JP4504111B2 - Intra-subject introduction apparatus and intra-subject introduction system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an intra-subject introduction apparatus that is introduced into a subject and moves within the subject, and an intra-subject introduction system using the intra-subject introduction apparatus.

  In recent years, in the field of endoscopes, swallowable capsule endoscopes have been proposed. This capsule endoscope is provided with an imaging function and a wireless communication function. The capsule endoscope is swallowed from the mouth of the subject for observation (examination) until it is spontaneously discharged until it is spontaneously discharged. It has a function of moving and taking images of the in-subject image at intervals of 0.5 seconds, for example.

  While moving inside the body cavity, image data captured inside the body by the capsule endoscope is sequentially transmitted to the outside by wireless communication and stored in a memory provided outside. By carrying a receiver having a wireless communication function and a memory function, the subject can freely act after swallowing the capsule endoscope and before being discharged. After the capsule endoscope is ejected, a doctor or a nurse can make a diagnosis by displaying an image of an organ on a display based on image data stored in a memory (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .)

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-19111

  However, the conventional capsule endoscope system cannot sufficiently acquire in-subject information such as an in-subject image in an area where the passage speed of the capsule endoscope is high, such as an esophagus. There is. This problem will be described below.

  For example, when maintaining a state in which the subject is upright, the esophagus extends in the vertical direction and connects the oral cavity and stomach, and the capsule endoscope introduced into the subject passes through the oral cavity. It will reach the stomach in the same state as free fall. Considering that the total length of the esophagus is about 30 cm, the capsule endoscope passes through the esophagus in about 1 second, and at the imaging rate of about 0.5 seconds as described above, the inside of the subject is sufficient. It is not easy to get information.

  On the other hand, for example, when the capsule endoscope has a function of capturing an in-subject image, it is conceivable to acquire sufficient in-subject information by improving the imaging rate. However, when such a configuration is adopted, new problems such as an increase in power consumption associated with high-speed operation occur. Therefore, it is not preferable to improve the imaging rate at least at the present time.

  For this reason, there has been a need for a capsule endoscope that moves at an acceptable speed even in a region such as the esophagus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and realizes an in-subject introduction apparatus such as a capsule endoscope that moves within a subject at a low speed at which acquisition of in-subject information is sufficiently possible. With the goal.

To solve the above problems and achieve the object, the body-insertable apparatus according to the present invention, is introduced into a subject, the body-insertable device moving the該被the specimen, in the subject An in-subject information acquisition means for acquiring information, an outer case member containing the in-subject information acquisition means, and an outer surface of the outer case member, and is formed on the outer surface of the subject. And a drag generating means for generating a drag that prevents the movement of the in-subject introduction apparatus by an interaction generated between the introduction apparatus and a portion in contact with the introduction apparatus.

According to the present invention , since the drag generating means for generating a drag that prevents the movement of the intra-subject introduction device is provided on the outer surface of the exterior case member of the intra-subject introduction device, the inner wall of the organ in the passage region is provided. And the drag generating means move in contact with each other, a drag that prevents the movement is generated by the drag generating means, and the moving speed of the in-subject introduction apparatus can be reduced.

In the in-subject introduction apparatus according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the drag generating means is formed of an uneven member and generates a dynamic friction force as a drag.

In the in-subject introduction device according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the drag generating means is formed of a viscous member.

In the in-subject introduction apparatus according to the present invention , in the above-described invention, the drag generating means has biocompatibility and is gradually decomposed as the intra-subject introduction apparatus moves inside the subject. It is characterized by being formed of a material.

In the in-subject introduction apparatus according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the drag generating means is formed of a material that is decomposed by a body fluid in the subject.

In the in-subject introduction apparatus according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the drag generating means includes at least a muscle contraction agent that contracts an inner diameter of a passage formed by the tissue in the subject. It is characterized by that.

In the in-subject introduction apparatus according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the in-subject information acquisition means includes imaging means, and the exterior case member is formed of a light transmissive member. An imaging window part for allowing light from the outside to enter, and a case part that is fixed in a watertight manner with the imaging window part and incorporates the in-vivo information acquisition means, wherein the drag generation means is provided outside the case part. It is formed only on the surface.

The in-subject introduction system according to the present invention is introduced into a subject, acquires in-subject information while moving in the subject, and transmits a radio signal including the acquired in-subject information. An intra-subject introduction system comprising an intra-specimen introduction device and a receiving device that receives a wireless signal transmitted from the intra-subject introduction device, wherein the intra-subject introduction device stores information inside the subject. In-subject information acquisition means to be acquired, an exterior case member incorporating the in-subject information acquisition means, and an intra-subject introduction apparatus formed on the outer surface of the exterior case member, among tissues inside the subject And a drag generating means for generating a drag that prevents the movement of the in-subject introduction apparatus due to an interaction between the receiving apparatus and the portion in contact with the portion, and the receiving apparatus receives a radio signal received via a receiving antenna. Receive processing A circuit, characterized by comprising a signal processing means for extracting the intra-subject information by performing a predetermined processing on the signal output from the reception circuit.

The body-insertable apparatus and the body insertable system according to the present invention, on the outer surface of the outer casing member of the body-insertable apparatus, the anti-force generating means for generating a drag that prevents the movement of the body-insertable device because you configured to include, in the case where the inner wall and drag generating means organ in the pass band is moved in contact, drag that prevents the movement generated by the anti-force generating means to reduce the moving velocity of the body-insertable device There is an effect that can be.

  Hereinafter, an intra-subject introduction apparatus and an intra-subject introduction system which are the best modes for carrying out the present invention will be described. Note that the drawings are schematic, and it should be noted that the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the ratio of the thickness of each part, and the like are different from the actual ones. Of course, the part from which the relationship and ratio of a mutual dimension differ is contained.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the in-subject introduction system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the in-subject introduction system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the in-subject introduction system according to the first embodiment includes a capsule endoscope 2 that is introduced into the subject 1 and moves along a passage route, and a capsule endoscope. Receiving device 3 that receives a radio signal including in-subject information transmitted from 2, a display device 4 that displays the contents of in-subject information included in the radio signal received by receiving device 3, and a receiving device 3 and a portable recording medium 5 for transferring information between the display device 4 and the display device 4.

  The display device 4 is for displaying an in-vivo image captured by the capsule endoscope 2 received by the receiving device 3, and an image based on data obtained by the portable recording medium 5. It has a configuration such as a workstation that performs display. Specifically, the display device 4 may be configured to directly display an image or the like by a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or the like, or may be configured to output an image or the like to another medium such as a printer.

  The portable recording medium 5 is detachable from the receiving device 3 and the display device 4 and has a structure capable of outputting and recording information when attached to both. Specifically, the portable recording medium 5 is attached to the receiving device 3 while the capsule endoscope 2 is moving in the body cavity of the subject 1, and the target coordinate axis with respect to the in-subject image and the reference coordinate axis. The positional relationship is stored. Then, after the capsule endoscope 2 is discharged from the subject 1, the capsule endoscope 2 is taken out from the receiving device 3 and attached to the display device 4, and the recorded data is read out by the display device 4. When data is transferred between the receiving device 3 and the display device 4 by a portable recording medium 5 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory, and the receiving device 3 and the display device 4 are connected by wire. Unlike the capsule endoscope 2, the subject 1 can freely move even when the capsule endoscope 2 is moving inside the subject 1.

  The receiving antennas 6a to 6h are formed using a loop antenna, for example. Such a loop antenna is fixed at a predetermined position in the capsule endoscope 2, and is specifically arranged to have a predetermined position and a directing direction on a target coordinate axis fixed to the capsule endoscope 2. ing.

  The receiving device 3 is for performing reception processing of a radio signal received via any of the receiving antennas 6a to 6h. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the receiving device 3. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the reception device 3 includes an antenna selection unit 9 that selects a plurality of reception antennas 6 a to 6 h that are suitable for reception of a radio signal, and a reception antenna that is selected by the antenna selection unit 9. 6, a receiving circuit 10 that performs processing such as demodulation on a radio signal received via 6, and signal processing for extracting information about a detected magnetic field, an in-subject image, and the like from the processed radio signal Part 11. The receiving device 3 also includes a control unit 12 that performs predetermined control regarding the output of the extracted information, a storage unit 13 that stores the extracted information, and the intensity of the received radio signal that is output from the receiving circuit 10. Are provided with an A / D converter 14 for A / D converting an analog signal corresponding to the above and a power supply unit 15 for supplying driving power of each component.

  The antenna selection unit 9 is for selecting an antenna suitable for receiving a radio signal from among a plurality of reception antennas 6a to 6h. Specifically, the antenna selection unit 9 selects a predetermined reception antenna 6 based on the control of the control unit 12, and outputs a radio signal received via the selected reception antenna 6 to the reception circuit 10. It has a function.

  The receiving circuit 10 is for performing predetermined processing such as demodulation on the radio signal received via the selected receiving antenna 6. The receiving circuit 10 has a function of outputting an analog signal corresponding to the intensity of the radio signal to the A / D converter 14.

  The signal processing unit 11 is for extracting predetermined information from the signal subjected to predetermined processing by the receiving circuit 10. For example, when a wireless signal received by the receiving device 3 is transmitted from an electronic device having an imaging function, the signal processing unit 11 extracts image data from the signal output from the receiving circuit 10. .

  The control unit 12 is for performing overall control including an antenna selection operation by the antenna selection unit 9. Specifically, the control unit 12 transfers the information output from the signal processing unit 11 to the storage unit 13 for storage, and also outputs the digital signal (corresponding to the reception intensity) output from the A / D conversion unit 14. For example, the reception antenna 6 to be used is determined based on RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator)), and the antenna selection unit 9 is instructed.

  The storage unit 13 is for storing information extracted by the signal processing unit 11. As a specific configuration of the storage unit 13, the storage unit 13 itself may store information by providing a memory or the like. However, in the first embodiment, the storage unit 13 is a portable recording device as described later. It has a function of writing information to the medium 5.

  Next, the capsule endoscope 2 will be described. The capsule endoscope 2 functions as an example of an in-subject introduction apparatus in the scope of the claims. The capsule endoscope 2 acquires in-subject information and receives a radio signal including the acquired in-subject information. It has the function to transmit to.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing constituent elements including an in-subject acquisition unit built in an exterior case member (described later) of the capsule endoscope 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the capsule endoscope 2 generates an in-subject information acquisition unit 17 that acquires in-subject information, and a radio signal that includes the acquired in-subject information. The wireless unit 18 for transmission, the control unit 19 for controlling the driving state of the in-subject information acquisition unit 17 and the radio unit 18, and the constituent elements such as the in-subject information acquisition unit 17 request driving power. Power supply unit 20.

  The in-subject information acquisition unit 17 is for acquiring information inside the subject, and is for acquiring an in-subject image in the first embodiment. Specifically, the in-subject information acquisition unit 17 irradiates with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 22 that outputs illumination light that irradiates the inside of the subject, an LED drive circuit 23 that controls the drive state of the LED 22, and the LED 22. A CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 24 that functions as an image pickup unit that picks up at least a part of the region formed, and a CCD drive circuit 25 that controls the drive state of the CCD 24. The in-subject image data acquired by the CCD 24 is output to the wireless unit 18.

  The wireless unit 18 is for generating and transmitting a wireless signal including the in-subject information output from the in-subject information acquisition unit 17. Specifically, the radio unit 18 includes a transmission circuit 26 and a transmission antenna 27, a radio signal is generated by the transmission circuit 26, and the radio signal is transmitted via the transmission antenna 27.

  Next, the exterior part of the capsule endoscope 2 incorporating the components shown in FIG. 3 will be described. In the first embodiment, the exterior part has a function of protecting the components shown in FIG. 3 from the outside and a function of defining the moving speed of the capsule endoscope 2.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of the capsule endoscope 2 with a focus on the structure of the exterior part. As shown in FIG. 4, the exterior portion of the capsule endoscope 2 includes an exterior case member 29 and a concavo-convex member 30 formed on the outer surface of the exterior case member.

  The exterior case member 29 defines the outer shape of the capsule endoscope 2 and has a function of protecting the built-in CCD 24 and the like by having a predetermined physical strength and a watertight structure as a whole. . Specifically, the exterior case member 29 is formed by an imaging window portion 31 and a case portion 32.

  The imaging window 31 is for enabling the CCD 24 to capture an in-vivo image by causing the CCD 24 to input light from the outside of the capsule endoscope 2. Specifically, the imaging window 31 is formed of a transparent member having a predetermined light transmittance, and is disposed in an area corresponding to the CCD 24. In the first embodiment, the imaging window 31 is an area corresponding to the imaging field of the CCD 24 formed on the imaging substrate 28 arranged at a predetermined position in the exterior case member 29 as shown in FIG. Is arranged. The case portion 32 forms an exterior case member together with the imaging window portion 31, and is formed of a member having a predetermined physical strength.

Uneven member 30 functions as an example of anti-force generating unit in the claims. Specifically, the concavo-convex member 30 is formed on the outer surface of the exterior case member 29 and has a structure including a concave portion and a convex portion. Note that the height difference between the concave and convex portions and the ratio of the occupied areas of the concave and convex portions may be arbitrary as long as the movement speed described later can be defined. The rough surface of the concavo-convex member 30 as a whole is formed.

  The uneven member 30 is preferably formed only on the outer surface of the outer case member 29 corresponding to the case portion 32. That is, when the concavo-convex member 30 is formed on the outer surface of the imaging window 31, there is a possibility that the input light may be scattered and the like, so it is necessary to avoid a deterioration in the image quality of the in-vivo image captured by the CCD 24. Because there is. Further, in order to clearly show the structure of the exterior portion, the case portion 32 and the concavo-convex member 30 are shown as separate independent members in FIG. 4, but the concavo-convex member 30 and the case portion 32 may be integrally formed. Of course.

  Next, the effect | action of the uneven | corrugated member 30 is demonstrated. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the capsule endoscope 2 moves inside the subject 1. After being introduced into the subject 1, the capsule endoscope 2 sequentially passes through digestive organs such as the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. For this reason, in the esophagus, for example, in the passage route, the capsule endoscope 2 moves while being in contact with the inner wall of the tube-shaped digestive organ 33 in the contact region 34 as shown in FIG.

  In the first embodiment, since the capsule endoscope 2 has a structure in which the concavo-convex member 30 is formed on the outer surface of the exterior case member 29, the capsule endoscope 2 passes when moving inside the subject 1. The inner wall of the digestive organ 33 and the concavo-convex member 30 come into contact with each other, and an interaction occurs between them. Specifically, when the concavo-convex member 30 comes into contact with the inner wall of the digestive organ 33, a dynamic friction force acting as a drag in the direction opposite to the moving direction is generated on the capsule endoscope 2.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, the capsule endoscope 2 is provided with the concavo-convex member 30, whereby a drag force in a direction opposite to the moving direction is supplied when the capsule endoscope 2 moves inside the subject 1. Since this drag has a function of preventing the movement of the capsule endoscope 2, the capsule endoscope 2 according to the first embodiment is compared with a capsule endoscope in which the uneven member 30 is not formed. The movement speed decreases.

  By reducing the moving speed, there is an advantage that it is easy to acquire in-subject information such as an in-subject image in a high-pass region such as the esophagus. That is, since the conventional capsule endoscope 2 does not include a mechanism for reducing the moving speed, depending on the passage region, the capsule endoscope 2 moves at a speed exceeding the capability of the in-subject information acquisition unit. It was difficult to obtain information.

  On the other hand, in the intra-subject introduction system according to the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the moving speed of the capsule endoscope 2 by forming the concavo-convex member 30. Even in such a region, there is an advantage that a sufficient time can be secured for acquiring the in-subject information. Therefore, in the in-subject introduction system according to the first embodiment, a sufficient amount of the inside of the subject for diagnosis or the like can be obtained in the region of the esophagus without increasing the imaging rate of the CCD 24 provided in the capsule endoscope 2. An image can be acquired, and there is an advantage that it is possible to realize a system that can reliably acquire in-subject information with low power consumption.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the in-subject introduction system according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, as an anti-force generating means for forming on the outer surface of the outer casing member of the capsule endoscope has a configuration using a viscous member.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining an exterior portion of the capsule endoscope 36 provided in the intra-subject introduction system according to the second embodiment. Although not shown, the in-vivo introduction system according to the second embodiment includes the receiving device 3, the display device 4, and the portable recording medium 5 as in the first embodiment. Assume that the constituent elements shown are incorporated in the capsule endoscope 36.

As shown in FIG. 6, the capsule endoscope 36 in the second embodiment, on the outer surface of the case portion 32 constituting the outer casing member 29, serving as an example of anti-force generating unit in the claims viscous The member 37 is arranged. The viscous member 37 is formed of a material having a predetermined viscosity such as a jelly-like substance, and is formed of a material having biocompatibility. As a specific material of the viscous member 37, it is good also as comprising with foodstuff materials, such as a straw material, a marshmallow, and an oblate, for example. The capsule endoscope 36 according to the second embodiment only needs to be in a state in which a viscous member is disposed on the outer surface of the exterior case member when moving inside the subject 1, for example, the exterior case. A capsule endoscope that does not form anything on the outer surface of the member 29 and a viscous member may be introduced into the subject 1 at the same time to achieve the state shown in FIG. The viscous member 37 is made of a material that does not have a viscosity outside the subject 1 and that does not cause viscosity for the first time when introduced into the subject 1 due to the action of a body fluid or the like of the subject 1. May be.

By adopting such a configuration, the capsule endoscope 36 moves inside the subject 1 with the viscous member 37 in contact with the inner wall of the digestive organ corresponding to the passage route. Therefore, as the capsule endoscope 36 moves, a predetermined shear stress is applied to the viscous member 37 from the inner wall of the digestive organ in a direction parallel to the traveling direction of the capsule endoscope 36. Since the viscous member 37 is formed of a material having a predetermined viscosity, shear resistance force is generated as an anti force shear stress, applied in the opposite direction to the moving direction to such resistant capsule endoscope 36 Will be. For this reason, in the second embodiment, the shear resistance generated due to the viscous member 37 functions as a drag acting in a direction that prevents the capsule endoscope 36 from moving, and the frictional force in the first embodiment. In the same manner as described above, the moving speed of the capsule endoscope 36 is reduced.

  Next, advantages of the in-subject introduction system according to the second embodiment will be described. First, in the intra-subject introduction system according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the capsule endoscope 36 receives a drag force in the direction opposite to the moving direction, so that the moving speed is reduced, and the esophagus or the like. Even in this area, it is possible to secure a sufficient time for acquiring the in-subject information.

  In addition, the in-subject introduction system according to the second embodiment has an advantage that the influence of the capsule endoscope on the inner wall of the digestive organ can be reduced. That is, in this Embodiment 2, the structure which the viscous member 37 contacts with the inner wall of a digestive organ is employ | adopted, and it is normal that the viscous member 37 is comprised with a certain amount of flexibility. For this reason, the capsule endoscope 36 according to the second embodiment has a reduced influence on the inner wall as compared with the capsule endoscope in which the exterior case member 29 is in direct contact with the inner wall of the digestive organ. There is an advantage that it is possible to further reduce the burden on the subject 1 in the examination or the like.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, the in-subject introduction system according to the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, as an anti-force generating means for forming on the outer surface of the outer casing member of the capsule endoscope, a biocompatible material, and decomposes gradually decomposed with the movement of the object It has a configuration using members.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exterior portion of the capsule endoscope 39 provided in the intra-subject introduction system according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the capsule endoscope 39 has a structure in which the disassembling member 40 is disposed on the outer surface of the case portion 32 constituting the exterior case member 29. Although not shown in the figure, the in-subject introduction system according to the third embodiment includes the receiving device 3, the display device 4, and the portable recording medium 5 as in the first embodiment. Assume that the constituent elements shown are built in the capsule endoscope 39.

  The disassembling member 40 is formed of a biocompatible material that gradually separates from the capsule endoscope 39 by the disassembling action as the capsule endoscope 39 moves inside the subject 1. Specifically, the material forming the decomposition member 40 is constituted by starch or the like that is decomposed by a body fluid such as saliva present in the subject 1, and is moved by the action of the body fluid as it moves through the subject 1. Has the ability to decompose gradually. As the disassembling member 40, it is also possible to use the brazing material, oblate, marshmallow and the like shown as examples of the viscous member in the second embodiment.

The shape and the like of the disassembling member 40 may be the same as those in the first and second embodiments. That is, it is good also as producing frictional force between the inner wall of a digestive organ by providing uneven | corrugated shape similarly to Embodiment 1, and using what has viscosity in the material which comprises a decomposition | disassembly member. It is good also as producing shear resistance. Also, increasing the reason described later, to form thick degradation member 40 on the outer surface of the case portion 32 to improve the degree of close contact with the inner wall of the digestive organs inside the subject 1, the anti-power of the contact surface perpendicular direction It is good also as a structure which produces a frictional force between the inner wall of a digestive organ by making it.

Next, advantages of the in-subject introduction system according to the third embodiment will be described. First, degradation member 40, since it functions as an example of anti-force generating unit in the claims, similarly to the first and second embodiments, the interaction between the inner wall of the digestive organs in the pass band Occurs. By generating a drag in a direction that prevents the movement of the capsule endoscope 39 by such interaction, the moving speed is reduced, and the capsule endoscope 39 is moved at a speed at which acquisition of in-subject information is sufficiently possible. It has the advantage that it can be made.

Further, the decomposition member 40 in the third embodiment, a function as an anti-force generating means, when the capsule endoscope 39 moves an area close to the inside of the oral cavity of the subject 1, for example, when moving the esophagus It has a configuration that only exhibits. That is, the decomposition member 40 since it has a configuration that is gradually degraded in accordance with the movement of the capsule endoscope 39, also decreases gradually function as an anti-force generating means in accordance with the movement of the capsule endoscope 39 It will be. Therefore, degradation member 40 in the third embodiment functions as an anti-force generating means only in the digestive tract of the mouth near the esophagus and the like, the capsule endoscope 39, the stomach, the conventional capsule in the small intestine, etc. It moves according to the same mode as an endoscope.

Such characteristics are particularly effective when the target for introduction of the capsule endoscope 39 is a subject whose movement speed of the capsule endoscope 39 is high immediately after introduction, such as a human body. That is, when the subject 1 is a human body, since the capsule endoscope 39 passes through the esophagus immediately after the capsule endoscope 39 is introduced through the oral cavity, the capsule endoscope 39 moves at a high speed immediately after the introduction. Become. On the other hand, when passing through the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and the like, the capsule endoscope 39 moves at a low speed that is sufficiently acceptable from the viewpoint of acquiring in-subject information. Therefore, in the case of a structure in which the anti-force generating means provided in the capsule endoscope always function, so that the move even lower rate than the prior art when moving the small intestine and the like.

In contrast, in the third embodiment, degradation member 40 which functions as an anti-force generating means is configured to be gradually decomposed with the movement of the capsule endoscope 39. Therefore, after moving within the subject 1 to some extent, the disassembling member 40 is separated from the capsule endoscope 39, and the exterior portion of the capsule endoscope 39 changes to a structure similar to the conventional one. For this reason, in a digestive organ such as the small intestine that is separated to some extent from the oral cavity, the capsule endoscope 39 moves at a speed equivalent to that of the prior art without particularly generating drag. For this reason, the in-subject introduction system according to the third embodiment has an advantage that an increase in the time during which the capsule endoscope 39 stays inside the subject 1 can be suppressed.

(Modification)
Next, a modification of the in-subject introduction system according to the third embodiment will be described. On the outer surface of the case part 32 of the capsule endoscope provided in the in-subject introduction system according to this modification, a disassembly member is disposed in the same manner as in Embodiment 3, and a muscle contraction agent is placed in the disassembly member. It has a mixed configuration.

  When such a configuration is adopted, when the disassembling member gradually peels off as the capsule endoscope moves, the mixed muscle contraction agent is also separated from the capsule endoscope so as to enter the digestive organ in the passage region. Will be absorbed. Therefore, for example, in the esophagus, the muscle contractor absorbed through the inner wall of the digestive organs acts, and the inner diameter of the esophagus is narrowed or at least the expansion of the inner diameter of the esophagus is suppressed. This means that the inner diameter of the digestive organ, which is the passage path, is narrower than the conventional diameter of the capsule endoscope, and the amount of the narrowed portion between the capsule endoscope and the inner wall of the digestive organ is reduced. The magnitude of the normal force acting between them will increase. Since drag, such as frictional force, has a characteristic that increases according to the value of vertical drag, by adopting a configuration in which a muscle contraction agent is mixed as in this modification, capsule-type endoscopy, especially in the esophagus, etc. It is possible to increase the value of the drag acting in the direction that prevents the movement of the mirror, and it is possible to further reduce the moving speed of the capsule endoscope.

  It should be noted that the configuration in which the muscle contraction agent is mixed need not be limited to the configuration of the third embodiment. That is, in the first embodiment, for example, a muscle contraction agent is applied on the outer surface of the concavo-convex member 30, or in the second embodiment, for example, a muscle contraction agent is applied on the outer surface of the viscous member 37, or the viscosity is increased. It is also effective to include a muscle contraction agent in the member 37.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an in-subject introduction system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a receiving device provided in the intra-subject introduction system according to the first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a capsule endoscope provided in an in-subject introduction system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the physical structure of the exterior part of a capsule type | mold endoscope. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the function of the exterior part of a capsule type | mold endoscope. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a physical structure of an exterior portion of a capsule endoscope provided in an in-subject introduction system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a physical structure of an exterior portion of a capsule endoscope provided in an in-subject introduction system according to a third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Subject 2 Capsule endoscope 3 Receiving apparatus 4 Display apparatus 5 Portable recording medium 6a-6h Receiving antenna 9 Antenna selection part 10 Receiving circuit 11 Signal processing part 12 Control part 13 Storage part 14 A / D conversion part 15 Electric power Supply unit 17 In-subject information acquisition unit 18 Radio unit 19 Control unit 20 Power supply unit 22 LED
23 LED drive circuit 24 CCD
25 CCD drive circuit 26 transmission circuit 27 transmission antenna 28 imaging substrate 29 exterior case member 30 uneven member 31 imaging window part 32 case part 33 digestive organ 34 contact area 36 capsule endoscope 37 viscous member 39 capsule endoscope 40 disassembly Element

Claims (7)

In the in-subject introduction apparatus that is introduced into the subject and moves in the subject,
In-subject information acquisition means for acquiring information inside the subject;
An exterior case member containing the in-subject information acquisition means;
Drag that is formed on the outer surface of the outer case member and prevents movement of the intra-subject introduction device due to an interaction between the tissue inside the subject and a portion that contacts the intra-subject introduction device. Drag generating means to generate,
Equipped with a,
The in-subject introduction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drag generation means includes a muscle contraction agent that contracts at least an inner diameter of a passage path formed by the tissue in the subject.   The in-subject introduction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drag generation unit is formed of a concavo-convex member and generates a dynamic frictional force as a drag.   The in-subject introduction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drag generation unit is formed of a viscous member.   2. The subject according to claim 1, wherein the drag generating means is formed of a material having biocompatibility and gradually being decomposed as the in-subject introduction apparatus moves inside the subject. Intrasample introduction device.   The in-subject introduction apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the drag generation unit is formed of a material that is decomposed by a body fluid in the subject. The in-subject information acquisition means includes an imaging means,
The exterior case member is
An imaging window formed by a light-transmitting member and allowing light from outside to enter the imaging means;
A case part that is fixed in a watertight manner with the imaging window part and contains the in-subject information acquisition means;
With
6. The intra-subject introduction apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the drag generation unit is formed only on an outer surface of the case part . An in-subject introduction apparatus that is introduced into a subject, acquires in-subject information while moving in the subject, and transmits a radio signal including the acquired in-subject information, and the in-subject introduction apparatus An in-subject introduction system comprising a receiving device for receiving a transmitted radio signal,
The in-subject introduction device comprises:
In-subject information acquisition means for acquiring information inside the subject;
An exterior case member containing the in-subject information acquisition means;
Drag that is formed on the outer surface of the outer case member and prevents movement of the intra-subject introduction device due to an interaction between the tissue inside the subject and a portion that contacts the intra-subject introduction device. Drag generating means to generate,
With
The receiving device is:
A receiving circuit that performs reception processing of a radio signal received via a receiving antenna;
Signal processing means for extracting in-subject information by performing predetermined processing on the signal output from the receiving circuit;
With
The in-subject introduction system according to claim 1, wherein the drag generation means includes a muscle contraction agent that contracts at least an inner diameter of a passage formed by the in-subject tissue .

Images