided. The hand switch 104 is electrically connected to the apparatus main body 102 via the cord 130. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the hand switch 104 is provided with a display unit that indicates an air supply state or an exhaust state of the first balloon 60 or the second balloon 80.

  The balloon control device 100 configured as described above supplies air to the balloons 60 and 80 to inflate them and controls the air pressure to a constant value to hold the balloons 60 and 80 in an inflated state. In addition, air is sucked from each balloon 60 and 80 and contracted, and the air pressure is controlled to a constant value to hold each balloon 60 and 80 in a contracted state.

  The balloon control device 100 is connected to the balloon dedicated monitor 82 and displays the pressure value and the inflated / deflated state of the balloons 60 and 80 on the balloon dedicated monitor 82 when the balloons 60 and 80 are inflated and deflated. . The pressure values and the inflated / deflated states of the balloons 60 and 80 may be superimposed on the observation image of the endoscope 10 and displayed on the monitor 50.

  Next, an operation method of the endoscope apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, as shown in FIG. 4A, the insertion part 12 is inserted into the intestinal tract (for example, the descending leg of the duodenum) 90 with the insertion assisting tool 70 placed on the insertion part 12. At this time, the first balloon 60 and the second balloon 80 are deflated.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, the second balloon 80 is inflated by supplying air to the second balloon 80 in a state where the distal end of the insertion assisting tool 70 is inserted up to the bent portion of the intestinal tract 90. That is, the switch SW8 of the hand switch 104 is turned on to instruct pressurization, air is supplied from the balloon control device 100 through the tube 120, and the second balloon 80 is inflated until a preset pressure is applied. As a result, the second balloon 80 is locked to the intestinal tract 90, and the distal end of the insertion assisting tool 70 is fixed to the intestinal tract 90.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4C, only the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10 is inserted into the deep portion of the intestinal tract 90. Then, as shown in FIG. 4 (d), air is supplied to the first balloon 60 to be inflated. That is, the switch SW6 of the hand switch 104 is turned on to instruct pressurization, air is supplied from the balloon control device 100 via the tube 110, and the first balloon 60 is inflated until a preset pressure is applied. Thereby, the first balloon 60 is fixed to the intestinal tract 90.

  Next, air is sucked from the second balloon 80 to contract the second balloon 80. That is, the switch SW8 of the hand switch 104 is turned OFF to command a pressure reduction, air is sucked from the balloon control device 100 through the tube 120, and the second balloon 80 is contracted until a preset pressure reducing force is obtained. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4E, the insertion assisting tool 70 is pushed in and inserted along the insertion portion 12. And after holding the front-end | tip of the insertion auxiliary tool 70 to the vicinity of the 1st balloon 60, as shown in FIG.4 (f), air is supplied to the 2nd balloon 80, and it is made to expand. That is, by turning ON the switch SW8 of the hand switch 104, the second balloon 80 is inflated until a preset pressure is applied. Thereby, the second balloon 80 is fixed to the intestinal tract 90. That is, the intestinal tract 90 is grasped by the second balloon 80.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4 (g), the insertion assisting tool 70 is pulled forward. Thereby, the intestinal tract 90 is in a contracted state, and the extra bending or bending of the insertion assisting tool 70 is eliminated. Next, as shown in FIG. 4 (h), air is sucked from the first balloon 60 to contract the first tube 60. That is, the switch SW6 of the hand switch 104 is turned OFF to instruct decompression, air is sucked from the balloon control device 100 through the tube 110, and the first balloon 60 is contracted until the preset decompression force is reached.

  And the front-end | tip part 44 of the insertion part 12 is inserted in the deep part of the intestinal tract 90 as much as possible. That is, the insertion operation shown in FIG. Thereby, the front-end | tip part 44 of the insertion part 12 can be inserted in the deep part of the intestinal tract 90. FIG. When inserting the insertion portion 12 into a deeper portion, after performing a fixing operation as shown in FIG. 4D, a pushing operation as shown in FIG. ), A hand-drawing operation as shown in FIG. 4G, and an insertion operation as shown in FIG. Thereby, the insertion part 12 can be further inserted into the deep part of the intestinal tract 90.

  Next, the internal structure of the balloon control device 100 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the internal structure of the balloon control device 100. As shown in the figure, the main body 102 of the balloon control device 100 mainly includes a power supply circuit 160, a sequencer 170, an endoscope control system A, and an insertion assisting tool control system B.

  The power supply circuit 160 converts the commercial power input from the power plug 162 into a DC power supply of a required voltage and supplies it to each part in the apparatus main body 102, and includes a fuse 164 and a switching power supply 166. The switching power supply 166 includes a power switch 166A, a power supply primary side 166B, and a power supply secondary side 166C, and the power supply primary side 166B and the power supply secondary side 166C are reinforced and insulated. Note that reference numeral 168 in FIG. 4 denotes an electric potential terminal, and reference numeral 169 denotes a protective ground terminal. The intermediate circuit indicated by the alternate long and short dash line is protectively grounded, and the exterior indicated by the solid line is protectively grounded.

  The sequencer 170 separately controls the endoscope control system A and the insertion assisting tool control system B based on various commands from the hand switch 104 and also detects the buzzer BZ when detecting a pressure abnormality or the like. Sounds and displays an error.

  Further, the sequencer 170 is connected to the image processing circuit 180, and signals indicating the measurement values of the pressure sensors SA and SB are converted into image signals here. The processed signal is sent to the balloon dedicated monitor 80, and the balloons 60 and 80 are inflated and deflated in a graphic display on the balloon dedicated monitor 80. The image processing circuit 180 is connected to the processor 26. When an observation image signal of the endoscope 10 is input from the input terminal a, the image processing circuit 180 superimposes the inflated and deflated states of the balloons 60 and 80. And the superimpose signal is output from the output terminal b to the processor 26. As a result, an image obtained by superimposing the balloon state on the observation image can be displayed on the monitor 30 of FIG.

  The sequencer 170 is also connected to the cooling fan 190 and the foot switch device 192. The cooling fan 190 is driven when the power switch SW <b> 1 (see FIG. 3) is turned on, and prevents overheating by blowing air into the apparatus main body 102.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the foot switch device 192 includes two pedals (corresponding to operation buttons) 192A and 192B, and the two pedals 192A and 192B are arranged side by side. The pedals 192A and 192B are switched on when the operator steps on them. By operating the pedals 192A and 192B, pressurization processing, decompression processing of the first balloon 60 and the second balloon 80, or Stop processing (pause processing) is performed. The pedal 192A is an operation button for operating the pressurization / decompression of the first balloon 60 by giving an instruction to an endoscope control system A, which will be described later, and the pedal 192B is connected to the insertion assisting tool control system B. This is an operation button for giving an instruction to operate the pressurization and decompression of the second balloon 80, and the control is performed by the sequencer 170. Detailed operation of the sequencer 170 will be described later.

  The endoscope control system A mainly includes a pressurizing pump PA1, a depressurizing pump PA2, an electromagnetic valve VA1 for turning on / off the air supply from the pump PA1, and an electromagnetic valve for turning on / off the air suction by the pump PA2. VA2, a solenoid valve VA3 for switching between pressurization / depressurization, and a pressure sensor SA that detects the pressure of the tube 110. The start / stop of the pressurizing pump PA1 and the depressurizing pump PA2 is controlled by the sequencer 170. The three solenoid valves VA1, VA2, and VA3 are switched and controlled by a drive signal from the sequencer 170.

The pressure sensor SA is preset pressure P ₁ (e.g., 5.6 kPa above atmospheric pressure) and this pressure P ₁ higher than the abnormal pressure P ₂ (e.g., 8.2 kPa higher than the atmospheric pressure Pressure) and a preset decompression force P ₃ (for example, a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure by 6.0 kPa) can be detected. The pressure detected by the pressure sensor SA is applied to the sequencer 170 and displayed on the pressure display unit 106.

  A three-way valve VA4 is disposed between the pressurizing pump PA1 and the electromagnetic valve VA1, and a fixed throttle DA1 is attached to the three-way valve VA4. Accordingly, a part of the air supplied from the pressurizing pump PA1 is always released into the atmosphere from the fixed throttle DA1.

  A fixed throttle DA2 is disposed between the electromagnetic valve VA3 and the gas-liquid separation unit 112, and the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the tube 110 is adjusted by the fixed throttle DA2.

  The insertion assisting tool control system B is configured in the same manner as the endoscope control system A, and mainly includes a pressurizing pump PB1, a depressurizing pump PB2, and an electromagnetic valve VB1 for turning on / off the air supply from the pump PB1. The electromagnetic valve VB2 that turns ON / OFF the air suction by the pump PB2, the electromagnetic valve VB3 that switches between pressurization / depressurization, and the pressure sensor SB that detects the pressure of the tube 120 are configured. The start / stop of the pressurizing pump PB1 and the depressurizing pump PB2 is controlled by the sequencer 170. Further, the three solenoid valves VB1, VB2, and VB3 are switched and controlled by a drive signal from the sequencer 170.

The pressure sensor SB is preset pressure P ₁ (e.g., 5.6 kPa above atmospheric pressure) and this pressure P ₁ higher than the abnormal pressure P ₂ (e.g., 8.2 kPa higher than the atmospheric pressure Pressure) and a preset decompression force P ₃ (for example, a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure by 6.0 kPa) can be detected. The pressure detected by the pressure sensor SB is applied to the sequencer 170 and displayed on the pressure display unit 108.

  A three-way valve VB4 is disposed between the pressurizing pump PB1 and the electromagnetic valve VB1, and a fixed throttle DB1 is attached to the three-way valve VB4. Therefore, a part of the air supplied from the pressurizing pump PB1 is always leaked from the fixed throttle DB1.

  A fixed throttle DB2 is disposed between the electromagnetic valve VA3 and the gas-liquid separation unit 122, and the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the tube 120 is adjusted by the fixed throttle DB2.

  Next, the operation of the sequencer 170 will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In addition, since the balloon control on the endoscope side and the balloon control on the insertion aid side by the sequencer 170 are performed in the same manner, the balloon control on the endoscope side will be described below.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the sequencer 170. In the figure, the sequencer 170 determines whether or not a pressure reduction command for the first balloon 60 (that is, the switch SW6 is turned off) is input from the hand switch 104 (step S10). When a decompression command is input, the decompression process shown in FIG. 5 is executed.

  Similarly, the sequencer 170 determines whether or not a pressure command for the first balloon 60 (that is, switch SW6 is turned on) is input from the hand switch 104, and a pause command for holding the pressure of the balloon 60 (pause switch SW7 is turned on). Is determined (step S20, S30). When a pressurization command is input, the pressurization process shown in FIG. 6 is executed. When a pause command is input, the pause process shown in FIG. 7 is executed.

  Note that the key tops of the switch SW6 and the pause switch SW7 are respectively provided with a green LED and a white LED, and these green LED and white LED are lit when the switch is ON. The switch SW8 and the pause switch SW9 are also provided with a green LED and a white LED, respectively.

  Next, the decompression process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the sequencer 170 resets the time T of the timer for measuring time to 0 (step S102), and then causes the control system A to perform a pressure reduction operation (step S104). That is, the electromagnetic valves VA1, VA2, and VA3 shown in FIG. 5 are turned off and the pressure reducing pump PA2 is driven.

Subsequently, the detection signal from the pressure sensor SA, to determine whether or not reached the reduced pressure P ₃ the pressure in the tube 110 has been set in advance (step S106), and reaches the reduced pressure force P _3, the pressure reduction operation Stop (step S108).

The decompression operation is stopped by the electromagnetic valve VA2. In addition, since the diameter of the air supply tube provided along the insertion portion 12 of the balloon endoscope 10 is sufficiently smaller than the diameter of the tube 110, when air suction (decompression) is started, the first Before the pressure of the balloon 60 reaches the decompression force P ₃ , the pressure in the tube 110 first reaches the decompression force P ₃ and the decompression operation stops. However, when the pressure of the first balloon 60 does not reach the decompression force P ₃ , the pressure in the tube 110 rises again and becomes larger than the decompression force P ₃ . In this case, the sequencer 170 starts the pressure reducing operation again by the detection signal from the pressure sensor SA2. In this way, the pressure of the first balloon 60 can be made the decompression force P ₃ by repeating the start and stop of the decompression operation a plurality of times.

On the other hand, if not reach the vacuum force P _3, the time T from the start of depressurization operation it is determined whether or not reached 30 seconds (step S110). Then, when the processes of steps S104, S106, and S110 are repeated until the time T reaches 30 seconds, it is determined that there is an abnormality (for example, the tube 110 and the balloon air inlet 18 are disconnected).

  When an abnormality is detected as described above, the timer time T is reset to 0, an error message is displayed, and the buzzer BZ is sounded simultaneously (steps S112, S113, S114). The error message displays an error code (for example, “Err7”) on the pressure display unit 106 alternately with the pressure value of the first balloon 60. At the same time, the red LEDs provided on the key tops of the stop switch SW2 provided in the apparatus main body 102 and the stop switch SW3 provided in the hand switch 104 are turned on.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not either of the stop switches SW2 or SW5 has been pressed (step S116). If it has been pressed, the error message display and the buzzer BZ are stopped (steps S117 and S118). On the other hand, if the stop switch SW2 or SW5 is not pressed, it is determined whether or not 20 seconds have elapsed. If 20 seconds have elapsed, the buzzer is automatically stopped.

  When an abnormality is reported by the buzzer BZ or the like during the decompression operation, the operator of the double balloon type endoscope normally checks whether the tube 110 is disconnected after pressing the stop switch SW2 or SW5. To do.

  Next, the pressurizing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the sequencer 170 resets the time T of the timer to 0 (step S202), and then causes the control system A to perform a pressurizing operation (step S204). That is, the electromagnetic valve VA3 is turned on and the pressurizing pump PA1 is driven.

Subsequently, the detection signal from the pressure sensor SA, to determine whether it has reached the increased pressure P ₁ the pressure preset in the tube 110 (step S206), if they reached the increased pressure P ₁ is , to determine whether further reached the abnormal pressure P ₂ (step S208). When it does not reach the abnormal pressure P ₂ stops the pressurization operation (step S210). The pressurization operation is stopped by the electromagnetic valve VA1. In addition, since the diameter of the air supply tube provided along the insertion portion 12 of the balloon endoscope 10 is sufficiently smaller than the diameter of the tube 110, when air supply (pressurization) is started, Before the pressure of one balloon 60 reaches the applied pressure P ₁ , the pressure in the tube 110 reaches the applied pressure P _{1 first} , and the pressurizing operation is stopped. However, if the pressure in the first balloon 60 has not reached the increased pressure P _1, the pressure in the tube 110 is again reduced to become lower than the pressure P _1. In this case, the sequencer 170 starts the pressurizing operation again by the detection signal from the pressure sensor SA1. In this way it started and stopped pressurizing operation are repeated a certain number of times to adjust the pressure in the first balloon 60 to the pressure P _1.

On the other hand, small intestine and go peristalsis, abnormalities of the apparatus body 102 (e.g., abnormality of the electromagnetic valve VA1) when pressurization operation by does not stop, if the pressure in the tube 110 reaches the abnormal pressure P ₃ is there. In this case, the process proceeds from step S208 to step S212, where it is determined whether or not the abnormal pressure P ₃ has continued for 5 seconds.

When the abnormal pressure P ₃ continues for 5 seconds, the timer time T is reset to 0, an error message is displayed, and the buzzer BZ is sounded at the same time (steps S214, S215, S216). In the error message, an error code (for example, “Err4”) and a balloon pressure value are alternately displayed on the pressure display unit 106.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not either of the stop switches SW2 or SW5 has been pressed (step S218). If pressed, the error message display is stopped and the buzzer BZ is stopped (steps S219 and S220). Subsequently, the pressure reducing operation is performed until the abnormal pressure P ₂ becomes the applied pressure P ₁ (step S222). This pressure reduction operation is performed by turning off the electromagnetic valve VA3 and switching to the pressure reduction side. In this case, for example, even when the solenoid valve VA1 is broken and the pressurizing operation cannot be stopped, the pressure can be reduced by switching the solenoid valve VA3.

Subsequently, the timer T is reset to 0 (step S224), and it is determined whether or not another switch SW is operated, such as an OFF (decompression) operation of the switch SW6 (step S226). When there is no operation of the other switches SW between 20 seconds (step S228), the process proceeds to step S230, the a depressurization operation for decompression to a negative pressure P ₃ is performed. In step S226, when it is determined that another switch SW is operated, balloon control based on the command of the switch SW is performed.

If it is determined in step S218 that the stop switch SW2 or SW5 has not been pressed, it is subsequently determined whether or not another switch SW has been operated (step S232). When the stop switch SW2 or SW5 is not pressed and no other switch SW is operated for 20 seconds (step S234), the error message display is stopped and the buzzer is stopped (steps S235 and S236). A pressure reducing operation for reducing the pressure to P ₃ is performed (step S230).

On the other hand, the process returns to step S206, when the pressure in the tube 110 does not reach the increased pressure P ₁ in the pressurization Sakuchu, time T from the start of pressurization operation is determined whether or not reached 60 seconds (Step S238). Then, when the processes of steps S204, S206, and S238 are repeated until the time T reaches 60 seconds, it is determined that there is an abnormality (for example, the tube 110 and the balloon air inlet 18 are disconnected).

  When an abnormality is detected as described above, the timer time T is reset to 0, an error message is displayed, and the buzzer BZ is sounded (steps S240 and S242). In the error message, an error code (for example, “Err5”) and a balloon pressure value are alternately displayed on the pressure display unit 106.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not either of the stop switches SW2 or SW5 has been pressed (step S244). If pressed, the error message display is stopped and the buzzer BZ is stopped (step S246). Subsequently, the timer time T is reset to 0 (step S248), and it is determined whether or not another switch SW is operated (step S250). When there is no operation of the other switches SW Between buzzer BZ is stopped for 20 seconds (step S252), the process proceeds to step S230, the a depressurization operation for decompression to a negative pressure P ₃ is performed. In step S250, when it is determined that another switch SW is operated, balloon control is performed based on the command of the switch SW.

On the other hand, if the stop switch SW2 or SW5 is not pressed in step S244, it is determined whether or not the time T has elapsed since the buzzer BZ was sounded (step S254). automatically after stopping the buzzer BZ is stopped the display of the error message (step S256), the process proceeds to step S230, the a depressurization operation for reducing the pressure to the reduced pressure P ₃ is performed.

  Next, abnormality detection when the first balloon 60 is broken will be described.

Because the diameter of the air supply tube provided along the insertion portion 12 of the balloon endoscope 10 is smaller than the diameter of the tube 110 (the diameter of the tube 110 is about 6 mm, and the diameter of the air supply tube is about 0.8 mm). , when the air supply (pressurization) is started, the pressure in the tube 110 before the pressure in the first balloon 60 reaches the increased pressure P ₁ is previously reached the increased pressure P _1, the pressurizing operation is stopped. However, when the pressure of the first balloon 60 does not reach the applied pressure P ₁ , the air in the tube 110 is supplied to the first balloon 60 via the air supply tube, so the pressure in the tube 110 is It decreases again and becomes smaller than the applied pressure P ₁ . In this case, the sequencer 170 starts the pressurizing operation again by the detection signal from the pressure sensor SA1.

When the first balloon 60 is not torn, the pressure of the first balloon 60 can be made the applied pressure P ₁ by repeating the start and stop of the pressurizing operation a plurality of times. Is broken, even if the pressurizing operation is repeated for a long time, the pressure of the first balloon 60 cannot be made the applied pressure P ₁ .

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the pressurization operation of the normal first balloon 60 that is contracted by repeating the pressurization operation in a short cycle of start and stop (that is, chattering ON / OFF of the electromagnetic valve VA1). If it continues for a sufficiently long time (for example, 40 seconds) than the chattering period that sometimes occurs, it is determined that the first balloon 60 is broken, an error message is displayed, and the buzzer BZ is sounded. In the error message, an error code (for example, “Err5”) and a balloon pressure value are alternately displayed on the pressure display unit 106.

  Next, the pause process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The sequencer 170 determines whether the input of the pause command for holding the pressure of the first balloon 60 (ON of the pause switch SW7) was during the decompression operation or the pressurization operation (step S302). If a pause command is input during the decompression operation, the solenoid valve VA2 is switched to stop the decompression operation (step S304).

  On the other hand, when a pause command is input during the pressurizing operation, the solenoid valve VA1 is switched to stop the pressurizing operation (step S306).

This pause function is used, for example, when a double balloon endoscope is inserted while inflating a balloon in the large intestine. That is, in the large intestine having a larger lumen diameter than the small intestine, although the balloon size reaches the lumen, the balloon pressure may not rise to the preset pressure P _1. The pressurizing operation is stopped using the pause function.

  Note that when the pause switch SW7 is pressed again during the temporary stop of the pressure reducing operation or the pressurizing operation, the pressure reducing operation or the pressurizing operation before the temporary stop is restored. Further, when the pressurization or pressure reduction switch (endoscope ON / OFF switch SW6) is pressed during the temporary stop of the pressure reduction operation or pressurization operation, the operation by the pressed switch has priority.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, by pressing the pedals 192A and 192B of the foot switch device 192 in FIG. 1 to perform the pressing operation, the pressurizing process and the depressurizing process of the first balloon 60 and the second balloon 80 are switched, Alternatively, the pressurizing process or the depressurizing process can be stopped. Specifically, when the pedals 192A and 192B are operated once at a predetermined time α (for example, about 0.1 to 1 second) (that is, when a single click is performed), the solenoid valves VA3 and VB3 are switched. The pressurization process (air supply) and the depressurization process (air suction) are switched. Further, when the pedals 192A and 192B are operated twice at a predetermined time α (that is, when double-clicked), the solenoid valves VA1, VA2, VB1, and VB2 are switched to perform pressurization processing or pressure reduction during execution. Processing stop processing (pause processing) is executed. Hereinafter, an operation flow of the foot switch device 192 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the pressurizing process or the depressurizing process is being performed (step S402), the pedals 192A and 192B of the foot switch device 192 are pressed (step S404), and the process proceeds to the subsequent stage. In the subsequent processing, first, the time T of the timer for measuring time is set to 0 (step S406). Then, it is determined whether or not the second pressing operation of the pedals 192A and 192B has been performed until the time T reaches the predetermined time α (steps S408 and 410). When the pedals 192A and 192B are not pressed, it is determined that the single operation is performed once at a predetermined time α (step S404), and the pressurization process and the decompression process are switched (step S412). .

  When the second pressing operation of the pedals 192A and 192B is performed by the predetermined time α (step S408), it is further determined whether or not the third pressing operation has been performed by the predetermined time α (step S408). Steps S414 and S416). If the third pressing operation is not performed within the predetermined time α, it is determined that the double operation has been performed twice (steps S404 and S408), and the pause process is executed (steps). S418). That is, the pressurizing process and the depressurizing process are temporarily stopped. This pause process is continued until the pedals 192A and 192B are pressed again (step S420), and when the pedals 192A and 192B are pressed again, the pressurization process and the decompression process are resumed (step S422). .

  On the other hand, when the third pressing operation of the pedals 192A and 192B is performed by the predetermined time α (step S414), it is a triple click in which the three operations (steps S404, S408, and S414) are performed. Judge. In this case, it is determined that the operation is a single click or double click error, and the pressurization process or the decompression process is continued (step S402).

  As described above, it is possible to switch between the pressurizing process and the depressurizing process of the first balloon 60 by single-clicking the pedal 192A of the foot switch device 192, and by adding the first balloon 60 by double-clicking the pedal 192A. The pressure treatment and the pressure reduction treatment can be stopped. Similarly, by pressing the pedal 192B of the foot switch device 192, the pressurizing process and the depressurizing process of the second balloon 80 can be switched, and by pressing the pedal 192B, the pressurizing process of the second balloon 80, The decompression process can be stopped.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, two types of different processes, the switching process and the stop process, can be executed by pressing the pedals 192A and 192B. Therefore, the number of pedals can be reduced compared to the case where a pedal is provided for each type of processing, so that the operability can be improved. Particularly in the present embodiment, since the number of pedals is reduced by applying the present invention to the foot switch device 192 disposed at the foot, the operator does not need to visually recognize the foot pedals 192A, 192B when operating, The operability can be greatly improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the switching process between the pressurization process and the decompression process is performed by a single click of the pedals 192A and 192B, and the suction stop of the pressurization process and the decompression process is performed by a double click. The type of processing to be performed is not limited to this. For example, a pressurizing process is executed by a single click, a depressurizing process is executed by a double click, and a pressurizing process and a depressurizing process are stopped by a triple click. May be.

  The above-described embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to the pedals 192A and 192B of the foot switch device 192. However, the present invention may be applied to operation buttons provided on the apparatus main body 102 and the hand switch 104.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the treatment to be executed is selected according to the number of times the pedals 192A and 192B are operated within the predetermined time α. However, the operation method of the pedals 192A and 192B for selecting the process It is not limited to. For example, the treatment may be selected according to the amount by which the pedals 192A and 192B are operated. In other words, a two-stage operation button that is switched on in two steps according to the amount of push-in is provided, a switching process is executed when the first operation is performed, and a stop process is executed when the second operation is performed. May be.

  Further, processing to be executed may be selected according to the time during which the pedals 192A and 192B are operated (that is, the time during which the pedals 192A and 192B are depressed).

  In the above-described embodiment, when a process is selected by operating the pedals 192A and 192B, a buzzer BZ (see FIG. 5) is sounded or displayed on the balloon dedicated monitor 82 to recognize it. Good. Thereby, the operator can confirm the selected process.

System configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention The perspective view which shows the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of an endoscope Front view showing the front panel of the balloon control device Explanatory drawing which shows the operating method of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on this invention Block diagram showing the internal structure of the balloon control device Flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the sequencer of FIG. Flowchart for explaining the operation of the decompression process of FIG. Flowchart explaining the operation of the pressurizing process of FIG. Flowchart for explaining the operation of the pause process of FIG. Flow chart showing operation flow of foot switch device

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Endoscope, 12 ... Insertion part, 14 ... Hand operation part, 20 ... Light source device, 26 ... Processor, 50 ... Monitor, 60 ... 1st balloon, 70 ... Insertion aid, 80 ... 2nd balloon, 100 ... Balloon control device, 102 ... device main body, 104 ... hand switch, 106 ... first pressure display unit, 108 ... second pressure display unit, 170 ... sequencer, 192 ... foot switch device, 192A, 192B ... pedal

Claims (5)

An endoscope that supplies and sucks fluid to a balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope or a balloon attached to an insertion aid that covers the insertion portion and assists insertion of the insertion portion. In the balloon control device for the device,
When the operation button is operated once within a predetermined time, a switching process for switching between pressurization and decompression of the balloon is executed,
Wherein the operation button is the balloon control apparatus of two engineered during For the endoscope system you characterized in that stop processing for stopping the pressurization or depressurization of the balloon is performed within a predetermined time. An endoscope that supplies and sucks fluid to a balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope or a balloon attached to an insertion aid that covers the insertion portion and assists insertion of the insertion portion. In the balloon control device for the device,
One of a switching process for switching between pressurization and decompression of the balloon and a stop process for stopping pressurization or decompression of the balloon is selected and executed according to the number of times the operation button is operated within a predetermined time. A balloon control device for an endoscopic device. An endoscope that supplies and sucks fluid to a balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope or a balloon attached to an insertion aid that covers the insertion portion and assists insertion of the insertion portion. In the balloon control device for the device,
One of a switching process for switching between pressurization and depressurization of the balloon and a stop process for stopping pressurization or depressurization of the balloon according to the amount of operation of the operation button is selected and executed. A balloon control device for an endoscope apparatus. An endoscope that supplies and sucks fluid to a balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope or a balloon attached to an insertion aid that covers the insertion portion and assists insertion of the insertion portion. In the balloon control device for the device,
One of a switching process for switching between pressurization and depressurization of the balloon and a stop process for stopping pressurization or depressurization of the balloon according to the time during which the operation button is operated is selected and executed. A balloon control device for an endoscopic device. An endoscope that supplies and sucks fluid to a balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope or a balloon attached to an insertion aid that covers the insertion portion and assists insertion of the insertion portion. In the balloon control device for the device,
According to the number of times the operation button is operated within a predetermined time, one of the pressurizing process of the balloon, the depressurizing process of the balloon, and the stopping process for stopping the pressurizing or depressurizing of the balloon is selected and executed. A balloon control device for an endoscope apparatus characterized by the above.

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