JP4531370B2 - Endoscope measuring tool - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an endoscope measuring instrument .

  For example, when measuring the length of an affected part or the like in a body cavity, an endoscope measuring instrument (endoscope-related product) used transendoscopically is used. Various types of endoscope measuring instruments have been proposed so far (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In a conventional measuring instrument for an endoscope, the scale (index) attached to the measuring section is generally formed by printing using ink or laser processing.

  However, the printing method has drawbacks such as difficulty in forming a scale on a curved surface and time required for drying the ink.

  On the other hand, the laser processing method generally has a problem in that since the formed concave portion is used as a scale, the contrast is insufficient compared with a scale using ink, and it is difficult to view. Further, when the endoscope is sterilized and sterilized, the chemical solution tends to remain in the recess, and there is a concern about deterioration from the portion.

JP 2001-275932 A

An object of the present invention is to provide a length measuring instrument for an endoscope provided with a colored portion that is excellent in visibility and hardly causes peeling or disappearance.

Such an object is achieved by the present inventions (1) to ( 8 ) below.
(1) having a sheath that is inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel of an endoscope and is composed of a long member having flexibility;
The sheath includes a long portion, and a length measuring portion provided at a distal end portion of the long portion and having a colored portion formed along the longitudinal direction of the outer surface,
The length measuring instrument for an endoscope , wherein the colored portion is formed integrally with the length measuring portion by a chemical color reaction.

Thereby, while being excellent in visibility, the length measuring tool for endoscopes provided with the coloring part with which peeling, disappearance, etc. hardly occur can be provided.

(2) The measuring instrument for an endoscope according to (1), wherein the colored portion functions as an index.

  Thereby, the function as a parameter | index can be exhibited stably, without impairing the visibility also by long-term use.

( 3 ) The chemical color reaction described above (1) or (2), wherein the chemical color reaction is performed by adding a color reagent to a molded article having a reactive chemical structure at least in the vicinity of the surface. Endoscope measuring instrument according to 1 .
Thereby, unintentional peeling of the colored portion can be effectively prevented.

( 4 ) The measuring instrument for an endoscope according to ( 3 ), wherein the molded body is mainly made of a resin material.

  Thereby, unintentional peeling of the colored portion can be effectively prevented while maintaining appropriate operability.

( 5 ) The reactive chemical structure described in ( 3 ) or ( 4 ) above, wherein the reactive chemical structure is introduced into the molded body by contacting with a solution in which the compound having the reactive chemical structure is dissolved . Endoscope measuring instrument .

  Thereby, a colored part can be formed easily and reliably. In particular, a colored portion can be easily and reliably formed on a molded body having a complicated shape. Moreover, the thickness variation in each site | part of the coloring part formed can be made especially small.

( 6 ) Any one of the above ( 3 ) to ( 5 ), wherein the colored portion is formed through a step of applying a solution containing the color reagent to the molded body having the reactive chemical structure. Endoscope measuring instrument according to 1 .

  Thereby, a colored part can be formed easily and reliably. In particular, a colored portion can be easily and reliably formed on a molded body having a complicated shape. Moreover, the thickness variation in each site | part of the coloring part formed can be made especially small.

(7) the reactive chemical structure, endoscopic measuring tool according to any one of (3) to a -NH ₂ (6).

  As a result, the reaction between the reactive chemical structure and the color reagent can proceed efficiently, and inconveniences such as peeling of the formed colored portion are less likely to occur.

( 8 ) The measuring instrument for endoscopes according to ( 7 ), wherein the color reagent is composed mainly of o-phthalaldehyde or ninhydrin.

  As a result, the reaction between the reactive chemical structure and the color reagent can proceed efficiently, and inconveniences such as peeling of the formed colored portion are less likely to occur.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, while being excellent in visibility, it can provide the measuring tool for endoscopes provided with the coloring part which does not produce peeling, loss | disappearance, etc. easily.

  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, endoscope related products of the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In this specification, “endoscope-related product” means an endoscope main body, an endoscope measuring instrument used in connection therewith, a treatment instrument such as a high-frequency cautery treatment instrument, and flexibility. It refers to devices such as variable devices, parts, and accessories.

  The endoscope-related product of the present invention is characterized by having a colored portion formed by a chemical color reaction. The colored portion thus formed preferably functions as an index. Thereby, the function as a parameter | index can be exhibited stably, without impairing the visibility also by long-term use. In the present specification, the “index” refers to one having a function of measuring dimensions, one having functions such as positioning and position confirmation, and the like.

Hereinafter, as an endoscope-related product of the present invention, an endoscope measuring instrument will be described as a representative.
FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing an embodiment of an endoscope measuring instrument (endoscope-related product) according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is inserted through the endoscope measuring instrument shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the distal end portion of the endoscope measuring instrument shown in FIG. 1 (showing a state in which the measuring section is opened), and FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the endoscope. It is a side view (the state which showed the state which closed the length measuring part) of the front-end | tip part of the measuring tool for endoscopes shown. 5 to 7 are diagrams for explaining a method of using the endoscope measuring instrument shown in FIG. 1, respectively. In the following description, the upper side in FIGS. 1 and 2 is referred to as a “base end”, and the lower side is referred to as a “tip”.

First, an example of the configuration of the endoscope will be briefly described with reference to FIG.
An endoscope 10 shown in FIG. 2 is an electronic endoscope, and is provided on a long insertion portion flexible tube 11 having flexibility and a proximal end side of the insertion portion flexible tube 11. Is operated at the distal end side of the insertion portion flexible tube 11 and can be remotely operated from the operation portion 12, and a light source processor ( The light source insertion part 14 for connecting to a not-shown) and the connection part flexible tube 15 which connects the operation part 12 and the light source insertion part 14 are provided. Inside the endoscope 10, built-in objects (not shown) such as a light guide using an optical fiber bundle, an image signal cable, a cable, and tubes are arranged and inserted.

  Note that the endoscope measuring instrument 1 according to the present invention is not limited to an electronic endoscope such as the endoscope 10, but can be used for various endoscopes such as a fiber endoscope. Needless to say.

  When the endoscope 10 is used, light emitted from a light source in the light source processor device passes through the light guide, and is irradiated onto the observation site from the distal end portion of the bending portion 13 to illuminate.

  An imaging element (CCD) (not shown) that captures a subject image at the observation site is provided at the distal end of the bending portion 13, and an image signal corresponding to the subject image captured by the imaging element is the image signal cable. The light is transmitted to the light source processor device, and after a predetermined process, it is input to a monitor device (not shown). In the monitor device, an image (electronic image) captured by the image sensor, that is, an endoscope monitor image of a moving image is displayed.

  Inside the insertion portion flexible tube 11 and the bending portion 13, there are a treatment instrument insertion channel 16 for inserting a treatment instrument, a suction channel for sucking and discharging body fluids that obstruct observation, a water supply channel, an air supply channel, and the like. Various pipelines are formed. Among these, the treatment instrument insertion channel 16 has a proximal end opening 161 at the protruding portion 121 formed in the operation portion 12, and a distal end opening 162 at the distal end of the bending portion 13.

  In such an endoscope 10, various treatment tools (not shown) are inserted into the treatment tool insertion channel 16 from the proximal end opening 161 with the insertion portion flexible tube 11 and the bending portion 13 inserted into the body cavity. And can be used by protruding (exposed) from the tip opening 162. The treatment tool that can be used is not particularly limited. For example, length measuring tools, biopsy forceps, forceps such as grasping forceps, various sensors such as a body temperature sensor, electrodes for electrocardiography measurement, a knife, a laser knife, etc. Various treatment tools (such as incision tools, contrast tubes, cleaning tubes, drainage tubes, etc. (catheters), crushing probes (stone breaking tools), heat probes, injection needles, ligatures, wires) Inspection tools).

  An endoscope length measuring instrument (endoscope-related product) 1 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is used by being inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel 16 of an endoscope 10. The sheath 2 inserted through the treatment instrument insertion channel 16, the hub 3 provided at the proximal end of the sheath 2, the operation wire 4 inserted through the hub 3 and the sheath 2, and the proximal end of the operation wire 4 And a grip portion 5 provided.

  The sheath 2 is constituted by a long member (tube) having flexibility, and is bent according to the bending state of the endoscope 10 when inserted into the endoscope 10.

  The outer diameter of the sheath 2 is preferably about 1.5 to 3.0 mm, more preferably about 1.7 to 2.5 mm, and the inner diameter is preferably about 1.4 to 2.9 mm. Is done.

  Further, the constituent material of the sheath 2 is not particularly limited, but has a reactive chemical structure involved in the chemical color reaction described later, a reactive chemical structure, affinity with a color reagent (dispersibility, It is preferable to use a material having excellent compatibility. Moreover, when the molded object (endoscopic measuring instrument 1) used for the process of forming the colored portion is manufactured by a method such as I described later, as an elastic material constituting the sheath 2 Are preferably those that swell relatively easily with a solvent that dissolves a substance having a reactive chemical structure. Specific materials satisfying these conditions include, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyamide, polyimide, polyamideimide, polycarbonate, poly- (4-methylpentene-1), ionomer, acrylic resin, poly Methyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS resin), acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (AS resin), butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyoxymethylene, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer Polyester such as coalescence (EVOH), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycyclohexane terephthalate (PCT), polyether, polyetherimide, polyacetal (POM), polyphenylene oxide, modified poly Phenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, aromatic polyester (liquid crystal polymer), styrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polybutadiene, trans polyisoprene, fluoro rubber, chlorinated polyethylene Various thermoplastic elastomers such as, natural rubber (NR), isoprene rubber (IR), butadiene rubber (BR, 1,2-BR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), etc., chloroprene rubber (CR), Diene rubbers such as butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber (NBR), urethane rubbers such as butyl rubber (IIR), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPM, EPDM), acrylic rubber (ACM, ANM), urethane rubber (AU, EU) The hydride Ether rubber such as rubber (CO, ECO, GCO, EGCO), polysulfide rubber such as polysulfide rubber (T), silicone rubber (Q), fluoro rubber (FKM, FZ), chlorinated polyethylene (CM), etc. Various rubbers or copolymers mainly containing these, blends, polymer alloys, and the like can be mentioned, and one or more of these can be used in combination.

  The sheath 2 includes a main body portion (long portion) 21 and a length measuring portion 22 provided at the distal end portion of the main body portion 21 and having an index (colored portion) 221 formed along the longitudinal direction of the outer surface. And these are integrally formed. By using the index 221, the size of a predetermined site (such as an affected part) in a body cavity can be measured in a diameter endoscopic manner.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) cuts (grooves) 222 are formed on the distal end side of the length measuring unit 22 substantially in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the sheath 2. . The notches 222 have substantially the same length, and are provided at equal intervals of approximately 90 ° along the circumferential direction of the sheath 2. Thereby, a plurality (four) of strip pieces 223 are formed between the notches 222, respectively.

  Valley folds 223a and 223b are formed at the front end and the base end of each strip 223, and a mountain fold fold 223c is formed at an intermediate portion between the folds 223a and fold 223b. Thereby, each strip piece 223 protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the sheath 2 so that the center part in the longitudinal direction can be deformed in a direction away from the central axis.

  Then, the length between the fold 223c and the fold 223b (base end side strip 224) is longer than the length (the length B in FIG. 4) between the fold 223c and the fold 223a (front end side strip 225). (Length A in FIG. 4) is set longer.

  An operation wire 4 having flexibility (flexibility) is inserted and disposed in the sheath 2 so as to be movable forward and backward in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the sheath 2. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the engagement tip 41 attached to the distal end of the operation wire 4 engages with the engagement member 23 attached to the distal end of the sheath 2, thereby the operation wire 4. The tip is fixed to the tip of the sheath 2.

  The hub 3 is fixed (fixed) to the proximal end of the sheath 2, and the grip portion 5 attached to the proximal end of the operation wire 4 is detachable from the hub 3.

  In a state where the grip portion 5 is engaged with the hub 3, that is, in a state where the operation wire 4 is pushed most into the sheath 2, each strip 223 is in a reduced diameter state, and the sheath 2 The outer diameter is almost constant. On the other hand, when the engagement state of the grip portion 5 with respect to the hub 3 is released and the operation wire 4 is pulled toward the hand (base end) side with respect to the sheath 2, each strip 223 protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the sheath 2. To do. Since the length A of the proximal end strip 224 is longer than the length B of the distal end strip 225 as described above, when the operation wire 4 is pulled toward the proximal side with respect to the sheath 2, FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, each strip 223 projects outward from the outer peripheral surface of the sheath 2 in a state of being warped forward (opened) from a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the sheath 2.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the operation wire 4 is pulled to the most proximal side with respect to the sheath 2, the protruding end (near the fold 223 c) of each strip 223 is on the distal side or substantially the same surface from the distal end of the sheath 2. The lengths of the base end side strip 224 and the tip end side strip 225 are set so as to be positioned at the positions.

  In the present embodiment, the length measuring unit 22 and the main body unit 21 are integrally formed, but these may be connected (joined) separately.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the indicators 221 having a width of 1 to 10 mm are provided at 1 cm intervals (pitch) along the longitudinal direction of the sheath 2. Note that the interval between the indexes 221 can be arbitrarily set.

  The index (colored portion) 221 as described above is formed by a chemical color reaction, and is integrated with the base (the length measuring portion 22). For this reason, for example, compared to an indicator formed by a conventional method such as application of a colored paint, it is difficult to cause unintentional peeling from the base (hard to cause interfacial peeling), and is stable over a relatively long period of time. It has characteristics.

  In the conventional method, the molded body (endoscope-related product main body) on which the index is formed is made of a material having high water repellency (low wettability) such as silicone rubber and fluorine-based resin. However, according to the present invention, it is possible to sufficiently prevent the occurrence of such a problem, although it has been difficult to sufficiently improve the adhesion between the colored portion and the molded body (base). Therefore, since the range of selection of the constituent material of the molded body (sheath 2, length measuring unit 22, etc.) can be expanded, the characteristics of the endoscope-related product finally obtained can be made particularly excellent. .

  In the present invention, the indicator (colored portion) may be any one as long as it is formed by a chemical color reaction, but more specifically, it can be formed by the following method. it can.

  That is, a colored portion can be formed by applying a color reagent to a molded body (sheath 2) having a reactive chemical structure at least in the vicinity of the surface.

  As a method for obtaining a molded product having a reactive chemical structure at least in the vicinity of the surface (a method of causing (introducing) a reactive chemical structure (reactive functional group) in the vicinity of the surface of the molded product), I: A method in which a molded body is brought into contact with a solution in which a compound having a reactive chemical structure is dissolved. II: A method in which a compound having a reactive chemical structure is mixed in a resin material when forming a molded body. III: Resin A method of forming a resin molded body using a material having a reactive chemical structure as the material is suitably used. According to these methods I to III, a reactive chemical structure can be present near the surface of the molded body easily and reliably, and a colored portion can be easily and reliably formed. In particular, according to the method I, the colored portion can be formed more easily, and the colored portion can be easily and reliably formed on a molded body having a complicated shape or an existing molded body. it can. In addition, according to the methods II and III, inconvenience such as peeling of the colored portion is less likely to occur. Thus, in the present invention, the reactive chemical structure (reactive functional group) may be introduced at the time of molding the molded body, or may be introduced after molding of the molded body. Good. In the present specification, the molded body before the reactive chemical structure is introduced and the molded body after the reactive chemical structure is introduced are collectively referred to as “molded body”.

  In the case of using the method I, examples of the method of bringing the molded product into contact with the solution include a dipping method, a spin coating method, a casting method, a gravure coating method, a bar coating method, a roll coating method, a spray coating method, and a screen printing method. Various coating methods such as flexographic printing method and offset printing method can be used, and one or more of them can be used in combination.

  When the method I is used, a reactive chemical structure may be introduced almost on the entire surface of the molded body, or by using a mask or the like, the reactive chemistry can be selectively applied to a portion where a colored portion is to be formed. A structure may be introduced.

  Further, when the method I is used, a solvent having a low reactivity with the compound having the reactive chemical structure is appropriately selected as the solvent for dissolving the compound having the reactive chemical structure, and is not particularly limited. , Ketone solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), acetone, diethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl tetone (MIBK), methyl isopropyl ketone (MIPK), cyclohexanone, alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol (DEG), glycerin Solvent, diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME), 1,4-dioxane, tetrahydrofuran (THF), tetrahydropyran (THP), anisole, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether Ether solvent such as ru (diglyme), cellosolv solvent such as methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, phenyl cellosolve, aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent such as hexane, pentane, heptane, cyclohexane, aromatic carbon such as toluene, xylene, benzene Hydrogen solvents, aromatic heterocyclic compounds solvents such as pyridine, pyrazine, furan, pyrrole, thiophene, amide solvents such as N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), dichloromethane, Halogen compound solvents such as chloroform and 1,2-dichloroethane, ester solvents such as ethyl acetate, methyl acetate and ethyl formate, sulfur compound solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and sulfolane, and nitriles such as acetonitrile and propionitrile Select from solvent A mixture of one or more of the may be used.

  As the color reagent, for example, the following can be used according to the type of the reactive chemical structure (reactive functional group). Hereinafter, the color reagent which can be used is illustrated for every kind of reactive chemical structure. The values in parentheses are approximate colors after the color reaction.

<1> When the reactive chemical structure is —OH (alcoholic) Examples of the color reagent include hexanitrotoselate (red), alkali xanthate and ammonium molybdate (purple), Deniges reagent (yellow to red) Periodic acid and fuchsin sulfite (red).

<2> When the reactive chemical structure is —OH (phenolic) Examples of the color reagent include Gibbs reagent (2,6-dibromoquinone-4-chloroimide) (blue), 4-aminoantipyrine and oxidizing agent ( Red-orange or green to blue-purple), ferric chloride (green to blue to purple), Millon reagent (a nitric acid solution of mercury nitrate containing nitrous acid) (red), and the like.

<3> When the reactive chemical structure is —SH Examples of the color reagent include Ellman reagent (5,5′-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid)) (yellow), amyl nitrite (pink), and the like. It is done.

<4> When Reactive Chemical Structure is —CHO Coloring reagents include, for example, fuchsin sulfite (red purple), tetrazolium salt (red purple to blue), 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone (blue to Green), o-aminothiophenol (fluorescence), 1,2-diaminonaphthalene (fluorescence), and the like.

<5> When the reactive chemical structure is = CH ₂ Examples of the color reagent include m-polynitrobenzene and alkali (purple red to red orange), nitroprusside salt (red or yellow), 2,4-dinitrophenylnide. Radin (red wine) and the like.

<6> When the reactive chemical structure is —COCO— Examples of the color reagent include hydroxyamyl, Ni (OAc) ₂ (red), UO ₂ (yellow), and the like.

<7> When the reactive chemical structure is —NH ₂ Examples of the color reagent include CS ₂ and I ₂ -NaN ₃ (black), CS ₂ and AgNO ₃ (black), nitroprusside salt and acetaldehyde (blue purple). Citric acid and acetic anhydride (red to purple), ninhydrin (purple), o-phthalaldehyde (black), and the like.

<8> When the reactive chemical structure is —COOH Examples of the color reagent include o-nitrophenylhydrazine (purple) and resorcin (green-yellow).

<9> When Reactive Chemical Structure is —COOR Examples of the color reagent include hydroxylamine and FeCl ₃ (red purple).

<10> When Reactive Chemical Structure is -NO Examples of the color reagent include sodium pentacyanoamine ferroate (green to purple).

<11> When the reactive chemical structure is —NO ₂ Examples of the color reagent include acetone and caustic alkali (purple or blood red).

<12> When the reactive chemical structure is a double bond Examples of the color reagent include tetranitromethane (yellow to red to tan).

Among the above <1> to <12>, —NH ₂ is preferable as the reactive chemical structure. Accordingly, the reaction between the reactive chemical structure (—NH ₂ ) and the color reagent can be efficiently advanced, and inconvenience such as peeling of the formed colored portion is less likely to occur.

Examples of the compound having —NH ₂ as a reactive chemical structure include ammonia (including various salts), primary amine (including various amino acids and various salts), and the like. In addition, as said primary amine, you may use what is used as a constituent material of surfactant.

  In this case, among those exemplified in <7>, o-phthalaldehyde or ninhydrin is preferably used as the color reagent. As a result, the reaction between the reactive chemical structure and the color reagent can proceed more efficiently, and inconveniences such as peeling of the formed colored portion are less likely to occur.

When o-phthalaldehyde is used as the color reagent, it is used in combination with at least one selected from the group consisting of 2-mercaptoethanol, ethylene cyanohydrin (3-hydroxypropionitrile), and N-acetylcysteine. Also good. In such a case, a fluorescent material is generated, and a colored portion of fluorescent color can be formed. In such a case, by adjusting the amount of 2-mercaptoethanol and / or ethylene cyanohydrin (3-hydroxypropionitrile), o-phthalaldehyde (black) and reactive chemical structure (—NH ₂ It is possible to adjust the balance between the degree of black coloration due to the color reaction and the degree of coloration of the fluorescence.

  The thickness of the colored portion formed by using the color reagent as described above can be controlled more reliably by adjusting the contact time between the color reagent solution and the molded body, for example. When the reaction between the reactive chemical structure (compound having a reactive chemical structure) and the color reagent is carried out by the method described below, the contact time between the color reagent solution and the molded body is, for example, 15 to 180. It is preferably about minutes, more preferably about 30 to 120 minutes. As a result, it is possible to form a colored portion in which problems such as peeling are unlikely to occur without extremely impairing the properties of the material constituting the molded body.

  The reaction between the reactive chemical structure (compound having a reactive chemical structure) and the color reagent may be performed by any method, but the color reagent solution (hereinafter referred to as “color reagent solution”) may be used. Is preferably performed by a method of imparting to the molded body. Thereby, a colored part can be formed easily and reliably. In particular, a colored portion can be easily and reliably formed on a molded body having a complicated shape. In addition, this makes it possible to particularly reduce variation in thickness at each portion of the colored portion to be formed.

  Specific examples of the method for applying the color reagent solution to the molded body include, for example, an immersion method, a spin coating method, a casting method, a gravure coating method, a bar coating method, a roll coating method, a spray coating method, a screen printing method, a flexographic method. Various coating methods such as a printing method and an offset printing method can be used, and one or more of these can be used in combination. Among these, by using an immersion method (a method of immersing a molded body in a color reagent solution), variation in thickness at each portion of the formed colored portion can be particularly reduced.

  In addition, when using the method as described above, the coloring reagent solution may be applied to almost the entire surface of the molded body, or by using a mask or the like, the colored portion is selectively applied to the portion where the colored portion is to be formed. A color reagent solution may be applied.

  In the case of using a color reagent solution, examples of the solvent for dissolving the color reagent include water, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), acetone, diethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl teton (MIBK), methyl isopropyl ketone (MIPK), and cyclohexanone. Ketone solvents, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol (DEG), alcohol solvents such as glycerin, diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME), 1,4-dioxane, tetrahydrofuran ( THF), tetrahydropyran (THP), anisole, ether solvents such as diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (diglyme), methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, phenyl cellosolve, etc. Solve solvents, aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents such as hexane, pentane, heptane, cyclohexane, aromatic hydrocarbon solvents such as toluene, xylene, benzene, aromatic heterocyclic compounds such as pyridine, pyrazine, furan, pyrrole, thiophene Solvent, amide solvent such as N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), halogen compound solvent such as dichloromethane, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, Use one or a mixture of two or more selected from ester solvents such as ethyl formate, sulfur compound solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and sulfolane, and nitrile solvents such as acetonitrile and propionitrile. Can do.

  Further, when the color reagent solution is applied to the molded body (when the molded body is immersed in the color reagent solution), for example, the atmosphere may be pressurized, reduced (attraction), You may heat and cool a molded object, a color reaction solution, etc. Thereby, the colored part to be formed can be more reliably controlled to a desired thickness.

  Specifically, when a colored reagent solution is applied to a molded product, the color formed in a relatively short time by pressurizing the atmosphere or heating the atmosphere, the molded product, the color reaction solution, etc. The thickness of the part can be made relatively large.

  In addition, when applying the color reagent solution to the molded body, the contact time between the color reagent solution and the molded body is shortened by reducing the atmosphere or cooling the atmosphere, the molded body, the color reaction solution, etc. Even if it is difficult to do this, the thickness of the colored portion to be formed can be made relatively small. Moreover, the thickness variation in each site | part of the coloring part formed can be made especially small.

  The method of applying the color reagent to the molded body is not limited to the above method, and for example, instead of the color reagent solution, a dispersion containing the color reagent may be used. When the color reagent itself is liquid, the color reagent may be used alone. Moreover, it is not always necessary to use a liquid color reagent.

Next, an example of how to use (operate) the endoscope measuring instrument 1 will be described.
When the endoscope measuring instrument 1 is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel 16 of the endoscope 10, the grip portion 5 is engaged with the hub 3 so that each strip 223 has a reduced diameter. Keep it. Thereby, the endoscope measuring instrument 1 can be easily inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel 16 of the endoscope 10.

  Then, when measuring a predetermined site (affected part, etc.) in the body cavity, the gripping part 5 is removed from the hub 3 from the state in which each strip 223 protrudes from the distal end of the endoscope 10, and the sheath 2 is removed. Pull to the hand (base end) side. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 1, each strip 223 protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the sheath 2 in a substantially cross shape.

  FIG. 5 shows a state in which each strip 223 protruding from the treatment instrument insertion channel 16 of the endoscope 10 is pressed against the affected part 100 in the body cavity. In this state, the protruding end (near the fold 223c) of each strip 223 is located on the tip side or substantially on the same side as the tip of the sheath 2, so that the protruding end of each strip 223 does not float from the affected area 100. It can be brought into close contact with the mucosal surface of the affected area 100.

  Accordingly, parallax does not occur between the scale 221 formed on the proximal-side strip 224 and the affected area 100 (or very small even if it occurs) by observation from the observation window 52 of the endoscope 10. The dimension of the affected part 100 can be accurately measured. If the protruding end of each strip 223 is located on the distal side of the distal end of the sheath 2, the same effect can be obtained even when the affected part 100 is on a slope.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the length of the affected area 100 can be measured by bringing the proximal end side of the length measuring section 22 along the affected area 100. As shown in FIG. In the state where the diameter has been reached, the length of the affected area 100 can be measured using the entire length measuring section 22.

  As mentioned above, although the endoscope related article of this invention was demonstrated taking the length measuring tool for endoscopes as an example, this invention is not limited to this. For example, each part constituting the length measuring instrument for endoscope can be replaced with one having any structure that can exhibit the same function.

  In addition, the endoscope-related product to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the endoscope measuring instrument, but includes various members constituting the endoscope main body, such as a spray tube, a catheter, a trikecan, and a cleaning device. The present invention can be applied to various treatment tools such as adapters, devices, parts, accessories, and the like.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the portion that becomes the colored portion has been described as having a planar shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the portion that becomes the colored portion may be convex as compared to other portions. It can be concave or concave.

  In the above-described embodiment, the sheath 2 has been described as a single layer. However, the sheath 2 may be configured such that a part or all of the longitudinal direction of the sheath 2 is composed of a laminate of a plurality of layers. Good. In this case, at least the outermost layer may have the same configuration as that of the sheath 2 of the above-described embodiment.

Next, specific examples of the present invention will be described.
1. Production of length measuring instrument for endoscope

Example 1
An endoscope measuring instrument as shown in FIG. 1 was produced as follows.
First, a tube (molded body) having an average thickness of 0.4 mm and a total length of 2000 mm was produced using polytetrafluoroethylene (white). This molded body was immersed in 5 wt% ammonia water for 1 hour. Thereby, the molded body absorbed ammonia (reactive chemical structure: —NH ₂ ).

  Next, the molded body that absorbed ammonia was washed, and then the region of the molded body other than the part where the index (colored portion) was formed was covered with a mask. The molded body thus coated with the mask was immersed in an aqueous 0.55 wt% o-phthalaldehyde solution for 1 hour to react (color reaction) ammonia and o-phthalaldehyde. Thereby, a black index (colored portion) having a film thickness of 0.1 mm was formed. Thereafter, the mask was removed, and four grooves having a length of 5 mm were formed at the tip of the molded body at intervals of 90 ° along the circumferential direction. As a result, a length measuring portion was formed, and a sheath as shown in FIG. 1 was obtained. Using this sheath, an endoscope measuring instrument was manufactured. In addition, the atmospheric pressure at the time of immersing a molded object in o-phthalaldehyde aqueous solution was 1 atmosphere, and the temperature of the molded object and o-phthalaldehyde aqueous solution was 18 degreeC.

(Example 2)
For an endoscope in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a 1 wt% ninhydrin aqueous solution was used instead of a 0.55 wt% o-phthalaldehyde aqueous solution and a purple colored layer having a thickness of 0.3 mm was formed. A measuring instrument was manufactured.

(Comparative example)
A tube (molded body) having an average thickness of 0.4 mm and a total length of 2000 mm was produced using polytetrafluoroethylene. A resin molded body having a black index (colored portion) with a thickness of 0.1 mm as a surface layer was obtained by applying a fluorine black paint solution near the tip of the molded body and heating. Thereafter, four grooves having a length of 5 mm were formed at the front end of the resin molded body at 90 ° intervals along the circumferential direction. As a result, a length measuring portion was formed, and a sheath as shown in FIG. 1 was obtained. Using this sheath, an endoscope measuring instrument was manufactured.

2. Evaluation The measuring instrument for endoscope manufactured in the comparative example was inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel 16 of the endoscope 10, and the measuring section was protruded from the distal end of the endoscope 10. In this state, the grip portion 5 was operated to change the strip pieces of the length measuring unit from the reduced diameter state to the open state, and then return to the reduced diameter state. This operation of the grip portion 5 was repeated 50 times. Thereafter, the endoscope measuring instrument was taken out from the endoscope 10 and washed with an enzyme-based detergent, followed by high-pressure steam sterilization (condition: 132 ° C./5 minutes).

  The series of operations described above was performed until peeling near the interface between the colored portion and the base of the colored portion was confirmed.

  Thereafter, the endoscope measuring instrument manufactured in Examples 1 and 2 is performed until the separation near the interface between the colored portion and the base of the colored portion is confirmed in the same manner as described above. Evaluation was performed according to the criteria of

○: Even when the number of operations (average) four times the number of operations (average) in the comparative example was repeated, peeling near the interface between the colored portion and the base of the colored portion was not confirmed.
Δ: When the number of operations (average) was 1.2 times or more and less than 4 times the number of operations (average) of the comparative example, peeling was confirmed near the interface between the colored portion and the base of the colored portion. It was done.
X: When the number of operations (average) less than 1.2 times the number of operations (average) in the comparative example was repeated, peeling near the interface between the colored portion and the base of the colored portion was confirmed.
These results are shown in Table 1.

  As shown in Table 1, the endoscope measuring instruments of Examples 1 and 2 were superior in durability compared to the endoscope measuring instrument of the comparative example. Moreover, the length measuring instrument for endoscopes of Examples 1 and 2 was excellent in visibility.

1 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing an embodiment of an endoscope measuring instrument (endoscope-related product) according to the present invention. It is a top view which shows the endoscope in which the measuring tool for endoscopes shown in FIG. 1 is penetrated. FIG. 2 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view (showing a state in which a length measuring portion is opened) of a distal end portion of the length measuring instrument for endoscope shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a side view of the distal end portion of the endoscope length measuring instrument shown in FIG. 1 (showing a state where the length measuring portion is closed). It is a figure for demonstrating the usage method of the measuring tool for endoscopes shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the usage method of the measuring tool for endoscopes shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the usage method of the measuring tool for endoscopes shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope length measuring tool 2 Sheath 21 Main body part 22 Length measuring part 221 Coloring part (index)
222 notch 223 strip 223a fold 223b fold 223c fold 224 proximal end strip 225 distal end strip 23 engaging member 3 hub 4 operation wire 41 engaging tip 5 gripping part 10 endoscope 11 insertion part flexible tube 12 Operation part 121 Projection part 13 Bending part 14 Light source insertion part 15 Connection part Flexible tube 16 Treatment instrument insertion channel 161 Base end opening part 162 Front end opening part 52 Observation window 100 Affected part

Claims (8)

Having a sheath composed of a long member having flexibility and being inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel of an endoscope;
The sheath includes a long portion, and a length measuring portion provided at a distal end portion of the long portion and having a colored portion formed along the longitudinal direction of the outer surface,
The length measuring instrument for an endoscope , wherein the colored portion is formed integrally with the length measuring portion by a chemical color reaction. The measuring instrument for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the colored portion functions as an index. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the chemical color reaction is performed by applying a color reagent to a molded article having a reactive chemical structure at least in a part near the surface. Measuring instrument . The endoscope measuring instrument according to claim 3 , wherein the molded body is mainly composed of a resin material. The measuring instrument for an endoscope according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the reactive chemical structure is introduced into the molded body by contacting with a solution in which the compound having the reactive chemical structure is dissolved. . The endoscope according to any one of claims 3 to 5 , wherein the colored portion is formed through a step of applying a solution containing the color reagent to the molded body in which the reactive chemical structure exists. Measuring instrument . The reactive chemical structure, endoscopic measuring tool according to any one of claims 3 to 6 is -NH _2. The measuring instrument for an endoscope according to claim 7 , wherein the color reagent is composed mainly of o-phthalaldehyde or ninhydrin.

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