JP4472069B2

JP4472069B2 - Medical capsule endoscope

Info

Publication number: JP4472069B2
Application number: JP32022599A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 英之安達; 均水野; 寛伸瀧澤; 康夫平田
Original assignee: Olympus Corp
Current assignee: Olympus Corp
Priority date: 1999-11-10
Filing date: 1999-11-10
Publication date: 2010-06-02
Anticipated expiration: 2019-11-10
Also published as: JP2001137182A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、患者が嚥み下すことによって生体内に送り込み、食道及び胃等の観察及び医療処置等を行う医療用カプセル内視鏡に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
近年、体腔内にスコープを挿入することにより、食道、胃、小腸、大腸などの消化管や肺等の気管を観察し、必要に応じて処置具チャンネル内に挿通した処置具を用いて各種の治療処理のできる内視鏡が利用されている。特に、電荷結合素子（ＣＣＤ）等の電子撮像デバイスを用いた電子内視鏡はモニタ上に画像を表示でき、内視鏡を操作する術者の疲労が少ないため広く利用されている。
【０００３】
この内視鏡検査を行う際には、照明光を供給する光源装置や電子内視鏡から伝送される画像信号を処理するカメラコントロールユニットが備えられている手術室内で行うことが一般的であった。
【０００４】
また、内視鏡を経口的に挿入する際には、一般的に被検者にマウスピースをくわえさせ、患者の苦痛軽減のための鎮静剤投与等セデーションを施した後、挿入部を体腔内の目的部位まで押し込んで観察や処置を行っていた。
【０００５】
一方、患者への苦痛を軽減して診断や治療を行う目的で、例えば、測定器や無線機を組み込んだカプセルを飲み込ませ、胃や腸を通過する過程で体腔内のｐＨ値を体外に伝送したり、施薬などを直接に行う医療用カプセル装置等が近年数多く提案されている。
【０００６】
そして、医療用カプセル装置の１つとして特開平２−２２４６５０号公報には超音波振動子と、超音波駆動手段と、超音波ビームを走査する手段と、超音波反射信号を電気信号に変換して体外へ導出する伝送手段とを具備する超音波診断医用カプセルが示されている。
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、前記特開平２−２２４６５０号公報に示されている超音波診断医用カプセルでは、超音波振動子が配設されている球形等に形成された経口カプセル部と、伝送手段が挿通されている有線部との連結部との間に段差が形成されていたため、胃内に到達した前記経口カプセル部を引き戻す際、この経口カプセル部が噴門にひっかかって検査時間を長引かせたり、経口カプセル部を抜去するために有線部に必要以上の負荷がかかって伝送手段に不具合を発生させるおそれがあった。
【０００８】
また、患者への苦痛を軽減する目的のみならず、往診時の使用や、老人や子供への使用が可能な内視鏡が望まれていた。
【０００９】
本発明は上記事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、セデーションを施すことなく嚥下が容易で、胃内に到達した経口カプセル部を引き戻す操作を確実且つ容易に行え、在宅検査に使用可能な医療用カプセル内視鏡を提供することを目的にしている。
【００１０】
本発明の一態様による医療用カプセル内視鏡は、検査部位の観察を行う観察機能手段を少なくとも１つ配設した経口カプセル部と、この経口カプセル部の一端部から延出して、前記経口カプセル部を手元側へ引き寄せる牽引部材及び前記観察機能手段に接続される電気ケーブルを保護する保護部材を兼ねる牽引保護管と、を具備し、前記経口カプセル部及び牽引保護管の外表面に親水性ポリマーを設け、前記経口カプセル部の前記牽引保護管と連結する部分の外形寸法は、前記経口カプセル部から前記牽引保護管に向かって略連続的に小径に変化することを特徴とする。
【００１１】
この構成によれば、牽引保護管を牽引して経口カプセル部の引き戻し操作を行った際、経口カプセル部と牽引保護管との連結部分の外形形状が滑らかに変化しているので、経口カプセル部を噴門等に引っかかることなくスムーズに移動させられる。
【００１２】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施の形態を説明する。
図１ないし図７は本発明の第１実施形態に係り、図１は本発明の医療用カプセル内視鏡を示す図、図２は医療用カプセル内視鏡の経口カプセル部と牽引保護管との連結構造を説明する図、図３は経口カプセル部の構成を説明する図、図４は発光部の構成を説明する図、図５は発光部の他の構成を説明する図、図６は医療用カプセル内視鏡を備えた内視鏡システムを説明する図、図７は医療用カプセル内視鏡の作用を説明する図である。
【００１３】
図１に示すように本実施形態の医療用カプセル内視鏡（以下カプセル内視鏡と略記する）１はいわゆる電子内視鏡であり、観察機能手段として観察光学系１１を構成する固体撮像素子（以下ＣＣＤとも記載する）２及び照明光学系１２を構成する照明用白色ＬＥＤ（以下ＬＥＤとも記載する）３を内蔵した略楕円球状の経口カプセル部（経口カプセル部と略記する）１０と、この経口カプセル部１０に連結された外形寸法が前記経口カプセル部１０より小径で柔軟かつ引張強度に優れたチューブ状部材である牽引保護管１３と、この牽引保護管１３の基端に配設された把持部１４と、この把持部１４の端部から延出して基端部に電気コネクタ１５ａを備えた電気ケーブル１５とで主に構成されている。
【００１４】
図２に示すように略楕円球状の経口カプセル部１０は、先端側を構成する曲面形状部を有する透明カバー部２１と、この透明カバー部２１の基端側に水密に接続固定されるカプセル本体２２とで構成され、このカプセル本体２２の基端部に中心軸と略一致するように形成した連結固定部２２ａ（図３参照）に前記牽引保護管１３の先端部が連結固定されるようになっている。
【００１５】
図３に示すように前記カプセル本体２２の基端側の外形形状は、牽引保護管１３が接続される連結固定部２２ａ近傍からカプセル本体２２の先端側に向かうにしたがって外形寸法が略連続的に大径にそして滑らかに変化する外形形状変化部２２ｂとして形成されている。つまり、経口カプセル部１０と牽引保護管１３との間の外形形状は、少なくとも直線部と連結固定部２２ａからカプセル本体２２の先端側に向かうにしたがって外形寸法が連続的に大径に変化する部分とで構成され、かつ引っかかり部のない形状になっている。そして、前記カプセル本体２２と前記牽引保護管１３との固定部は水密構造になっている。
【００１６】
前記経口カプセル部１０を構成する透明カバー部２１の断面形状はドーム形状であり、この開口部と前記カプセル本体２２の大径開口部との接続部分には観察部構成部材３０の太径部３１が補強部材の役割を兼ねて配置されている。
【００１７】
前記観察部構成部材３０は、太径部３１と細径部３２とを備え、断面形状が略凸字形状で中央部に貫通孔３３を形成している。この貫通孔３３の基端部には前記観察光学系を構成するＣＣＤ２が配置され、このＣＣＤ２の前方側にはＣＣＤ撮像面に観察像を結像させるための例えば非球面対物レンズ３４，３４を複数配設している。これら非球面レンズ３４，３４を用いることで、レンズ枚数を減らせるのでカプセル部の全長を短くして、嚥下性が向上する。また、太径部３１の前面側には前記細径部３２の周囲を等間隔に囲むように複数のＬＥＤ３，…，３を配置している。
【００１８】
そして、前記ＣＣＤ２から延出する信号線１６及び前記ＬＥＤ３から延出する電力線１７は、前記カプセル本体２２、牽引保護管１３及び電気ケーブル１５内を挿通して電気コネクタ１５ａまで延出している。この電気コネクタ１５ａは、前記ＣＣＤ２の駆動及びこのＣＣＤ２から出力される信号の処理を行うＣＣＤ用回路や前記ＬＥＤ３への電力の供給を行う光源用回路等を備えた電装装置に接続されるようになっている。
【００１９】
なお、図４に示すように前記ＬＥＤ３は、例えばケース体４１に形成されている凹部４２の底面に配置され、この凹部４２内に前記ＬＥＤ３を埋めこむように蛍光剤４３を充填した発光部４０として構成されており、この発光部４０を前記太径部３１に配置している。なお、この発光部４０は、破線に示す発光角θで照明光を発するように形成してある。これにより、従来のライトガイドファイバによる照明で発光角を広げるために用いていたレンズを不用にでき、カプセル部全長を短くして、嚥下性が向上する。
【００２０】
また、前記図４に示した発光部４０を構成する代わりに、図５（ａ）に示すように配置位置関係等を考慮した形状のケース体４１ａを形成し、このケース体４１の底部に複数のＬＥＤ３，…，３を配置し、凹部４２ａ内に上述と同様に蛍光剤４３を充填して発光部４０ａを構成するようにしてもよい。このことにより、図５（ｂ）に示すように観察光学系と照明光学系との配置構成を所望の位置構成にして、観察性能の向上や例えば破線に示すように処置具等を配置するため等の空間部４５を設けることも可能になる。
【００２１】
さらに、前記図３に示した透明カバー部２１、カプセル本体２２で構成される経口カプセル部１０の表面及び前記牽引保護管１３の表面に潤滑性材料である親水性ポリマーコートを施している。このことにより、経口カプセル部１０を嚥下した際、人体の水分と親水性ポリマーとが結合して、前記経口カプセル部１０及び牽引保護管１３の表面に水の膜が形成されて管腔との間の潤滑性が向上する。
【００２２】
上述のように構成したカプセル内視鏡１の作用を説明する。
前記カプセル内視鏡１を備えた内視鏡システムについて説明する。
【００２３】
図６に示すように前記カプセル内視鏡１は、ＣＣＤ２の駆動及び出力される信号の処理及びＬＥＤ３への電力の供給を行う電装装置である例えば携帯型電装装置５０と組み合わせて内視鏡システムを構成する。この携帯型電装装置５０は、前記電気コネクタ１６ａとの接続部５１を備え、前記ＣＣＤ２で撮像した内視鏡画像が液晶モニタ５２上に表示される構成である。
【００２４】
前記携帯型電装装置５０は、他に操作パネル５３や内視鏡画像を撮影記録するためのシャッタボタン５４、ビデオ出力端子５５等を備え、このビデオ出力端子５５に接続されるＴＶケーブル５５ａを介して例えば家庭用ＴＶ５６の画面上に内視鏡画像を表示させることや、この家庭用ＶＴＲ５７を介してビデオテープ５７ａに検査経過の記録を行うことが可能になっている。また、内視鏡画像の撮影記録は、例えばコンパクトフラッシュ（登録商標）５８などの記憶媒体で行われる。そして、前記携帯型電装装置５０は、商用電源又は家庭用電源、電池５９などのバッテリー等によって駆動される。
【００２５】
ここで、上述した内視鏡システムで食道癌の早期発見のための内視鏡検査について説明する。
まず、医師は、前記内視鏡システムを用意し、検査を希望する被検者の自宅を訪問する。そこで、内視鏡検査を行うためカプセル内視鏡１と携帯型電装装置５０とを接続する等の準備を行う。
【００２６】
次に、セデーションを施すことなく、被検者に経口カプセル部１０を錠剤を飲むように嚥下してもらう。すると、食道内の水分とカプセル内視鏡１の表面の親水性ポリマーとが結合して、経口カプセル部１０が胃に向かって食道内をスムーズに移動していく。そして、携帯型電装装置５０の液晶モニタ５２又は家庭用ＴＶ５６の画面上に表示される内視鏡画像を観察している医師が、図７（ａ）に示すように経口カプセル部１０が食道を通過して胃まで到達したことを確認したなら、矢印に示すように牽引保護管１３を手元側に引き戻す操作を行う。
【００２７】
このとき、経口カプセル部１０と牽引保護管１３との間に外形寸法が略連続的に滑らかに大径に変化する外形形状変化部２２ｂが設けられているので、図７（ｂ）に示すように牽引保護管１３、経口カプセル部１０がスムーズに噴門を通過していく。このことによって、経口カプセル部１０が食道に配置される。
【００２８】
この状態から、再びゆっくりと前記牽引保護管１３を手元側に引き戻し操作する。このとき、食道の水分とカプセル内視鏡１の表面の親水性ポリマーとが結合しているので、食道内をスムーズに移動して、良好な内視鏡像が液晶モニタ５２に表示される。
【００２９】
そして、検査終了後、携帯型電装装置５０の接続部５１から電気コネクタ１５ａを外し、使用済みのカプセル内視鏡１と携帯型電装装置５０とを分離して、内視鏡システムを持ちかえる。なお、持ち帰ったカプセル内視鏡１は、洗滌消毒して再使用が可能になる。また、このカプセル内視鏡１は、通常の内視鏡同様、手術室での使用も可能である。
【００３０】
このように、観察機能手段として観察光学系及び照明光学系を備えた経口カプセル部と、信号線及び電力線を内挿した細径の牽引保護管との間に段部がなく、滑らかに形状が変化する外形形状変化部を設けてカプセル内視鏡を構成したことにより、嚥下されて胃まで到達した経口カプセル部を牽引保護管を引き戻し操作して食道に引き戻す際、この経口カプセル部が噴門に引っかかることなく、スムーズに食道に再配置して引き戻し操作を行いながら食道の検査をすることができる。このことによって、被検者にセデーションを施すことなく、被検者のリラックスできる自宅で容易に食道癌の早期検査を行える。また、経口カプセル部の目的部位までの導入が被検者の嚥下によって行われるので、例えば内視鏡検査技師等の医療関係者によってもカプセル内視鏡を用いた内視鏡検査を容易に行えるので、例えば医療関係者が検査経過をビデオテープ等に記録し、病院に持ち帰ることによって、担当医は病院に居ながらにして診断を下すことが可能になる。
【００３１】
また、経口カプセル部を構成する透明カバー部及びカプセル本体の表面及び牽引保護管の表面に親水性ポリマーコートを施したことによって、管腔との間の潤滑性を大幅に向上させることができる。このことによって、経口カプセル部の嚥下及び経口カプセルを胃から再び食道を介しての回収をスムーズに行える。
【００３２】
なお、本実施形態においては前記経口カプセル部１０の外形形状を構成する際、カプセル本体２２に外形形状変化部２２ｂを形成したが、例えば図８（ａ）の経口カプセル部の他の構成を示す図のように前記カプセル本体２２の外形形状変化部２２ｂと外形形状が略同形状で連結固定部９ａを備えた連結部材９を形成して、この連結部材９を介してカプセル本体２２Ａと牽引保護管１３とを連結する構成にしてもよい。このとき、前記カプセル本体２２Ａに対して前記太径部３１及び細径部３２を備えた前記観察部構成部材３０を一体的に構成し、前記ＣＣＤ２，レンズ３４，３４、発光部４０を配置しておく。
【００３３】
また、前記経口カプセル部１０の外形形状も連結固定部からカプセル本体の先端側に向かうにしたがって外形寸法が連続的に滑らかに大径に変化する外形形状変化部に限定されるものではなく、例えば図８（ｂ）の外形形状部の１例を示す図のように外形形状変化部を直線的に変化する円錐形状で形成したり、図８（ｃ）の外形形状部の他の例を示す図のように２つの曲面の組合せで形成したり、図８（ｄ）の外形形状部の別の例を示す図のようにシグモイド関数的に変化する形状で形成したり、図８（ｅ）の外形形状部のまた他の例を示す図のように放物線形状で変化する形状で形成するようにしてもよい。
【００３４】
図９は本発明の第２実施形態に係る経口カプセル部の別の構成を説明する図である。なお、図９（ａ）は経口カプセル部の構成を示す図、図９（ｂ）は作用を説明する図である。
【００３５】
図９（ａ）のに示すように本実施形態の経口カプセル部１０Ａは、前記第１実施形態に示したように先端部に位置していた観察光学系１１及び照明光学系１２を牽引保護管１３が連結固定される側に設けている。このことにより、図９（ｂ）に示すように嚥下されて胃まで到達した経口カプセル部を牽引保護管を引き戻す操作を行って食道に引き戻す際、観察範囲が経口カプセル部１０Ａの後端部側になって噴門の検査を行うことが可能になるとともに、前記経口カプセル部１０Ａをスムーズに食道に再配置して引き戻し操作をしながら食道の検査を行える。なお、上述のように経口カプセル部１０Ａを構成するとき、前記牽引保護管１３との連結固定部を透明カバー部２１Ａに設けている。そして、牽引保護管１３の中心軸と透明カバー部２１Ａの中心軸とが異なる位置関係で構成してある。その他の構成は前記第１実施形態と同様である。
【００３６】
このように、観察光学系及び照明光学系を牽引保護管が連結固定される側に設けて経口カプセル部を構成したことにより、胃まで到達した経口カプセル部を食道に引き戻す操作を行った際に噴門の検査を行うことができる。その他の作用及び効果は前記第１実施形態と同様である。
【００３７】
なお、図１０（ａ）の経口カプセル部のまた他の構成を示す図のように観察光学系１１及び照明光学系１２を先端部及び基端部の両方に設けて経口カプセル部１０Ｂを構成して、同図（ｂ）の作用を説明する図に示すように経口カプセル部１０Ｂの前方側及び後方側の観察を行えるようにしてもよい。
【００３８】
また、図１１（ａ）の側面に複数の観察機能手段を設けた経口カプセル部の図に示すように側周面を構成するカプセル本体２２Ａに複数の観察光学系１１及びそれら観察光学系１１に対応する照明光学系１２を設けて経口カプセル部１０Ｃを構成するようにしてもよい。このことによって、経口カプセル部１０Ｃの前方側及び後方側の観察に加えて側方の観察も可能になる。また、図１１（ｂ）の側面に１つの観察機能手段を設けた経口カプセル部の図に示すように側周面を構成するカプセル本体２２Ａに複数の観察光学系１１及びそれら観察光学系１１に対応する照明光学系１２を設ける代わりに、１つの観察光学系１１及び照明光学系１２を設け、そのカプセル本体２２Ａを回転自在にして経口カプセル部１０Ｄを構成するようにしてもよい。このことによって、経口カプセル部１０Ｄの前方側及び後方側の観察に加えて、１つの観察光学系で側方全周の観察を行える。また、図１１（ｃ）の側面に他の観察機能手段を設けた経口カプセル部の図に示すように側周面を構成するカプセル本体２２Ａに複数のアレイ素子を配設した超音波観測部２９を設けて経口カプセル部１０Ｅを構成するようにしてもよい。このことによって、経口カプセル部１０Ｅの前方側及び後方側の観察を内視鏡画像によって行えるとともに側方の観察を超音波画像によって行える。
【００３９】
さらに、図１２（ａ）の湾曲部を設けたカプセル内視鏡の図に示すようにカプセル内視鏡１Ａを、前記カプセル本体２２と前記牽引保護管１３との間に、従来の細径の内視鏡と同様に湾曲駒を連設して構成した湾曲部４を設け、この湾曲部４を操作する湾曲操作ノブ５を把持部１４に設けて構成してもよい。このとき、湾曲操作ワイヤは牽引保護管１３の貫通孔に配置される。このことにより、図１２（ｂ）の作用を説明する図に示すように経口カプセル部１０が胃に到達した状態で、湾曲部４を湾曲させることによって噴門の検査を行える。
【００４０】
図１３は本発明の第３実施形態に係るカプセル内視鏡の別の構成を説明する図である。なお、図１３（ａ）は硬度可変機構を有するカプセル内視鏡を説明する図、図１３（ｂ）は硬度可変機構を説明する図、図１３（ｃ）は本実施形態の作用を説明する図である。
図１３（ａ）に示すように本実施形態のカプセル内視鏡１Ｂは、牽引保護管１３の硬度を変化させる硬度可変機構として硬度可変装置６を具備している。この硬度可変装置６は、同図（ｂ）に示すように前記牽引保護管１３の貫通孔内に配置される硬度変化部６１と、前記把持部１４の例えば基端部に配置される硬度調整部６５とで構成されている。
【００４１】
前記硬度変化部６１は、先端側に配置された先端形成部材６２と、この先端形成部材６２に一端部を固定したコイルシース６３と、このコイルシース６３内に挿通配置されて一端部を前記先端形成部材６２に固定したワイヤ６４とで構成されている。
【００４２】
一方、前記硬度調整部６５は、前記コイルシース６３の他端部が固定され前記把持部１４に一体的に固定配置される略パイプ形状で基端部外周側に雄ネジ部を形成したコイル固定部材６６と、このコイル固定部材６６の雄ネジ部に螺合する雌ネジ部を有して進退自在な調整ツマミ６７と、前記ワイヤ６４の他端部を固定保持して前記調整ツマミ６７の基端部に配置されるワイヤ固定部材６８とで構成されてる。
【００４３】
このため、経口カプセル部１０が胃に到達した状態で、前記調整ツマミ６７を操作して前記ワイヤ固定部材６８を矢印方向に移動させることによって、コイルシース６３が収縮して牽引保護管１３の硬度が変化させて例えば、図１３（ｃ）に示すように牽引保護管１３の硬度を硬状態にして幽門近傍の検査も行える。また、牽引保護管１３の硬度を硬状態に変化させておくことにより、カプセル内視鏡１の押し込みによる挿入が可能になる。
【００４４】
なお、前記牽引保護管１３の硬度を可変させる硬度可変機構としては上述した硬度可変装置６に限定されるものではなく、例えば牽引保護管１３の貫通孔に図１４（ａ）の硬度可変機構の他の構成を説明する図に示すすように細長で膨縮自在なバルーン７を配置するものであってもよい。前記バルーン７への送気は把持部１４に設けた送気口７１に接続される送気チューブ７２を介して送気装置７３によって行う。このため、図１４（ｂ）の作用を説明する図に示すように牽引保護管１３内の所定位置に予め配置されているバルーン７内に供給する空気の量を適宜調整することによって、つまり、バルーン７の膨縮状態を変化させて牽引保護管１３の硬度を所望の状態に調整して挿入及び検査を行える。
【００４５】
また、上述したように牽引保護管１３の貫通孔内に挿通配置するものとしては前記硬度可変装置６の硬度変化部６１やバルーン７等に限定されるものではなく、例えば貫通孔内に送水チューブを設けるようにしてもよい。
【００４６】
そして、この送水チューブを貫通孔内に設ける際には図１５（ａ）のと遂行を有するカプセル内視鏡の構成を示す図のようにカプセル本体２２の側周面や牽引保護管１３の中途部側周面に複数の吐水孔７５，…，７５を形成してカプセル内視鏡１Ｃを構成する。このことにより、図１５（ｂ）の作用を説明する図に示すように経口カプセル部１０を嚥下した状態で、把持部の送水口７６に連結した送水用シリンジ７７によって送水を行うことによって、この送水用シリンジ７７によって送り込まれた水が吐水孔７５，…，７５から経口カプセル部１０及び牽引保護管１３の表面に流れ出て、これら経口カプセル部１０及び牽引保護管１３の表面にコーティングされている親水性ポリマーと結合して潤滑性能を向上させるとともに、吐水される水が潤滑剤の役割を果たす。
【００４７】
さらに、図１６に示すように経口カプセル部８１と牽引保護管８２との間に大きな段差部８３のあるカプセル内視鏡８０に対しては、この経口カプセル部８１と牽引保護管８２とを覆うカプセル用カバー８５を取り付ける。
【００４８】
前記カプセル用カバー８５は、経口カプセル部８１の少なくとも一部を覆うように配置されるカプセルカバー部８６と、牽引保護管８２を覆い包む挿入部カバー部８７とで構成され、前記カプセルカバー部８６と前記挿入部カバー部８７との間には上述したように外形寸法が略連続的に滑らかに変化する外形形状変化部８８を設けている。
【００４９】
このことにより、経口カプセル部８１と牽引保護管８２との間に大きな段差部８３のあるカプセル内視鏡８０を使用する際、前記カプセル用カバー８５を被せることによって、嚥下性の向上を図れる。なお、このカプセル用カバー８５のカプセルカバー部８６及び挿入部カバー部８７、外形形状変化部８８の表面に親水性ポリマーをコーティングを施したり、挿入部カバー部８７に前述した硬度可変装置６や送水チューブを設ける構成であってもよい。
【００５０】
図１７は本発明の第４実施形態に係り、図１７は処置具挿通用のチャンネルチューブを有するカプセル内視鏡の構成を説明する図である。図１７（ａ）はカプセル内視鏡の構成を説明する図、図１７（ｂ）は牽引保護管の内部構成を説明する図、図１７（ｃ）は作用を説明する図である。
【００５１】
図１７（ａ）に示すように本実施形態のカプセル内視鏡１Ｄは、経口カプセル部９０の先端側に処置具用開口９１を有し、この処置具用開口９１に後述する処置具挿通用のチャンネルチューブの一端部が連通している。そして、このチャンネルチューブの他端部は牽引保護管９２の貫通孔を挿通して把持部１４の例えば基端に設けられた図示しない処置具挿通口に連通している。
【００５２】
図１７（ｂ）に示すように前記牽引保護管９２は、一部に伸縮性部材９３を配置して構成されており、貫通孔内には前記信号線１６及び電力線１７とともに押しつぶして開口部を塞いだ状態にしたチャンネルチューブ９４が配置してある。
【００５３】
このため、経口カプセル部９０が胃に到達した状態のとき、図１７（ａ）に示すように処置具を処置具挿通口から処置具用開口９１に向けて挿入していくことにより、つぶれた状態のチャンネルチューブ９４を図１７（ｃ）に示すように押し広げて処置具が進んでいく。このとき、牽引保護管９２に設けられている伸縮性部材９３も図１７（ｃ），（ａ）の破線に示すように広がって牽引保護管９２が大径になる。その他の構成は上述した実施形態と同様であり、同部材には同符合を付して説明を省略する。
【００５４】
このように、経口カプセル部を胃に到達させた後、牽引保護管に設けられているつぶされた状態のチャンネルチューブを介して処置具を目的部位に導入することによって、観察のみならず必要に応じて処置を行うこともできる。その他の作用及び効果は上述した実施形態と同様である。
【００５５】
なお、前記実施形態においては牽引保護管の一部に伸縮性部材を設けてチャンネルチューブに処置具を挿通したとき牽引保護管が大径になるように構成したが、牽引保護管を以下のように構成しても同様の作用及び効果を得られる。
【００５６】
図１８（ａ）のカプセル内視鏡の他の構成を説明する図及び図１８（ｂ）の作用を説明する図に示すように、本実施形態においては牽引保護管９２Ａを体腔内温度で径寸法が大径になる形状記憶部材で形成している。その他の構成及び作用・効果は前記第４実施形態と同様である。なお、カプセル内視鏡を抜去する際にはチャンネルチューブ内に水を流し込んで牽引保護管９２Ａの径寸法を縮小する。
【００５７】
また、図１８（ｃ）のカプセル内視鏡の別の構成を説明する図及び図１８（ｄ）の作用を説明する図に示すように、本実施形態においては牽引保護管９２Ｂを体液、電流検知、ｐｈ値の変化で径寸法が大径になる膨張ポリマーで形成している。その他の構成及び作用・効果は前記第４実施形態と同様である。
【００５８】
さらに、図１８（ｅ）の内径寸法ｄ1 のチャンネル部を説明する図及び図１８（ｆ）の内径寸法ｄ2 のチャンネル部を説明する図に示すように本実施形態においては前記牽引保護管９２の内部にバルーンを螺旋状に形成したチャンネル部９５を設けている。このチャンネル部９５はバルーン内の圧力を変化させることによって内径寸法が変化する。このため、嚥下する際にはバルーン内に空気を送らず内径寸法を小径なｄ1 にしておき、処置具を挿通するときバルーンを加圧して内径寸法を大径なｄ2 にする。このことによって、チャンネル部９５の内径が大きく広がって処置具の挿通が可能になる。
【００５９】
又、図１９（ａ）の処置具を有する経口カプセル部を説明する図に示すように経口カプセル部１００に予め処置具１０１及び吸引チューブ１０２等を配置する処置具配置凹部１０３を設けてカプセル内視鏡１Ｅを構成するようにしてもよい。この処置具１０１の開閉動作は、図示しない把持部に設けた処置具操作ノブ（不図示）によって行えるようになっている。
【００６０】
そして、前記処置具１０１は、経口カプセル部１００を嚥下する際、口腔や喉、食道等に傷をつけることを防止するため、嚥下の際には図１９（ｂ）の嚥下状態の経口カプセル部を説明する図に示すように処置具１０１は閉じた状態であり、このとき処置具１０１の外形形状はすべて滑らかな曲面になっている。
【００６１】
また、経口カプセル部１０が胃に到達した状態で例えば処置すべき部位を発見した場合には、図２０（ａ）の処置具挿通状態を示す図ないし図２０（ｄ）に示す連結部品１１０を順次処置具１２０及び牽引保護管１３に配置して、図２０（ｅ）の処置具挿入状態を説明する図に示すように処置具１２０を目的部位に導入するようにしてもよい。
【００６２】
図２０（ｂ）の連結部品の斜視図に示すように前記連結部品１１０は、口腔や喉、食道等に傷をつけることを防止するため外形形状はすべて滑らかな曲面で形成されている。そして、図２０（ｃ）の連結部品の正面図に示すようにこの連結部品１１０には、前記処置具１２０の挿入部１２１に付勢固定される処置具係入孔１１１と、前記牽引保護管１３に沿って移動するように遊嵌配置される案内孔１１２と、前記処置具係入孔１１１及び案内孔１１２にそれぞれ形成されている接続溝１１４の開閉動作及び所定の固定力を発生させるための作用孔１１３とが設けられている。したがって、図２０（ｄ）の連結部品の作用を説明する図に示すように作用孔１１３の両側部を指で矢印方向に押圧することによって前記接続溝１１４が開状態になる。このとき、前記図２０（ａ）に示すように処置具１２０の挿入部１２１及び牽引保護管１３へ連結部品１１０を取り付けることが可能になる。
【００６３】
つまり、処置すべき部位を術者が発見したとき、まず、連結部品１１０を処置具１２０の挿入部１２１及び牽引保護管１３へ取り付ける。次に、この状態で処置具１２０を押し込み操作する。すると、案内孔１１２が牽引保護管１３に遊嵌した状態であるので、連結部品１１０が牽引保護管１３に沿って体腔内を移動することにより、処置具１２０が徐々に体腔内に向かって移動していく。そして、所定量の移動を行った段階で、新たな連結部品１１０を前記挿入部１２１及び牽引保護管１３に取り付け、再び処置具１２０を押し込操作する。この一連の動作を繰り返し行うことによって、前記処置具１２０が前記図２０（ｅ）に示すように処置部位近傍まで導入されて、所望の処置を行える。
【００６４】
ところで、上述した実施形態においては、内視鏡システムを、カプセル内視鏡１と携帯型電装装置５０とで構成しているが、内視鏡システムを図２１の内視鏡システムの他の構成を示す図のように構成するようにしてもよい。
【００６５】
本実施形態における内視鏡システムは、図に示すように操作部付きカプセル内視鏡１Ｆと、送気送水装置付き収納ケース１３０と、検査データや画像データを記録・処理する携帯型コンピュータ１４０とを備えている。この内視鏡システムは、在宅検診は勿論、緊急検査、遠隔検診を可能にするものである。
【００６６】
前記カプセル内視鏡１Ｆは、上述した構成と同様の経口カプセル部１０と、この経口カプセル部１０に連結された牽引保護管１３とを備え、この牽引保護管１３の基端には操作部１２２が配設されて、内視鏡を構成している。そして、前記経口カプセル部１０と前記牽引保護管１３との間には前記湾曲部４が設けられている。
【００６７】
前記操作部１２２の外装部には前記湾曲部４を湾曲操作する操作ジョグ１２３や送気・送水プラグ１２４及び内視鏡画像を表示する液晶モニタ等の表示装置１２５、例えばスマートメディア（商標）等の記憶媒体１２６が配置される媒体配置部１２７、前記コンピュータ１４０と例えば赤外線通信によって接続するための接続部１２８が設けられている。そして、前記操作部１２２内には上述したＣＣＤ用回路や光源用回路等が備えられている。
【００６８】
また、前記送気送水装置付き収納ケース１３０は、送気・送水用ポンプ１３１及びカプセル内視鏡収納部１３２が備えられており、前記送気・送水用ポンプ１３１から延出する送気・送水用チューブ１３３を前記送気・送水プラグ１２４に接続することによって、例えば洗滌ノズル１２９から水や空気等の流体を噴出できるようになっている。
【００６９】
前記携帯型コンピュータ１４０には通信装置１４１の接続が可能であり、この通信装置１４１によって例えば病院内のコンピュータ（不図示）にカプセル内視鏡１Ｆで得た診断データや観察画像データを伝送することが可能になっている。
【００７０】
つまり、本実施形態の内視鏡システムにおいては、経口カプセル部１０の目的部位までの導入を内視鏡検査技師等の医療関係者によっても容易に行えるという利点とともに、担当医と医療関係者とが通信装置を介して検査データの受け渡しや意見の交換を行えるので、担当医は病院に居ながらにして所定の検査を行うことができる。
【００７１】
また、内視鏡検査技師が何件かの家を訪問して、検査を行った後、病院内の担当医に記録媒体だけを渡すことによって、担当医は複数の患者の検査を集中して行えるので適切な診断を時間の無駄なく行うことができる。
【００７２】
なお、本発明は、以上述べた実施形態のみに限定されるものではなく、発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々変形実施可能である。
【００７３】
［付記］
以上詳述したような本発明の上記実施形態によれば、以下の如き構成を得ることができる。
【００７４】
（１）目視観察を行う観察機能手段を少なくとも１つ配設した小径粒状の経口カプセル部と、
この経口カプセル部の一端部から延出して、前記経口カプセル部を手元側へ引き寄せる牽引部材及び前記観察機能手段に接続される電気ケーブルを保護する保護部材を兼ね、前記経口カプセルの最大外径寸法より細径で柔軟な牽引保護管とを具備し、
前記牽引保護管と前記経口カプセル部とを結ぶ連結部の外形形状は、この経口カプセル部から前記牽引保護管に向かって略連続的に小径に変化し、且つその変化する表面が滑らかである医療用カプセル内視鏡。
【００７５】
（２）前記経口カプセル部の外形寸法を、セデーションを施すことなく嚥下可能な大きさに設定した付記１記載の医療用カプセル内視鏡。
【００７６】
（３）前記経口カプセル部、牽引保護管及び連結部分の外表面に潤滑性材料を設けた付記１記載の医療用カプセル内視鏡。
【００７７】
（４）前記観察機能手段は、観察部位を照明するＬＥＤと、このＬＥＤによって照らされた観察部位の光学像を電気信号に光電変換する撮像素子とを有する付記１記載の医療用カプセル内視鏡。
【００７８】
（５）前記観察機能手段を、前記牽引保護チューブが連結されている端部側又はその反対の端部側の少なくとも一方に設けた付記１記載の医療用カプセル内視鏡。
【００７９】
（６）前記観察機能手段を、さらに、側周の観察を可能にする側周面部に設けた付記１記載の医療用カプセル内視鏡。
【００８０】
（７）前記経口カプセル部に、観察機能手段としてさらに超音波観察部を設けた付記４記載の医療用カプセル内視鏡。
【００８１】
（８）前記連結部の外径形状が円錐形状である付記１記載の医療用カプセル内視鏡。
【００８２】
（９）前記連結部を２つの曲面で構成した付記１記載の医療用カプセル内視鏡。
【００８３】
（１０）前記連結部の外径形状は、関数的に変化する形状である付記１記載の医療用カプセル内視鏡。
【００８４】
（１１）前記連結部の外径形状は、放物線形状である付記１記載の医療用カプセル内視鏡。
【００８５】
（１２）前記牽引保護管と前記経口カプセル部との間に湾曲部を設けた付記１記載の医療用カプセル内視鏡。
【００８６】
（１３）前記牽引保護管に硬度可変機構を設けた付記１記載の医療用カプセル内視鏡。
【００８７】
（１４）前記硬度可変機構は、硬度変化部と硬度調整部とを有する硬度可変装置である付記１３記載の医療用カプセル内視鏡。
【００８８】
（１５）前記硬度可変機構は、膨縮自在なバルーンである付記１４記載の医療用カプセル内視鏡。
【００８９】
送水チューブ
（１６）前記牽引保護管に送水チューブを設け、カプセル本体の側周面及び牽引保護管の中途部側周面に、前記送水チューブによって送られる液体を吐出する複数の吐水孔を設けた付記１記載の医療用カプセル内視鏡。
【００９０】
（１７）前記牽引保護管に処置具を挿通するチャンネルチューブを設けた付記１記載の医療用カプセル内視鏡。
【００９１】
（１８）前記経口カプセル部に処置具を一体的に配置した付記１記載の医療用カプセル内視鏡。
【００９２】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように本発明によれば、セデーションを施すことなく嚥下が容易で、胃内に到達した経口カプセル部を引き戻す操作を確実且つ容易に行え、在宅検査に使用可能な医療用カプセル内視鏡を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】図１ないし図７は本発明の第１実施形態に係り、図１は本発明の医療用カプセル内視鏡を示す図
【図２】医療用カプセル内視鏡の経口カプセル部と牽引保護管との連結構造を説明する図
【図３】経口カプセル部の構成を説明する図
【図４】発光部の構成を説明する図
【図５】発光部の他の構成を説明する図
【図６】医療用カプセル内視鏡を備えた内視鏡システムを説明する図
【図７】医療用カプセル内視鏡の作用を説明する図
【図８】経口カプセル部の他の構成及び外形形状部の形状を具体的に説明する図
【図９】本発明の第２実施形態に係る経口カプセル部の別の構成及び作用を説明する図
【図１０】経口カプセル部のまた他の構成及び作用を説明する図
【図１１】経口カプセル部のまた別の構成を説明する図
【図１２】医療用カプセル内視鏡の他の構成及び作用を説明する図
【図１３】本発明の第３実施形態に係る硬度可変機構を有するカプセル内視鏡の構成及び作用を説明する図
【図１４】硬度可変機構の他の構成及び作用を説明する図
【図１５】送水チューブを有するカプセル内視鏡の構成例及び作用を説明する図
【図１６】カプセル用カバーを説明する図
【図１７】処置具挿通用のチャンネルチューブを有するカプセル内視鏡の構成及び作用を説明する図
【図１８】処置具挿通用のチャンネルチューブを有するカプセル内視鏡の他の構成及び作用を説明する図
【図１９】処置具を有する経口カプセル部を示す図
【図２０】連結部品を使用して処置具を体腔内に導く状態を説明する図
【図２１】内視鏡システムの他の構成を示す図
【符号の説明】
２…ＣＣＤ
３…ＬＥＤ
１０…経口カプセル部
１３…牽引保護管
３０…観察部構成部材
２１…透明カバー部
２２…カプセル本体
２２ｂ…外形形状変化部
２２ａ…連結固定部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a medical capsule endoscope that is sent into a living body by swallowing a patient, and observes the esophagus and stomach and performs medical treatment.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, by inserting a scope into a body cavity, the gastrointestinal tract such as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, and the trachea such as the lung are observed, and various treatment tools are inserted using the treatment instrument channel as necessary. Endoscopes that can be treated are used. In particular, an electronic endoscope using an electronic imaging device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) is widely used because it can display an image on a monitor and there is less fatigue of an operator who operates the endoscope.
[0003]
The endoscopy is generally performed in an operating room equipped with a light source device that supplies illumination light and a camera control unit that processes image signals transmitted from an electronic endoscope. It was.
[0004]
In addition, when an endoscope is inserted orally, the subject is generally held by a mouthpiece, and after sedation is administered to reduce patient pain, the insertion part is inserted into the body cavity. It was pushed to the target site and was observed and treated.
[0005]
On the other hand, for the purpose of reducing pain and diagnosing and treating patients, for example, a capsule incorporating a measuring instrument or wireless device is swallowed, and the pH value in the body cavity is transmitted outside the body in the process of passing through the stomach and intestine In recent years, a number of medical capsule devices or the like that directly perform drug application have been proposed.
[0006]
As one of medical capsule devices, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-224650 discloses an ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonic drive means, a means for scanning an ultrasonic beam, and an ultrasonic reflected signal converted into an electrical signal. An ultrasonic diagnostic medical capsule having a transmission means for leading out of the body is shown.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the ultrasonic diagnostic medical capsule disclosed in JP-A-2-224650, the oral capsule portion formed in a spherical shape or the like in which the ultrasonic transducer is disposed and the transmission means are inserted. Since a step was formed between the connecting part and the wired part, when pulling back the oral capsule part that reached the stomach, the oral capsule part caught on the cardia, prolonging the examination time, or In order to remove the cable, a load more than necessary is applied to the wired part, which may cause a problem in the transmission means.
[0008]
In addition, there has been a demand for an endoscope that can be used not only for the purpose of reducing pain for patients but also for visiting elderly people and children.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can be swallowed easily without giving a foundation, and can be used to perform an operation for pulling back an oral capsule portion that has reached the stomach reliably and easily, and can be used for home examinations. It aims to provide a capsule endoscope.
[0010]
The medical capsule endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention includes an oral capsule portion provided with at least one observation function means for observing an examination site, and extends from one end portion of the oral capsule portion. A traction member that draws the portion toward the hand side, and a traction protection tube that also serves as a protection member that protects the electric cable connected to the observation function means, A hydrophilic polymer is provided on the outer surface of the oral capsule part and the traction protective tube, and the oral capsule part Connected to the traction protection tube To do Outline of Size Is characterized in that the diameter gradually changes from the oral capsule portion toward the traction protection tube.
[0011]
According to this configuration, when pulling back the traction protection tube and performing the pull-back operation of the oral capsule portion, the outer shape of the connecting portion between the oral capsule portion and the traction protection tube changes smoothly. Can be moved smoothly without being caught by the cardia.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
1 to 7 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a view showing a medical capsule endoscope of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an oral capsule portion and a traction protection tube of the medical capsule endoscope. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the oral capsule unit, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the light emitting unit, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the light emitting unit, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an endoscope system including a medical capsule endoscope, and FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the medical capsule endoscope.
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 1, a medical capsule endoscope (hereinafter abbreviated as “capsule endoscope”) 1 of this embodiment is a so-called electronic endoscope, and constitutes an observation optical system 11 as observation function means. (Hereinafter also referred to as a CCD) 2 and a white LED for illumination (hereinafter also referred to as an LED) 3 constituting the illumination optical system 12, a substantially oval spherical oral capsule part (abbreviated as an oral capsule part) 10, and this The traction protection tube 13, which is a tubular member having a smaller outer dimension than the oral capsule portion 10, is flexible and excellent in tensile strength, and is disposed at the proximal end of the traction protection tube 13. It is mainly composed of a gripping portion 14 and an electric cable 15 extending from an end portion of the gripping portion 14 and having an electric connector 15a at a base end portion.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 2, the substantially oval spherical capsule part 10 includes a transparent cover part 21 having a curved surface part constituting the distal end side, and a capsule body that is watertightly connected and fixed to the base end side of the transparent cover part 21. 22, and the distal end portion of the traction protection tube 13 is connected and fixed to a connection fixing portion 22 a (see FIG. 3) formed at the base end portion of the capsule body 22 so as to substantially coincide with the central axis. It has become.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 3, the outer shape of the base end side of the capsule body 22 has a substantially continuous outer dimension from the vicinity of the connection fixing portion 22a to which the traction protection tube 13 is connected toward the distal end side of the capsule body 22. It is formed as an outer shape changing portion 22b that changes smoothly to a large diameter. That is, the outer shape between the oral capsule portion 10 and the traction protection tube 13 is a portion in which the outer shape dimension continuously changes to a large diameter as it goes from the straight portion and the connecting and fixing portion 22a toward the distal end side of the capsule body 22. And has a shape without a catching portion. And the fixed part of the said capsule main body 22 and the said pulling protection pipe | tube 13 has a watertight structure.
[0016]
The cross-sectional shape of the transparent cover portion 21 constituting the oral capsule portion 10 is a dome shape, and a large diameter portion 31 of the observation portion constituting member 30 is connected to the opening portion and a large diameter opening portion of the capsule body 22. Is also arranged to serve as a reinforcing member.
[0017]
The observation part constituting member 30 includes a large diameter part 31 and a small diameter part 32, and the cross-sectional shape is a substantially convex shape, and a through hole 33 is formed in the central part. The CCD 2 constituting the observation optical system is disposed at the base end portion of the through-hole 33, and for example, aspherical objective lenses 34 and 34 for forming an observation image on the CCD imaging surface are provided on the front side of the CCD 2. A plurality are arranged. By using these aspherical lenses 34 and 34, the number of lenses can be reduced, so that the total length of the capsule portion is shortened and swallowability is improved. A plurality of LEDs 3,..., 3 are arranged on the front side of the large diameter portion 31 so as to surround the periphery of the small diameter portion 32 at equal intervals.
[0018]
The signal line 16 extending from the CCD 2 and the power line 17 extending from the LED 3 are inserted through the capsule body 22, the traction protection tube 13 and the electric cable 15 and extend to the electric connector 15a. The electrical connector 15a is connected to an electrical device having a CCD circuit for driving the CCD 2 and processing a signal output from the CCD 2, a light source circuit for supplying power to the LED 3, and the like. It has become.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 4, the LED 3 is disposed on the bottom surface of a recess 42 formed in the case body 41, for example, and the light emitting unit 40 is filled with a fluorescent agent 43 so as to bury the LED 3 in the recess 42. The light emitting portion 40 is arranged in the large diameter portion 31. The light emitting unit 40 is formed so as to emit illumination light at a light emission angle θ indicated by a broken line. As a result, the lens used for widening the emission angle by illumination with the conventional light guide fiber can be made unnecessary, the entire length of the capsule portion is shortened, and the swallowability is improved.
[0020]
Further, instead of configuring the light emitting unit 40 shown in FIG. 4, a case body 41 a having a shape considering the arrangement positional relationship and the like is formed as shown in FIG. 5A, and a plurality of cases are formed at the bottom of the case body 41. LED 3,..., 3 may be arranged, and the light emitting part 40 a may be configured by filling the fluorescent material 43 in the recess 42 a in the same manner as described above. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5B, the arrangement configuration of the observation optical system and the illumination optical system is set to a desired position configuration to improve the observation performance and to arrange a treatment instrument or the like as indicated by a broken line, for example. It is also possible to provide a space 45 such as.
[0021]
Furthermore, a hydrophilic polymer coat, which is a lubricating material, is applied to the surface of the oral capsule unit 10 composed of the transparent cover part 21 and the capsule body 22 shown in FIG. 3 and the surface of the traction protection tube 13. As a result, when the oral capsule part 10 is swallowed, the water of the human body and the hydrophilic polymer are combined, and a film of water is formed on the surfaces of the oral capsule part 10 and the traction protection tube 13 so that the The lubricity is improved.
[0022]
The operation of the capsule endoscope 1 configured as described above will be described.
An endoscope system including the capsule endoscope 1 will be described.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 6, the capsule endoscope 1 is an endoscope system in combination with, for example, a portable electrical device 50 that is an electrical device that drives the CCD 2, processes output signals, and supplies power to the LEDs 3. Configure. The portable electrical device 50 includes a connection portion 51 with the electrical connector 16a, and is configured to display an endoscopic image captured by the CCD 2 on a liquid crystal monitor 52.
[0024]
The portable electronic device 50 is further provided with an operation panel 53, a shutter button 54 for recording and recording an endoscopic image, a video output terminal 55, and the like, via a TV cable 55a connected to the video output terminal 55. Thus, for example, it is possible to display an endoscopic image on the screen of the home TV 56 and to record the examination progress on the video tape 57 a via the home VTR 57. In addition, the recording and recording of endoscopic images can be performed using, for example, a compact flash. (Registered trademark) It is performed on a storage medium such as 58. The portable electrical device 50 is driven by a commercial power source or a household power source, a battery such as the battery 59, or the like.
[0025]
Here, an endoscopy for early detection of esophageal cancer using the above-described endoscope system will be described.
First, a doctor prepares the endoscope system and visits the home of a subject who desires an examination. Therefore, preparations such as connection between the capsule endoscope 1 and the portable electronic device 50 are made in order to perform endoscopy.
[0026]
Next, without subjecting the subject, the subject is swallowed to drink the tablet of the oral capsule part 10. Then, moisture in the esophagus and the hydrophilic polymer on the surface of the capsule endoscope 1 are combined, and the oral capsule portion 10 moves smoothly in the esophagus toward the stomach. Then, a doctor observing an endoscopic image displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 52 or the home TV 56 of the portable electronic device 50, the oral capsule unit 10 moves through the esophagus as shown in FIG. If it is confirmed that it has passed and reached the stomach, an operation of pulling the traction protection tube 13 back to the hand side is performed as indicated by an arrow.
[0027]
At this time, an outer shape changing portion 22b whose outer dimension changes smoothly and smoothly into a large diameter is provided between the oral capsule portion 10 and the traction protective tube 13, as shown in FIG. 7B. The traction protection tube 13 and the oral capsule part 10 pass through the cardia smoothly. As a result, the oral capsule portion 10 is placed in the esophagus.
[0028]
From this state, the traction protection tube 13 is slowly pulled back to the hand side again. At this time, since the moisture in the esophagus and the hydrophilic polymer on the surface of the capsule endoscope 1 are bonded together, the esophagus moves smoothly in the esophagus and a good endoscopic image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 52.
[0029]
And after completion | finish of a test | inspection, the electrical connector 15a is removed from the connection part 51 of the portable electrical equipment 50, the used capsule endoscope 1 and the portable electrical equipment 50 are isolate | separated, and an endoscope system is held. The taken-in capsule endoscope 1 can be washed and disinfected and reused. The capsule endoscope 1 can also be used in an operating room, as in a normal endoscope.
[0030]
In this way, there is no step between the oral capsule portion provided with the observation optical system and the illumination optical system as the observation function means, and the thin traction protective tube with the signal line and the power line inserted, and the shape is smoothly formed. By configuring the capsule endoscope with a changing external shape changing part, when the oral capsule part swallowed and reached the stomach is pulled back to the esophagus by pulling back the traction protection tube, this oral capsule part becomes the cardia Without being caught, the esophagus can be inspected while smoothly rearranging the esophagus and performing a pull-back operation. As a result, early examination of esophageal cancer can be easily performed at a home where the subject can relax without giving the subject a need for a foundation. In addition, since the introduction of the oral capsule part to the target site is performed by swallowing the subject, for example, endoscopy using a capsule endoscope can be easily performed by medical personnel such as an endoscopy engineer. Therefore, for example, a medical staff records the examination progress on a video tape or the like and takes it back to the hospital, so that the doctor in charge can make a diagnosis while staying in the hospital.
[0031]
Moreover, the lubricity between the lumen and the lumen can be greatly improved by applying a hydrophilic polymer coat to the surface of the transparent cover portion, capsule body and traction protective tube constituting the oral capsule portion. As a result, swallowing of the oral capsule part and recovery of the oral capsule from the stomach through the esophagus can be performed smoothly.
[0032]
In the present embodiment, when the outer shape of the oral capsule portion 10 is configured, the outer shape changing portion 22b is formed in the capsule body 22, but for example, another configuration of the oral capsule portion of FIG. As shown in the figure, a connecting member 9 having the same outer shape as the outer shape changing portion 22b of the capsule main body 22 and having a connecting fixing portion 9a is formed, and the capsule main body 22A and the traction protection are formed via the connecting member 9. You may make it the structure which connects the pipe | tube 13. FIG. At this time, the observation part constituting member 30 having the large diameter part 31 and the small diameter part 32 is integrally formed with the capsule body 22A, and the CCD 2, the lenses 34 and 34, and the light emitting part 40 are arranged. Keep it.
[0033]
Further, the outer shape of the oral capsule part 10 is not limited to the outer shape changing part in which the outer dimension continuously and smoothly changes to a large diameter from the connecting and fixing part toward the distal end side of the capsule body. As shown in an example of the outer shape portion of FIG. 8B, the outer shape change portion is formed in a conical shape that linearly changes, or another example of the outer shape portion of FIG. 8C is shown. As shown in the figure, it can be formed by a combination of two curved surfaces, or it can be formed in a shape that changes in a sigmoid function as shown in the figure showing another example of the outer shape part of FIG. It may be formed in a shape that changes in a parabolic shape as shown in the drawing showing another example of the outer shape portion.
[0034]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the oral capsule unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the configuration of the oral capsule part, and FIG. 9B is a diagram for explaining the action.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 9 (a), the oral capsule portion 10A of the present embodiment pulls the observation optical system 11 and the illumination optical system 12 located at the distal end portion as shown in the first embodiment. 13 is provided on the side to be connected and fixed. As a result, when the oral capsule part swallowed and reaches the stomach as shown in FIG. 9 (b) is pulled back to the esophagus by the operation of pulling back the traction protection tube, the observation range is the rear end side of the oral capsule part 10A. Thus, the cardia can be inspected, and the oral capsule portion 10A can be smoothly rearranged in the esophagus and the esophagus can be inspected while performing a pullback operation. When the oral capsule portion 10A is configured as described above, a connecting and fixing portion with the traction protection tube 13 is provided in the transparent cover portion 21A. The central axis of the traction protection tube 13 and the central axis of the transparent cover portion 21A are configured in different positional relationships. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0036]
In this way, when the observation optical system and the illumination optical system are provided on the side where the traction protection tube is connected and fixed, and the oral capsule part is configured, when the operation of returning the oral capsule part reaching the stomach to the esophagus is performed. Cardiac examination can be performed. Other operations and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 10A, which shows another configuration of the oral capsule portion, the observation optical system 11 and the illumination optical system 12 are provided at both the distal end portion and the proximal end portion to constitute the oral capsule portion 10B. Then, as shown in the drawing explaining the operation of FIG. 5B, the front side and the rear side of the oral capsule part 10B may be observed.
[0038]
Moreover, as shown in the figure of the oral capsule part which provided the some observation function means in the side surface of Fig.11 (a), in the capsule main body 22A which comprises a side peripheral surface, several observation optical systems 11 and those observation optical systems 11 are provided. A corresponding illumination optical system 12 may be provided to form the oral capsule unit 10C. As a result, in addition to observation of the front side and the rear side of the oral capsule part 10C, side observation is also possible. In addition, as shown in the drawing of the oral capsule portion provided with one observation function means on the side surface of FIG. 11B, a plurality of observation optical systems 11 and a plurality of observation optical systems 11 are provided on the capsule body 22A constituting the side peripheral surface. Instead of providing the corresponding illumination optical system 12, one observation optical system 11 and illumination optical system 12 may be provided, and the capsule body 22A may be freely rotatable to constitute the oral capsule unit 10D. Thus, in addition to the observation of the front side and the rear side of the oral capsule unit 10D, it is possible to observe the entire side periphery with one observation optical system. In addition, as shown in the drawing of the oral capsule unit provided with other observation function means on the side surface of FIG. 11 (c), the ultrasonic observation unit 29 having a plurality of array elements arranged on the capsule body 22A constituting the side peripheral surface. May be provided to constitute the oral capsule portion 10E. Accordingly, the front side and the rear side of the oral capsule unit 10E can be observed with an endoscopic image, and the lateral observation can be performed with an ultrasonic image.
[0039]
Further, as shown in the capsule endoscope provided with the curved portion in FIG. 12A, the capsule endoscope 1A is placed between the capsule body 22 and the traction protection tube 13 with a conventional small diameter. Similarly to the endoscope, a bending portion 4 configured by continuously connecting bending pieces may be provided, and a bending operation knob 5 for operating the bending portion 4 may be provided in the grip portion 14. At this time, the bending operation wire is disposed in the through hole of the traction protection tube 13. Thus, the cardia can be inspected by bending the bending portion 4 in a state where the oral capsule portion 10 has reached the stomach as shown in the drawing explaining the operation of FIG.
[0040]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the capsule endoscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 13A illustrates a capsule endoscope having a hardness varying mechanism, FIG. 13B illustrates a hardness varying mechanism, and FIG. 13C illustrates the operation of the present embodiment. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 13A, the capsule endoscope 1B according to the present embodiment includes a hardness varying device 6 as a hardness varying mechanism that changes the hardness of the traction protection tube 13. The hardness variable device 6 includes a hardness changing portion 61 disposed in the through hole of the traction protection tube 13 and a hardness adjustment disposed on, for example, the base end portion of the gripping portion 14 as shown in FIG. It is comprised with the part 65. FIG.
[0041]
The hardness changing portion 61 includes a distal end forming member 62 disposed on the distal end side, a coil sheath 63 having one end fixed to the distal end forming member 62, and an end portion inserted into the coil sheath 63 and having the one end disposed on the distal end forming member. And a wire 64 fixed to 62.
[0042]
On the other hand, the hardness adjusting portion 65 is a coil fixing member having a substantially pipe shape in which the other end portion of the coil sheath 63 is fixed and integrally fixed to the gripping portion 14 and a male screw portion formed on the outer peripheral side of the base end portion. 66, an adjustment knob 67 that has a female screw portion that is screwed into the male screw portion of the coil fixing member 66, and can be moved forward and backward, and a proximal end of the adjustment knob 67 by fixing and holding the other end portion of the wire 64 It is comprised with the wire fixing member 68 arrange | positioned at a part.
[0043]
For this reason, when the oral capsule portion 10 reaches the stomach, the adjustment knob 67 is operated to move the wire fixing member 68 in the direction of the arrow, whereby the coil sheath 63 contracts and the hardness of the traction protection tube 13 is increased. For example, as shown in FIG. 13C, the hardness of the traction protection tube 13 is set to a hard state, and the vicinity of the pylorus can also be inspected. Further, by changing the hardness of the traction protection tube 13 to a hard state, the capsule endoscope 1 can be inserted by being pushed in.
[0044]
The hardness variable mechanism that varies the hardness of the traction protection tube 13 is not limited to the hardness variable device 6 described above. For example, the hardness variable mechanism shown in FIG. As shown in the drawings for explaining other configurations, an elongated and inflatable balloon 7 may be arranged. Air supply to the balloon 7 is performed by an air supply device 73 via an air supply tube 72 connected to an air supply port 71 provided in the gripping portion 14. For this reason, by appropriately adjusting the amount of air supplied into the balloon 7 arranged in advance at a predetermined position in the traction protection tube 13 as shown in FIG. The expansion and contraction state of the balloon 7 can be changed to adjust the hardness of the traction protection tube 13 to a desired state, and insertion and inspection can be performed.
[0045]
Further, as described above, what is inserted and disposed in the through hole of the traction protection tube 13 is not limited to the hardness changing portion 61 or the balloon 7 of the hardness varying device 6, and for example, a water supply tube in the through hole. May be provided.
[0046]
When the water supply tube is provided in the through hole, the side peripheral surface of the capsule main body 22 and the middle of the traction protection tube 13 as shown in FIG. The capsule endoscope 1C is formed by forming a plurality of water discharge holes 75,. As a result, as shown in the drawing for explaining the operation of FIG. 15 (b), in the state where the oral capsule part 10 is swallowed, water is supplied by the water supply syringe 77 connected to the water supply port 76 of the gripping part, thereby The water fed by the water feeding syringe 77 flows out from the water discharge holes 75,..., 75 to the surfaces of the oral capsule portion 10 and the traction protection tube 13, and is coated on the surfaces of the oral capsule portion 10 and the traction protection tube 13. While combining with a hydrophilic polymer to improve the lubrication performance, the discharged water plays the role of a lubricant.
[0047]
Further, as shown in FIG. 16, for the capsule endoscope 80 having a large step portion 83 between the oral capsule portion 81 and the traction protection tube 82, the oral capsule portion 81 and the traction protection tube 82 are covered. A capsule cover 85 is attached.
[0048]
The capsule cover 85 is composed of a capsule cover part 86 disposed so as to cover at least a part of the oral capsule part 81 and an insertion part cover part 87 covering and covering the traction protection tube 82, and the capsule cover part 86. As described above, the outer shape changing part 88 whose outer dimension changes substantially continuously and smoothly is provided between the insertion part cover part 87 and the insertion part cover 87.
[0049]
Accordingly, when using the capsule endoscope 80 having the large step portion 83 between the oral capsule portion 81 and the traction protection tube 82, the swallowability can be improved by covering the capsule cover 85. The capsule cover portion 86, the insertion portion cover portion 87, and the outer shape change portion 88 of the capsule cover 85 may be coated with a hydrophilic polymer, or the insertion portion cover portion 87 may be coated with the above-described hardness varying device 6 or water supply. The structure which provides a tube may be sufficient.
[0050]
FIG. 17 is related to 4th Embodiment of this invention, FIG. 17 is a figure explaining the structure of the capsule endoscope which has a channel tube for treatment instrument penetration. FIG. 17A is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the capsule endoscope, FIG. 17B is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the traction protection tube, and FIG. 17C is a diagram illustrating the operation.
[0051]
As shown in FIG. 17A, the capsule endoscope 1D of the present embodiment has a treatment instrument opening 91 on the distal end side of the oral capsule section 90, and a treatment instrument insertion described later is provided in the treatment instrument opening 91. One end of the channel tube is in communication. The other end of the channel tube passes through a through hole of the traction protection tube 92 and communicates with a treatment instrument insertion port (not shown) provided at, for example, the proximal end of the grasping portion 14.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 17 (b), the traction protection tube 92 is configured by disposing a stretchable member 93 in a part, and the opening is formed by crushing together with the signal line 16 and the power line 17 in the through hole. A closed channel tube 94 is arranged.
[0053]
For this reason, when the oral capsule part 90 has reached the stomach, it is crushed by inserting the treatment tool from the treatment tool insertion port toward the treatment tool opening 91 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 17 (c), the channel tube 94 in a state is expanded to advance the treatment instrument. At this time, the stretchable member 93 provided in the traction protection tube 92 also spreads as shown by the broken lines in FIGS. 17C and 17A, and the traction protection tube 92 has a large diameter. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same members and the description thereof is omitted.
[0054]
In this way, after the oral capsule part reaches the stomach, the treatment tool is introduced into the target site via the collapsed channel tube provided in the traction protection tube, so that it becomes necessary not only for observation. Treatment can be performed accordingly. Other operations and effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.
[0055]
In the above embodiment, a stretchable member is provided on a part of the traction protection tube so that the traction protection tube has a large diameter when the treatment instrument is inserted into the channel tube. Even if configured, the same operation and effect can be obtained.
[0056]
As shown in the drawing for explaining another configuration of the capsule endoscope in FIG. 18 (a) and the drawing for explaining the operation in FIG. 18 (b), in this embodiment, the traction protection tube 92A has a diameter at the body cavity temperature. It is formed of a shape memory member having a large diameter. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those in the fourth embodiment. When removing the capsule endoscope, water is poured into the channel tube to reduce the diameter of the traction protection tube 92A.
[0057]
Further, as shown in FIG. 18C, a diagram illustrating another configuration of the capsule endoscope, and a diagram illustrating the operation of FIG. 18D, in this embodiment, the traction protection tube 92B is connected to body fluid, current. It is formed of an expanded polymer whose diameter is increased by detecting and changing the ph value. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those in the fourth embodiment.
[0058]
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18 (e), which is a diagram for explaining the channel portion having the inner diameter dimension d1, and in FIG. 18 (f), which is for explaining the channel portion having the inner diameter dimension d2, in the present embodiment, A channel portion 95 in which a balloon is spirally formed is provided inside. The channel portion 95 changes its inner diameter by changing the pressure in the balloon. For this reason, when swallowing, air is not sent into the balloon and the inner diameter is set to a small diameter d1, and when the treatment instrument is inserted, the balloon is pressurized so that the inner diameter is set to a large diameter d2. As a result, the inner diameter of the channel portion 95 is greatly expanded, and the treatment instrument can be inserted.
[0059]
Further, as shown in the drawing for explaining the oral capsule portion having the treatment tool of FIG. 19A, the oral capsule portion 100 is provided with a treatment tool placement recess 103 for placing the treatment tool 101, the suction tube 102 and the like in advance. You may make it comprise the endoscope 1E. The opening / closing operation of the treatment instrument 101 can be performed by a treatment instrument operation knob (not shown) provided in a gripping portion (not shown).
[0060]
When the swallowing of the oral capsule unit 100 is performed, the treatment tool 101 prevents the oral cavity, throat, esophagus and the like from being damaged, and the swallowing oral capsule unit shown in FIG. The treatment instrument 101 is in a closed state as shown in FIG. Outline All shapes are smooth curved surfaces.
[0061]
Further, when a site to be treated is found in a state where the oral capsule portion 10 has reached the stomach, for example, the connection part 110 shown in FIG. 20 (d) or FIG. The treatment instrument 120 and the traction protection tube 13 may be sequentially disposed, and the treatment instrument 120 may be introduced into the target site as shown in the treatment instrument insertion state of FIG.
[0062]
As shown in the perspective view of the connecting part in FIG. 20 (b), the connecting part 110 prevents the oral cavity, throat, esophagus and the like from being damaged. Outline All shapes are formed with smooth curved surfaces. As shown in the front view of the connecting component in FIG. 20C, the connecting component 110 includes a treatment instrument engaging hole 111 that is urged and fixed to the insertion portion 121 of the treatment instrument 120, and the traction protection tube. In order to generate a guide hole 112 that is loosely arranged so as to move along 13, the opening and closing operation of the connection groove 114 formed in the treatment instrument engaging hole 111 and the guide hole 112, and a predetermined fixing force, respectively. Working holes 113 are provided. Therefore, as shown in the drawing for explaining the operation of the connecting component in FIG. 20D, the connection groove 114 is opened by pressing both sides of the operation hole 113 in the arrow direction with a finger. At this time, as shown in FIG. 20A, it is possible to attach the connecting component 110 to the insertion portion 121 and the traction protection tube 13 of the treatment instrument 120.
[0063]
That is, when the surgeon finds a site to be treated, first, the connecting part 110 is attached to the insertion portion 121 and the traction protection tube 13 of the treatment tool 120. Next, the treatment instrument 120 is pushed in in this state. Then, since the guide hole 112 is loosely fitted in the traction protection tube 13, the connection tool 110 moves in the body cavity along the traction protection tube 13, whereby the treatment instrument 120 gradually moves toward the body cavity. I will do it. Then, when a predetermined amount of movement is performed, a new connecting component 110 is attached to the insertion portion 121 and the traction protection tube 13 and the treatment instrument 120 is pushed again. By repeating this series of operations, the treatment instrument 120 is introduced to the vicinity of the treatment site as shown in FIG. 20 (e), and a desired treatment can be performed.
[0064]
Incidentally, in the above-described embodiment, the endoscope system is configured by the capsule endoscope 1 and the portable electrical device 50. However, the endoscope system is another configuration of the endoscope system of FIG. You may make it comprise like the figure which shows.
[0065]
As shown in the figure, the endoscope system according to the present embodiment includes a capsule endoscope 1F with an operation unit, a storage case 130 with an air / water supply device, and a portable computer 140 that records and processes inspection data and image data. It has. This endoscope system enables emergency examination and remote examination as well as home examination.
[0066]
The capsule endoscope 1F includes an oral capsule unit 10 having the same configuration as described above, and a traction protection tube 13 connected to the oral capsule unit 10, and an operation unit 122 is provided at the proximal end of the traction protection tube 13. Are arranged to constitute an endoscope. The bending portion 4 is provided between the oral capsule portion 10 and the traction protection tube 13.
[0067]
A display device 125 such as a liquid crystal monitor for displaying an operation jog 123, an air supply / water supply plug 124, and an endoscopic image for bending the bending portion 4 is provided on the exterior portion of the operation portion 122, for example, smart media. (Trademark) A medium arrangement unit 127 in which a storage medium 126 such as the above is arranged, and a connection unit 128 for connecting to the computer 140 by, for example, infrared communication are provided. The operation unit 122 includes the above-described CCD circuit, light source circuit, and the like.
[0068]
The storage case 130 with the air / water supply device includes an air / water supply pump 131 and a capsule endoscope storage part 132, and the air / water supply extending from the air / water supply pump 131 is provided. By connecting the tube 133 to the air / water supply plug 124, fluid such as water or air can be ejected from the washing nozzle 129, for example.
[0069]
A communication device 141 can be connected to the portable computer 140, and diagnostic data and observation image data obtained by the capsule endoscope 1F can be transmitted to a computer (not shown) in a hospital, for example, by the communication device 141. Is possible.
[0070]
In other words, in the endoscope system of the present embodiment, the medical doctor and medical personnel can easily introduce the oral capsule unit 10 to the target site by medical personnel such as an endoscopy engineer. Can exchange test data and exchange opinions via the communication device, so that the doctor in charge can perform a predetermined test while staying in the hospital.
[0071]
In addition, after an endoscopist visits several houses and conducts an examination, the doctor in charge concentrates the examination of multiple patients by giving only the recording medium to the doctor in charge in the hospital. This makes it possible to make an appropriate diagnosis without wasting time.
[0072]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0073]
[Appendix]
According to the embodiment of the present invention as described above in detail, the following configuration can be obtained.
[0074]
(1) a small-diameter granular oral capsule portion provided with at least one observation function means for performing visual observation;
Extending from one end portion of the oral capsule portion, serving as a protective member for protecting the electric cable connected to the traction member and the observation function means for pulling the oral capsule portion to the hand side, the maximum outer diameter dimension of the oral capsule It has a traction protection tube with a smaller diameter and flexibility,
The external shape of the connecting portion connecting the traction protection tube and the oral capsule portion changes from the oral capsule portion to the traction protection tube almost continuously in a small diameter, and the changing surface is smooth. Capsule endoscope.
[0075]
(2) The medical capsule endoscope according to supplementary note 1, wherein an outer dimension of the oral capsule portion is set to a size that allows swallowing without applying a foundation.
[0076]
(3) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a lubricating material is provided on an outer surface of the oral capsule portion, the traction protection tube, and the connecting portion.
[0077]
(4) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the observation function unit includes an LED that illuminates an observation site, and an image sensor that photoelectrically converts an optical image of the observation site illuminated by the LED into an electrical signal. .
[0078]
(5) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the observation function means is provided on at least one of the end side to which the traction protection tube is connected or the opposite end side.
[0079]
(6) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the observation function unit is further provided on a side peripheral surface portion that enables observation of a side periphery.
[0080]
(7) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 4, wherein an ultrasonic observation unit is further provided as an observation function means on the oral capsule unit.
[0081]
(8) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein an outer diameter shape of the connecting portion is a conical shape.
[0082]
(9) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the connecting portion is configured by two curved surfaces.
[0083]
(10) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein an outer diameter shape of the connecting portion is a shape that changes functionally.
[0084]
(11) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein an outer diameter shape of the connecting portion is a parabolic shape.
[0085]
(12) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a bending portion is provided between the traction protection tube and the oral capsule portion.
[0086]
(13) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a hardness varying mechanism is provided on the traction protection tube.
[0087]
(14) The hardness varying mechanism is a hardness varying device having a hardness varying portion and a hardness adjusting portion. 13 The medical capsule endoscope as described.
[0088]
(15) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 14, wherein the variable hardness mechanism is a balloon that can be expanded and contracted.
[0089]
Water supply tube
(16) Additional Note 1 in which a water supply tube is provided in the traction protection tube, and a plurality of water discharge holes for discharging the liquid sent by the water supply tube are provided in the side peripheral surface of the capsule main body and the middle portion side peripheral surface of the traction protection tube. The medical capsule endoscope as described.
[0090]
(17) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a channel tube for inserting a treatment tool is provided in the traction protection tube.
[0091]
(18) The medical capsule endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a treatment instrument is integrally disposed in the oral capsule portion.
[0092]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a medical capsule endoscope that can be swallowed easily without giving a foundation, and that can easily and easily pull back the oral capsule portion that has reached the stomach, and can be used for home examinations. A mirror can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 to FIG. 7 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a view showing a medical capsule endoscope of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a connection structure between an oral capsule portion of a medical capsule endoscope and a traction protection tube
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an oral capsule part
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a light emitting unit
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of a light emitting unit.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope system including a medical capsule endoscope
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a medical capsule endoscope
FIG. 8 is a diagram specifically explaining another configuration of the oral capsule portion and the shape of the outer shape portion.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another configuration and action of the oral capsule unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another configuration and action of the oral capsule part;
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the oral capsule part
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another configuration and operation of the medical capsule endoscope
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a capsule endoscope having a hardness varying mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another configuration and operation of the hardness varying mechanism.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example and an operation of a capsule endoscope having a water supply tube.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a capsule cover
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a capsule endoscope having a channel tube for inserting a treatment instrument.
FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining another configuration and operation of a capsule endoscope having a channel tube for inserting a treatment instrument.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an oral capsule portion having a treatment tool.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a treatment tool is guided into a body cavity using a connecting part.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another configuration of the endoscope system.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 ... CCD
3 ... LED
10. Oral capsule part
13 ... Traction protection tube
30 ... Observation member component
21 ... Transparent cover
22 ... Capsule body
22b ... Outer shape change part
22a ... Connection fixing part

Claims

An oral capsule portion provided with at least one observation function means for obtaining an optical image of the examination site;
A traction protection tube that extends from one end of the oral capsule portion and serves also as a traction member that draws the oral capsule portion closer to the hand and a protective member that protects the electrical cable connected to the observation function means,
A hydrophilic polymer is provided on the outer surface of the oral capsule part and the traction protection tube,
Furthermore, a tube for water supply is provided in the traction protection tube, and a plurality of water discharge holes for discharging the liquid sent by the water supply tube are provided on the side peripheral surface of the capsule body or in the middle of the traction protection tube,
The medical capsule endoscope characterized in that an outer dimension of a portion of the oral capsule portion connected to the traction protection tube changes from the oral capsule portion to the traction protection tube in a substantially continuous small diameter.

2. The medical use according to claim 1, wherein the observation function unit includes an LED that illuminates an observation site, and an image sensor that photoelectrically converts an optical image of the observation site illuminated by the LED into an electrical signal. Capsule endoscope.

Wherein the observation function unit, the traction protective tube in medical capsule according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that provided on at least one end portion side or the opposite end side thereof is connected Endoscope.

The inside of the medical capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the observation function means is further provided on a side peripheral surface portion that enables obtaining an optical image of the side periphery. Endoscope.

The medical capsule endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein an outer shape of the portion connected to the traction protection tube of the oral capsule portion is a conical shape.

The medical use according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein an outer shape of the portion connected to the traction protection tube of the oral capsule portion is configured by two curved surfaces having different curvatures. Capsule endoscope.

The medical capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein an outer shape of the portion connected to the traction protection tube of the oral capsule portion is a shape that changes functionally. Endoscope.

The medical capsule endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein an outer shape of the portion connected to the traction protection tube of the oral capsule portion is a parabolic shape.

According to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a curved portion on the base end side than the portion connecting the towing protection tube of the oral capsule of the traction protective tube Medical capsule endoscope.

The medical capsule endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the traction protection tube is provided with a hardness varying mechanism that varies the hardness of the traction protection tube.

The medical capsule endoscope according to claim 10 , wherein the hardness varying mechanism is a balloon that can be inflated and contracted.

The medical capsule endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein a channel tube through which a treatment instrument is inserted is provided in the traction protection tube.

The medical capsule endoscope according to claim 12, wherein an inner diameter of the channel tube changes.