JP5437178B2

JP5437178B2 - Ultrasound endoscope and insertion aid

Info

Publication number: JP5437178B2
Application number: JP2010146538A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 仁平岡
Original assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp
Current assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp
Priority date: 2010-06-28
Filing date: 2010-06-28
Publication date: 2014-03-12
Anticipated expiration: 2030-06-28
Also published as: JP2012005767A

Description

本発明は、挿入部に超音波を送受するための超音波観察部を具備してなる超音波内視鏡及び超音波内視鏡に着脱可能な挿入補助具に関する。 The present invention relates to an ultrasonic endoscope that includes an ultrasonic observation unit for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from an insertion unit, and an insertion assisting tool that can be attached to and detached from the ultrasonic endoscope.

人体等の被検体内の超音波断層像を取得する装置として、体内へ挿入される挿入部に超音波を送受するための超音波観察部を具備してなる超音波内視鏡が知られている。超音波内視鏡は、例えば特許文献１に開示されている。 As an apparatus for acquiring an ultrasonic tomographic image in a subject such as a human body, an ultrasonic endoscope including an ultrasonic observation unit for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to an insertion unit inserted into the body is known. Yes. An ultrasonic endoscope is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

特許文献１に開示されている超音波内視鏡は、挿入部の先端部に、挿入軸に対して略直交する先端面を有し、この先端面に、処置具を突出させるための処置具挿通口や、光学像を撮像するための光学観察部が配設されている。また、特許文献１に開示されている超音波内視鏡は、先端面から先端方向に突出するように配設された超音波観察部を具備して構成されている。 The ultrasonic endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a distal end surface substantially orthogonal to the insertion axis at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and a treatment instrument for projecting the treatment instrument on the distal end surface. An insertion opening and an optical observation unit for taking an optical image are provided. In addition, the ultrasonic endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an ultrasonic observation unit disposed so as to protrude in the distal direction from the distal end surface.

特開２００７−２６０３８１号公報JP 2007-260381 A

特許文献１に開示されているような超音波内視鏡を、例えば食道のような入口が狭い部位に挿入する場合、食道の入り口の結節が挿入軸に対して略垂直な先端面に対して略直交する方向から当接するため、挿入部を挿入する力に対して抵抗する力が発生する。すなわち、特許文献１に開示されているような超音波内視鏡を食道に挿入する場合、挿入動作に引っかかりが生じてしまうことがある。 When an ultrasonic endoscope as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is inserted into a site where the entrance, such as the esophagus, is narrow, for example, the nodule of the entrance to the esophagus is against the distal end surface that is substantially perpendicular to the insertion axis. Since it abuts from a substantially orthogonal direction, a force that resists the force for inserting the insertion portion is generated. That is, when an ultrasonic endoscope as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is inserted into the esophagus, the insertion operation may be caught.

本発明は、上述した点に鑑みてなされたものであって、超音波内視鏡の挿入部の挿入性を向上させ速やかに被検体内に挿入することができる超音波内視鏡及び挿入補助具を提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and improves the insertability of an insertion portion of an ultrasonic endoscope and can be quickly inserted into a subject and an insertion aid. The purpose is to provide ingredients.

本発明の超音波内視鏡は、挿入部と、前記挿入部の先端部に設けられた開口部であって、処置具を前記先端部の挿入軸に沿って突出可能に設けられた処置具挿通口と、超音波を送受するための超音波振動子を有してなり、前記処置具挿通口よりも先端方向に突出し、前記超音波の走査面を含む平面が前記処置具挿通口を通過するように配設された超音波観察部と、前記走査面に直交する方向から見た場合に、前記超音波観察部の表面のうちの前記処置具挿通口に面した表面に接する又は交わり、かつ前記超音波観察部の表面と接する又は交わる部位から基端側に向かうにつれて、前記超音波観察部から離れるように前記挿入軸に対して傾斜した面からなる斜面部と、を具備し、前記斜面部は、前記挿入軸に沿って先端側から見た場合に、前記走査面を含む平面と重ならないように前記走査面に対して両側又は一方の側に配設されることを特徴とする。 The ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention includes an insertion portion and an opening provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and the treatment instrument is provided so as to be able to protrude along the insertion axis of the distal end portion. It has an insertion opening and an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, protrudes in the distal direction from the treatment instrument insertion opening, and a plane including the ultrasonic scanning surface passes through the treatment instrument insertion opening. The ultrasonic observation unit arranged to be in contact with or intersecting the surface of the ultrasonic observation unit facing the treatment instrument insertion port when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the scanning plane, and wherein as from the surface in contact with or intersects the site of ultrasonic observation unit toward the proximal side, anda slant portion made of inclined surface with respect to the insertion axis away from the ultrasonic observation unit, the When the slope portion is viewed from the tip side along the insertion axis, Characterized in that it is arranged on both sides or one side of the said scanning plane so as not to overlap with a plane containing the査面.

また、本発明の挿入補助具は、挿入部、前記挿入部の先端部に設けられた開口部であって、処置具を前記先端部の挿入軸に沿って突出可能に設けられた処置具挿通口、及び超音波を送受するための超音波振動子を有してなり、前記処置具挿通口よりも先端方向に突出し、前記超音波の走査面を含む平面が前記処置具挿通口を通過するように配設された超音波観察部、を具備する超音波内視鏡の先端部に着脱可能な挿入補助具であって、前記先端部に装着された状態において、前記走査面に直交する方向から見た場合に、前記超音波観察部の表面のうちの前記処置具挿通口に面した表面に接する又は交わり、かつ前記超音波観察部の表面と接する又は交わる部位から基端側に向かうにつれて、前記超音波観察部から離れるように前記挿入軸に対して傾斜した面からなる斜面部を具備することを特徴とする。 Further, the insertion assisting tool of the present invention is an insertion portion, an opening provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and the treatment instrument insertion provided so that the treatment instrument can protrude along the insertion axis of the distal end portion. It has an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave, and protrudes in the distal direction from the treatment instrument insertion port, and a plane including the ultrasonic scanning surface passes through the treatment instrument insertion port. An insertion aid that can be attached to and detached from the distal end portion of an ultrasonic endoscope having an ultrasonic observation section arranged in a manner that is perpendicular to the scanning plane when mounted on the distal end portion As seen from the surface of the ultrasonic observation part that touches or intersects with the surface facing the treatment instrument insertion port, and toward the proximal side from the part that contacts or intersects the surface of the ultrasonic observation part The insertion shaft away from the ultrasonic observation unit Characterized by comprising a slope portion formed of inclined surface Te.

本発明によれば、超音波内視鏡の挿入部の挿入性を向上させ速やかに被検体内に挿入することができる。 ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the insertion property of the insertion part of an ultrasonic endoscope can be improved, and it can insert in a subject rapidly.

第１の実施形態の超音波内視鏡の構成を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the composition of the ultrasonic endoscope of a 1st embodiment. 第１の実施形態の超音波内視鏡の挿入部の先端部の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of the ultrasonic endoscope of 1st Embodiment. 第１の実施形態の超音波内視鏡の挿入部の先端部を、走査面に直交する方向から見た側面図である。It is the side view which looked at the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of the ultrasonic endoscope of 1st Embodiment from the direction orthogonal to a scanning surface. 第１の実施形態の超音波内視鏡の挿入部の先端部を、先端側から見た正面図である。It is the front view which looked at the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of the ultrasonic endoscope of 1st Embodiment from the front end side. 第１の実施形態の超音波内視鏡の作用を説明するための図である。It is a figure for demonstrating the effect | action of the ultrasonic endoscope of 1st Embodiment. 第１の実施形態の第１変形例の先端部の側面図である。It is a side view of the tip part of the 1st modification of a 1st embodiment. 第１の実施形態の第２変形例の先端部の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the tip part of the 2nd modification of a 1st embodiment. 第２の実施形態の先端部の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the front-end | tip part of 2nd Embodiment. 第２の実施形態の先端部の正面図である。It is a front view of the front-end | tip part of 2nd Embodiment. 第３の実施形態の先端部の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the front-end | tip part of 3rd Embodiment. 第３の実施形態の変形例の先端部の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the front-end | tip part of the modification of 3rd Embodiment. 第４の実施形態の先端部の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the front-end | tip part of 4th Embodiment. 第４の実施形態において、挿入補助具を先端部から取り外した状態を示す側面図である。In 4th Embodiment, it is a side view which shows the state which removed the insertion auxiliary tool from the front-end | tip part. 第４の実施形態において、挿入補助具を先端部に装着した状態を示す側面図である。In 4th Embodiment, it is a side view which shows the state which mounted | wore the front-end | tip part with the insertion assistance tool.

以下に、本発明の好ましい形態について図面を参照して説明する。なお、以下の説明に用いる各図においては、各構成要素を図面上で認識可能な程度の大きさとするため、各構成要素毎に縮尺を異ならせてあるものであり、本発明は、これらの図に記載された構成要素の数量、構成要素の形状、構成要素の大きさの比率、及び各構成要素の相対的な位置関係のみに限定されるものではない。 Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing used for the following description, the scale is different for each component in order to make each component large enough to be recognized on the drawing. It is not limited only to the quantity of the component described in the figure, the shape of the component, the ratio of the size of the component, and the relative positional relationship of each component.

（第１の実施形態）
以下に、本発明の第１の実施形態を説明する。図１に示す本実施形態の超音波内視鏡１０１は、人体等の被検体の体内の所定の部位に超音波を送受することにより前記所定の部位を超音波断層像により観察可能とするものである。 (First embodiment)
The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. An ultrasonic endoscope 101 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 enables observation of the predetermined portion by an ultrasonic tomographic image by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a predetermined portion in the body of a subject such as a human body. It is.

内視鏡１０１は、被検体の体内に導入される挿入部１０２と、挿入部１０２の基端に位置する操作部１０３と、操作部１０３の側部から延出するユニバーサルコード１０４とを具備して主に構成されている。 The endoscope 101 includes an insertion unit 102 that is introduced into the body of a subject, an operation unit 103 that is located at the proximal end of the insertion unit 102, and a universal cord 104 that extends from the side of the operation unit 103. It is mainly composed.

前記ユニバーサルコード１０４の基端部には図示しない光源装置に接続される内視鏡コネクタ１０４ａが設けられている。この内視鏡コネクタ１０４ａからは図示しないカメラコントロールユニットに電気コネクタ１０５ａを介して着脱自在に接続される電気ケーブル１０５及び図示しない超音波観測装置に超音波コネクタ１０６ａを介して着脱自在に接続される超音波ケーブル１０６が延出されている。 An endoscope connector 104 a connected to a light source device (not shown) is provided at the base end portion of the universal cord 104. The endoscope connector 104a is detachably connected to a camera control unit (not shown) via an electrical connector 105a and detachably connected to an ultrasonic observation device (not shown) via an ultrasonic connector 106a. An ultrasonic cable 106 is extended.

挿入部１０２は、先端に配設される先端部１２０、先端部１２０の基端側に配設される湾曲自在な湾曲部１０８、及び湾曲部１０８の基端側に配設され前記操作部１０３の先端側に接続される可撓性を有する可撓管部１０９が連設されて構成されている。 The insertion portion 102 is disposed at the distal end portion 120 disposed at the distal end, the bendable bending portion 108 disposed on the proximal end side of the distal end portion 120, and the operation portion 103 disposed on the proximal end side of the bending portion 108. A flexible tube portion 109 having flexibility connected to the distal end side is connected.

操作部１０３には、湾曲部１０８の湾曲を操作するためのアングルノブ１１１、先端部１２０に設けられた開口部であるノズル６０からの流体の送出動作の制御を行うための送気・送水ボタン１１２、及び後述する先端部１２０に設けられた開口部である処置具挿通口２０１からの吸引動作の制御を行うための吸引ボタン１１３等が設けられている。 The operation unit 103 includes an angle knob 111 for operating the bending of the bending unit 108, and an air / water supply button for controlling a fluid supply operation from the nozzle 60, which is an opening provided in the distal end 120. 112 and a suction button 113 for controlling the suction operation from the treatment instrument insertion port 201 which is an opening provided in the distal end portion 120 described later.

本実施形態の超音波内視鏡１０１の挿入部１０２の詳細な構成を以下に説明する。挿入部１０２内には、処置具挿通管路２００が設けられている。処置具挿通管路２００は、先端部１２０に設けられた処置具挿通口２０１と、操作部１０３に設けられた管路口金２１０の開口部２１１と、を連通する管路である。 A detailed configuration of the insertion unit 102 of the ultrasonic endoscope 101 according to this embodiment will be described below. In the insertion portion 102, a treatment instrument insertion conduit 200 is provided. The treatment instrument insertion conduit 200 is a conduit that communicates the treatment instrument insertion port 201 provided in the distal end portion 120 and the opening 211 of the conduit fitting 210 provided in the operation unit 103.

本実施形態の超音波内視鏡１０１では、例えば、管路口金２１０の開口部２１１から処置具を挿入することにより、処置具を処置具挿通管路２００を介して先端部１２０の処置具挿通口２０１から突出させ、処置具を被検体の体内に導入することができる。なお、処置具の種類は特に限定されるものではないが、被検体の所定の部位の組織や体液を採取するための吸引生検針又は鉗子等が適用され得る。また、上述したように管路２００は、流体の吸引に用いられる。 In the ultrasonic endoscope 101 of the present embodiment, for example, by inserting a treatment tool from the opening 211 of the pipe base 210, the treatment tool is inserted into the distal end portion 120 through the treatment tool insertion conduit 200. The treatment tool can be introduced into the body of the subject by protruding from the mouth 201. The type of treatment tool is not particularly limited, but a suction biopsy needle or forceps for collecting tissue or body fluid at a predetermined site of the subject can be applied. Further, as described above, the pipe line 200 is used for suction of fluid.

図２、図３及び図４を参照して、本実施形態の超音波内視鏡１０１の挿入部１０２の先端部１２０の詳細な構成を以下に説明する。図２に示すように、先端部１２０には、処置具挿通口２０１、超音波観察部２０、光学観察部３０、照明光出射部４０、ノズル６０、液体送出口５０及び傾斜部１０が配設されている。 The detailed configuration of the distal end portion 120 of the insertion portion 102 of the ultrasonic endoscope 101 according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2, a treatment instrument insertion port 201, an ultrasonic observation unit 20, an optical observation unit 30, an illumination light emitting unit 40, a nozzle 60, a liquid delivery port 50, and an inclined unit 10 are disposed at the distal end portion 120. Has been.

処置具挿通口２０１は、上述したように、処置具を突出させるための先端部１２０に設けられた開口部であり、処置具挿通管路２００に連通している。処置具挿通口２０１は、先端部１２０の先端方向に面した先端面１２１に形成されている。本実施形態では一例として、先端面１２１は、先端部１２０の挿入軸Ａに略直交する平面部である。 As described above, the treatment instrument insertion port 201 is an opening provided in the distal end portion 120 for projecting the treatment instrument, and communicates with the treatment instrument insertion conduit 200. The treatment instrument insertion port 201 is formed on the distal end surface 121 facing the distal end direction of the distal end portion 120. In the present embodiment, as an example, the distal end surface 121 is a plane portion that is substantially orthogonal to the insertion axis A of the distal end portion 120.

処置具挿通口２０１は、処置具挿通管路２００内を挿通された処置具が、先端部１２０の挿入軸Ａ方向と略平行に突出するように設けられている。具体的には、処置具挿通口２０１近傍における処置具挿通管路２００の中心軸Ｂが、先端部１２０の挿入軸Ａ方向と略平行となるように配設されている。この構成により、処置具挿通管路２００内を挿通されて処置具挿通口２０１から突出する処置具は、先端部１２０の挿入軸Ａ方向と略平行な方向に突出する。 The treatment instrument insertion port 201 is provided so that the treatment instrument inserted through the treatment instrument insertion conduit 200 protrudes substantially parallel to the insertion axis A direction of the distal end portion 120. Specifically, the central axis B of the treatment instrument insertion conduit 200 in the vicinity of the treatment instrument insertion port 201 is disposed so as to be substantially parallel to the insertion axis A direction of the distal end portion 120. With this configuration, the treatment instrument that is inserted through the treatment instrument insertion conduit 200 and protrudes from the treatment instrument insertion port 201 protrudes in a direction substantially parallel to the insertion axis A direction of the distal end portion 120.

超音波観察部２０は、超音波振動子２１及び超音波振動子２１を保持する保持部２２を具備して構成されている。本実施形態では、超音波観察部２０は、処置具挿通口２０１よりも先端方向に突出するように設けられている。 The ultrasonic observation unit 20 includes an ultrasonic transducer 21 and a holding unit 22 that holds the ultrasonic transducer 21. In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic observation unit 20 is provided so as to protrude in the distal direction from the treatment instrument insertion port 201.

超音波観察部２０は、いわゆるコンベックス走査式と称される形態を有し、超音波振動子２１を構成する円弧状に配列された複数の超音波振動子を所定のタイミングで駆動することにより、挿入軸Ａに略平行な平面に沿って超音波ビームを略扇状に走査することが可能である。この、超音波振動子２１により電子走査が行われる面を、走査面２０ａと称するものとする。 The ultrasonic observation unit 20 has a form called a so-called convex scan type, and drives a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in an arc shape constituting the ultrasonic transducer 21 at a predetermined timing. It is possible to scan the ultrasonic beam in a substantially fan shape along a plane substantially parallel to the insertion axis A. The surface on which electronic scanning is performed by the ultrasonic transducer 21 is referred to as a scanning surface 20a.

なお、超音波振動子２１を構成する超音波振動子には、例えば圧電セラミクス等の圧電素子や電歪素子、又はマイクロマシン技術による超音波トランスデューサ（ＭＵＴ；Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer）等が適用され得る。 Note that, for example, a piezoelectric element such as piezoelectric ceramics, an electrostrictive element, or an ultrasonic transducer (MUT: Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer) using a micromachine technique can be applied to the ultrasonic vibrator constituting the ultrasonic vibrator 21.

超音波観察部２０は、略扇状の走査面２０ａ上に、処置具挿通口２０１から突出される処置具が位置するように配設されている。言い換えれば、本実施形態の超音波内視鏡１０１では、処置具挿通口２０１から突出される処置具が、超音波観察部２０により観察される領域である超音波断層像内に存在するように、処置具挿通口２０１と超音波観察部２０とが位置決めされて配設されている。 The ultrasonic observation unit 20 is disposed on the substantially fan-shaped scanning surface 20a so that the treatment tool protruding from the treatment tool insertion port 201 is located. In other words, in the ultrasonic endoscope 101 of the present embodiment, the treatment tool protruding from the treatment tool insertion port 201 is present in an ultrasonic tomographic image that is an area observed by the ultrasonic observation unit 20. The treatment instrument insertion port 201 and the ultrasonic observation unit 20 are positioned and arranged.

超音波観察部２０は、走査面２０ａが処置具挿通口２０１よりも挿入軸の先端側に位置し、さらに走査面２０ａを含む平面が処置具挿通口２０１の中心軸Ｂと略平行であり、かつ走査面２０ａを含む平面が処置具挿通口２０１内を通過するように配設されている。 The ultrasound observation unit 20 has the scanning surface 20a positioned on the distal end side of the insertion axis with respect to the treatment instrument insertion port 201, and a plane including the scanning surface 20a is substantially parallel to the central axis B of the treatment instrument insertion hole 201. In addition, a plane including the scanning surface 20 a is disposed so as to pass through the treatment instrument insertion port 201.

そして、処置具挿通口２０１から突出される処置具が走査面２０ａ上に位置するようにするようにするために、超音波観察部２０は、処置具挿通口２０１よりも先端側に突出し、かつ略扇状の走査面２０ａの中心軸が挿入軸Ａに対して処置具挿通口２０１側に傾くように配設されている。 Then, in order for the treatment tool protruding from the treatment tool insertion port 201 to be positioned on the scanning surface 20a, the ultrasonic observation unit 20 protrudes more distally than the treatment tool insertion port 201, and The central axis of the substantially fan-shaped scanning surface 20a is disposed so as to be inclined toward the treatment instrument insertion port 201 with respect to the insertion axis A.

本実施形態では、超音波観察部２０は、略円弧状の表面を有しており、前記略円弧状の表面を有する部位に、超音波振動子２１が配設されて構成されている。そして、超音波観察部２０は、超音波振動子２１が配設された略円弧状の表面の少なくとも一部が、処置具挿通口２０１が設けられた方向に面するように配設されている。 In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic observation section 20 has a substantially arc-shaped surface, and an ultrasonic transducer 21 is disposed in a portion having the substantially arc-shaped surface. And the ultrasonic observation part 20 is arrange | positioned so that at least one part of the substantially arc-shaped surface in which the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 21 was arrange | positioned may face the direction in which the treatment tool penetration port 201 was provided. .

光学観察部３０は、結像光学系部材と撮像素子を具備してなり、光学像を撮像するものである。光学観察部３０は、上述した電気ケーブル１０５を介してカメラコントロールユニットに電気的に接続される。なお、光学観察部３０は、電子的に光学像を撮像する形態に限られるものではなく、光学像を光ファイバーケーブルを介して操作部１０３に設けられた接眼部へ導く構成であってもよい。 The optical observation unit 30 includes an imaging optical system member and an image sensor, and captures an optical image. The optical observation unit 30 is electrically connected to the camera control unit via the electric cable 105 described above. Note that the optical observation unit 30 is not limited to a mode in which an optical image is electronically captured, and may be configured to guide the optical image to an eyepiece provided in the operation unit 103 via an optical fiber cable. .

本実施形態では、光学観察部３０は、先端部１２０の先端面１２１に、結像光学系部材の光軸が挿入部１０２の挿入軸Ａと略平行となるように配設されている。言い換えれば、本実施形態における光学観察部３０は、挿入軸Ａに沿った先端方向を視野の略中央に捉えるように配設されている。 In the present embodiment, the optical observation unit 30 is disposed on the distal end surface 121 of the distal end portion 120 so that the optical axis of the imaging optical system member is substantially parallel to the insertion axis A of the insertion portion 102. In other words, the optical observation unit 30 in the present embodiment is disposed so that the tip direction along the insertion axis A is captured at the approximate center of the field of view.

図４に示すように先端部１２０を挿入軸Ａに沿って先端側から見た場合に、光学観察部３０は、走査面２０ａを含む平面に対して一方の側（図４において、図面に正対して右側）に配設されている。 As shown in FIG. 4, when the distal end portion 120 is viewed from the distal end side along the insertion axis A, the optical observation unit 30 is on one side with respect to the plane including the scanning surface 20a (in FIG. On the right side).

照明光出射部４０は、光学観察部３０の視野内を照明するための照明光を出射するものである。照明光出射部４０は、上述した内視鏡コネクタ１０４ａが接続された光源装置から出射され、光ファイバーケーブルを介して先端部１２０にまで導かれた光を出射するように構成されている。なお、照明光出射部４０は、ＬＥＤ等の光源を挿入部１０２の先端部１２０に具備する構成であってもよい。 The illumination light emitting unit 40 emits illumination light for illuminating the visual field of the optical observation unit 30. The illumination light emitting unit 40 is configured to emit light that is emitted from the light source device to which the endoscope connector 104a described above is connected, and that is guided to the distal end portion 120 via the optical fiber cable. The illumination light emitting unit 40 may be configured to include a light source such as an LED at the distal end portion 120 of the insertion unit 102.

本実施形態では一例として、一対の照明光出射部４０が、先端部１２０に配設されている。図４に示すように先端部１２０を挿入軸Ａに沿って先端側から見た場合に、一対の照明光出射部４０は、走査面２０ａを含む平面を挟むように配設されている。なお、一つの照明光出射部４０から出射される照明光の強度及び範囲が、体内において光学観察部３０の視野内を照明するのに十分なものである場合には、照明光出射部４０は先端部１２０に一つだけ配設される形態であってもよい。 In the present embodiment, as an example, a pair of illumination light emitting portions 40 is disposed at the distal end portion 120. As shown in FIG. 4, when the distal end portion 120 is viewed from the distal end side along the insertion axis A, the pair of illumination light emitting portions 40 are disposed so as to sandwich a plane including the scanning surface 20a. If the intensity and range of the illumination light emitted from one illumination light emitting unit 40 is sufficient to illuminate the field of the optical observation unit 30 in the body, the illumination light emitting unit 40 is It may be a form in which only one tip 120 is disposed.

ノズル６０は、光学観察部３０を洗浄するために、光学観察部３０に向けて流体を送出するものである。ノズル６０は、光学観察部３０に隣接する位置に配設されている。ノズル６０は、挿入部１０２内に挿通された流体送出管路６１に連通している。 The nozzle 60 delivers a fluid toward the optical observation unit 30 in order to clean the optical observation unit 30. The nozzle 60 is disposed at a position adjacent to the optical observation unit 30. The nozzle 60 communicates with a fluid delivery line 61 inserted into the insertion portion 102.

本実施形態の超音波内視鏡１０１では、操作部１０３に設けられた送気・送水ボタン１１２を操作することによって、流体がノズル６０から送出される。ここで、ノズル６０から送出される流体は、空気等の気体及び生理食塩水等の液体の少なくとも一方である。本実施形態の超音波内視鏡１０１では、ノズル６０から流体を送出することによって、光学観察部３０の先端面の洗浄を行うことができ、光学観察部３０により得られる光学像を明瞭な状態に保つことができる。 In the ultrasonic endoscope 101 of the present embodiment, the fluid is delivered from the nozzle 60 by operating the air / water supply button 112 provided in the operation unit 103. Here, the fluid delivered from the nozzle 60 is at least one of a gas such as air and a liquid such as physiological saline. In the ultrasonic endoscope 101 of the present embodiment, the tip surface of the optical observation unit 30 can be cleaned by sending a fluid from the nozzle 60, and the optical image obtained by the optical observation unit 30 is in a clear state. Can be kept in.

液体送出口５０は、先端部１２０の挿入軸Ａ方向へ液体を送出するためのものである。液体送出口５０から送出される液体により、光学観察部３０により観察する部位の洗浄を行うことができる。 The liquid delivery port 50 is for delivering a liquid in the direction of the insertion axis A of the distal end portion 120. The part to be observed by the optical observation unit 30 can be washed with the liquid delivered from the liquid delivery port 50.

そして、本実施形態の超音波内視鏡１では、挿入部１０２の先端部１２０に、傾斜部１０が配設されている。傾斜部１０は、先端部１２０の先端面１２１と、超音波観察部２０の表面との双方に接するように設けられた部材であり、挿入軸Ａの先端方向に面する部位に斜面部１１を具備して構成されている。 In the ultrasonic endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, the inclined portion 10 is disposed at the distal end portion 120 of the insertion portion 102. The inclined portion 10 is a member provided so as to be in contact with both the distal end surface 121 of the distal end portion 120 and the surface of the ultrasonic observation portion 20, and the inclined portion 11 is provided at a portion facing the distal end direction of the insertion axis A. It is comprised.

斜面部１１は、超音波観察部２０の表面のうちの処置具挿通口２０１側に面した表面に接する又は交わり、かつ超音波観察部２０の表面と接する又は交わる部位から基端側に向かうにつれて、超音波観察部２０から離れるように挿入軸Ａに対して傾斜した面によって構成されている。 The inclined surface portion 11 is in contact with or intersects with the surface facing the treatment instrument insertion port 201 side of the surface of the ultrasonic observation unit 20, and as it goes from the portion in contact with or intersects with the surface of the ultrasonic observation unit 20 toward the proximal end side. The surface is inclined with respect to the insertion axis A so as to be away from the ultrasonic observation unit 20.

また、傾斜部１０は、前述した処置具挿通口２０１、光学観察部３０、照明光出射部４０、液体送出口５０及びノズル６０の動作を妨げないように、これらを避ける形状を有している。例えば、傾斜部１０が処置具挿通口２０１と重なる場合には、処置具挿通口２０１からの処置具の突出を妨げないように、重なる領域に貫通孔が設けられる。また例えば、傾斜部１０が光学観察部３０と重なる場合には、光学観察部３０視界及びノズル６０から光学観察部３０に向けて送出される流体を妨げないように、重なる領域に貫通孔や切り欠きが設けられる。 In addition, the inclined portion 10 has a shape that avoids the above-described treatment instrument insertion port 201, optical observation unit 30, illumination light emitting unit 40, liquid delivery port 50, and nozzle 60. . For example, when the inclined portion 10 overlaps with the treatment instrument insertion port 201, a through hole is provided in the overlapping region so as not to prevent the treatment tool from protruding from the treatment instrument insertion port 201. Further, for example, when the inclined portion 10 overlaps the optical observation portion 30, a through-hole or a cut is formed in the overlapping region so as not to disturb the optical observation portion 30 and the fluid sent from the nozzle 60 toward the optical observation portion 30. A notch is provided.

なお、傾斜部１０は、先端部１２０の先端面１２１及び超音波観察部２０の表面の一方又は双方と一体に形成される形態であってもよいし、先端部１２０及び超音波観察部２０とは別に形成された後に所定の位置に固定される形態であってもよい。 The inclined portion 10 may be formed integrally with one or both of the front end surface 121 of the front end portion 120 and the surface of the ultrasonic observation unit 20, or may be formed with the front end portion 120 and the ultrasonic observation unit 20. Alternatively, it may be formed separately and then fixed at a predetermined position.

具体的に本実施形態では、傾斜部１０は、先端部１２０の先端面１２１、及び先端面１２１から先端方向に突出した略円弧状の超音波観察部２０の表面、の双方に接する曲面からなる斜面部１１を具備して構成されている。 Specifically, in the present embodiment, the inclined portion 10 is formed of a curved surface that is in contact with both the distal end surface 121 of the distal end portion 120 and the surface of the substantially arc-shaped ultrasonic observation unit 20 protruding from the distal end surface 121 in the distal end direction. A slope 11 is provided.

図３に示すように走査面２０ａに略直交する方向から先端部１２０を見た場合に、傾斜部１０は、先端面１２１及び超音波観察部２０の略円弧状の表面から突出するように設けられている。そして、傾斜部１０の先端側の表面には、先端面１２１と超音波観察部２０の表面とを滑らかに接続する曲面である斜面部１１が形成されている。本実施形態においては、斜面部１１は、基端方向に凹形状の曲面からなる。 As shown in FIG. 3, when the distal end portion 120 is viewed from a direction substantially orthogonal to the scanning surface 20 a, the inclined portion 10 is provided so as to protrude from the substantially arcuate surfaces of the distal end surface 121 and the ultrasonic observation unit 20. It has been. A slope 11 that is a curved surface that smoothly connects the tip surface 121 and the surface of the ultrasonic observation unit 20 is formed on the tip-side surface of the inclined portion 10. In the present embodiment, the inclined surface portion 11 is a curved surface having a concave shape in the proximal direction.

このように、光学観察部３０及び照明光出射部４０近傍に配設される傾斜部１０の斜面部１１を基端方向に向かって凹形状の曲面とすることにより、光学観察部３０の視野及び照明光出射部４０から出射される照明光に関して、傾斜部１０が遮ってしまう範囲をより小さくすることができる。 Thus, by making the inclined surface portion 11 of the inclined portion 10 disposed in the vicinity of the optical observation portion 30 and the illumination light emitting portion 40 into a concave curved surface toward the proximal direction, the field of view of the optical observation portion 30 and With respect to the illumination light emitted from the illumination light emitting unit 40, the range in which the inclined portion 10 is blocked can be further reduced.

また本実施形態では、傾斜部１０は、超音波振動子２１の走査面２０ａと重ならない位置に配設されている。本実施形態では、先端部１２０に一対の傾斜部１０が配設されている。図４に示すように先端部１２０を挿入軸Ａに沿って先端側から見た場合に、一対の傾斜部１０は、走査面２０ａを挟んだ両側において、超音波振動子２１よりも外側にそれぞれ配設されている。このように、傾斜部１０を走査面２０ａと重ならないように配設することにより、走査面２０ａを処置具挿通口２０１近傍にまで近づけることができる。 In the present embodiment, the inclined portion 10 is disposed at a position that does not overlap the scanning surface 20 a of the ultrasonic transducer 21. In the present embodiment, a pair of inclined portions 10 is disposed at the distal end portion 120. As shown in FIG. 4, when the distal end portion 120 is viewed from the distal end side along the insertion axis A, the pair of inclined portions 10 are respectively located outside the ultrasonic transducer 21 on both sides of the scanning surface 20a. It is arranged. Thus, by arranging the inclined portion 10 so as not to overlap the scanning surface 20a, the scanning surface 20a can be brought close to the vicinity of the treatment instrument insertion port 201.

また傾斜部１０の液体送出口５０と重なる領域には、液体送出口５０からの液体の送出を妨げないように、貫通孔が形成されている。また、傾斜部１０の光学観察部３０及びノズル６０と重なる領域は、これらの動作を妨げないように切り欠きが形成されている。 Further, a through hole is formed in the region of the inclined portion 10 that overlaps the liquid delivery port 50 so as not to hinder the delivery of the liquid from the liquid delivery port 50. Moreover, the area | region which overlaps with the optical observation part 30 and the nozzle 60 of the inclination part 10 is notched so that these operation | movement may not be prevented.

次に、以上に説明した構成を有する本実施形態の超音波内視鏡１０１の作用を説明する。図５は、被検体である人体内の食道１と気管２との分岐部において、挿入部１０２を食道１内に挿入する状態を示している。 Next, the operation of the ultrasonic endoscope 101 according to this embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the insertion portion 102 is inserted into the esophagus 1 at the branching portion between the esophagus 1 and the trachea 2 in the human body that is the subject.

食道１と気管２との分岐部において、超音波内視鏡１０１の挿入部１０２を食道１に挿入する場合には、まず、先端部１２０から先端方向に突出している超音波観察部２０を食道１の入口に入り込ませる。このとき、食道１の入口にある小角結節等の結節３は、傾斜部１０の斜面部１１に当接する。 When the insertion part 102 of the ultrasonic endoscope 101 is inserted into the esophagus 1 at the branch part between the esophagus 1 and the trachea 2, first, the ultrasound observation part 20 protruding in the distal direction from the distal end part 120 is inserted into the esophagus. Enter the 1 entrance. At this time, a nodule 3 such as a small-angle nodule at the entrance of the esophagus 1 abuts on the slope 11 of the slope 10.

斜面部１１は、基端側に向かうにつれて超音波観察部２０から離間するように挿入軸Ａに対して傾斜していることから、先端部１２０に挿入軸Ａ方向に押す力が加えられると、斜面部１１に当接している結節３には、結節３を気道２側へ押す方向の力が加えられる。すなわち、本実施形態では、いわゆるくさびのような斜面部１１の作用によって、先端部１２０を食道１内に挿入する際に、食道１の入口が押し広げられる。 Since the inclined surface portion 11 is inclined with respect to the insertion axis A so as to be separated from the ultrasonic observation portion 20 toward the proximal end side, when a force pushing the distal end portion 120 in the insertion axis A direction is applied, A force in the direction of pushing the nodule 3 toward the airway 2 is applied to the nodule 3 in contact with the slope 11. That is, in this embodiment, when the tip 120 is inserted into the esophagus 1 by the action of the slope portion 11 such as a so-called wedge, the entrance of the esophagus 1 is expanded.

このため、本実施形態においては、挿入部１０２の先端部１２０が食道の入口において結節３に引っかかってしまうことがなく、滑らかに挿入部１０２を食道１内に挿入させることができる。すなわち、本実施形態の超音波内視鏡１０１は、良好な挿入性を有し、挿入部１０２を速やかに被検体内に挿入することができる。 For this reason, in this embodiment, the front-end | tip part 120 of the insertion part 102 does not get caught in the nodule 3 in the entrance of an esophagus, and can insert the insertion part 102 in the esophagus 1 smoothly. That is, the ultrasonic endoscope 101 of the present embodiment has a good insertion property and can quickly insert the insertion portion 102 into the subject.

上述した本実施形態では、斜面部１１は、基端方向に凹形状の曲面からなるが、斜面部１１の形態は本実施形態に限られるものではない。例えば、図６に示す第１変形例のように、斜面部１１は、平面によって構成される形態であってもよい。図６に示す変形例であっても、斜面部１１は、基端側に向かうにつれて超音波観察部２０から離間するように挿入軸Ａに対して傾斜していることから、くさびのように食道１の入口を押し広げることができる。 In the present embodiment described above, the slope portion 11 is formed of a curved surface having a concave shape in the proximal direction, but the form of the slope portion 11 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, as in the first modification shown in FIG. 6, the slope 11 may be configured by a plane. Even in the modification shown in FIG. 6, the inclined surface portion 11 is inclined with respect to the insertion axis A so as to be separated from the ultrasonic observation portion 20 toward the proximal end side. 1 inlet can be pushed wide.

また、上述した実施形態では、先端部１２０において、傾斜部１０と光学観察部３０が隣接して配設されているが、先端部１２０における光学観察部３０の位置は、上述した実施形態に限られるものではない。例えば、図７に示す第２変形例のように、光学観察部３０を、傾斜部１０から離間した位置に配設してもよい。図７に示す第２変形例は、上述した実施形態に比して、照明光出射部４０を一つのみとし、空いた領域に光学観察部３０を配設した点が異なる。 In the above-described embodiment, the inclined portion 10 and the optical observation unit 30 are disposed adjacent to each other at the distal end portion 120. However, the position of the optical observation portion 30 in the distal end portion 120 is limited to the above-described embodiment. It is not something that can be done. For example, as in the second modification shown in FIG. 7, the optical observation unit 30 may be disposed at a position separated from the inclined unit 10. The second modification shown in FIG. 7 differs from the above-described embodiment in that only one illumination light emitting unit 40 is provided and the optical observation unit 30 is disposed in a vacant region.

図７に示す第２の変形例であっても、傾斜部１０の斜面部１１が、上述した実施形態と同様に、くさびのように食道１の入口を押し広げるため、同様の効果を奏することは言うまでもない。また、図７に示す変形例では、光学観察部３０が、先端面１２１から突出する傾斜部１０から離れた位置に配設されているため、上述した実施形態に比して、光学観察部３０の視野角をより広くすることができる。 Even in the second modified example shown in FIG. 7, the slope 11 of the slope 10 pushes the entrance of the esophagus 1 like a wedge as in the above-described embodiment, and thus has the same effect. Needless to say. In the modification shown in FIG. 7, the optical observation unit 30 is disposed at a position away from the inclined portion 10 protruding from the tip surface 121, so that the optical observation unit 30 is compared to the above-described embodiment. The viewing angle can be made wider.

（第２の実施形態）
以下に、本発明の第２の実施形態を説明する。第２の実施形態は、挿入部１０２の先端部１２０の構成のみが第１の実施形態と異なる。以下では第１の実施形態との相違点のみを説明するものとし、第１の実施形態と同様の構成要素については同一の符号を付し、その説明を適宜に省略するものとする。 (Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the distal end portion 120 of the insertion portion 102. Hereinafter, only differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

上述した第１の実施形態では、先端部１２０を挿入軸Ａに沿って先端側から見た場合に、一対の傾斜部１０が走査面２０ａを含む平面の両側に配設されているが、傾斜部１０は、走査面２０ａを含む平面に対していずれか一方の側にのみ配設される形態であってもよい。 In the first embodiment described above, when the distal end portion 120 is viewed from the distal end side along the insertion axis A, the pair of inclined portions 10 are disposed on both sides of the plane including the scanning surface 20a. The portion 10 may be arranged only on one side with respect to the plane including the scanning surface 20a.

本実施形態では、図８及び図９に示すように、傾斜部１０は、走査面２０ａを含む平面に対して、光学観察部３０が配設された側とは反対の側に配設されている。言い換えれば、本実施形態では、光学観察部３０の近傍に傾斜部１０が設けられていない。 In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the inclined portion 10 is disposed on the side opposite to the side on which the optical observation unit 30 is disposed with respect to the plane including the scanning surface 20 a. Yes. In other words, in this embodiment, the inclined part 10 is not provided in the vicinity of the optical observation part 30.

このように、走査面２０ａに対して一方の側のみに傾斜部１０を設けた本実施形態であっても、傾斜部１０の斜面部１１は、第１の実施形態と同様に、くさびのように食道１の入口を押し広げることができるため、同様の効果を奏する。 Thus, even in the present embodiment in which the inclined portion 10 is provided only on one side with respect to the scanning surface 20a, the inclined surface portion 11 of the inclined portion 10 is like a wedge as in the first embodiment. Since the entrance of the esophagus 1 can be widened, the same effect is produced.

そして、本実施形態では、先端面１２１から突出する傾斜部１０が、光学観察部３０から離れた位置に配設されているため、第１の実施形態に比して、光学観察部３０の視野角をより広くすることができる。 In the present embodiment, since the inclined portion 10 protruding from the distal end surface 121 is disposed at a position away from the optical observation unit 30, the field of view of the optical observation unit 30 compared to the first embodiment. The corner can be made wider.

（第３の実施形態）
以下に、本発明の第３の実施形態を説明する。第３の実施形態は、挿入部１０２の先端部１２０の構成のみが第１の実施形態と異なる。以下では第１の実施形態との相違点のみを説明するものとし、第１の実施形態と同様の構成要素については同一の符号を付し、その説明を適宜に省略するものとする。 (Third embodiment)
The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the distal end portion 120 of the insertion portion 102. Hereinafter, only differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

本実施形態の超音波内視鏡では、図１０に示すように、斜面部１１を有する傾斜部１０が、先端部１２０の径方向全域にわたって設けられている。このような本実施形態によれば、第１の実施形態に比して先端部１２０の表面の凹凸を少なくすることができるため、より良好な挿入部１０２の挿入性を得ることができる。 In the ultrasonic endoscope of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the inclined portion 10 having the inclined portion 11 is provided over the entire radial direction of the distal end portion 120. According to the present embodiment, since the unevenness on the surface of the distal end portion 120 can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment, better insertability of the insertion portion 102 can be obtained.

なお、傾斜部１０が、超音波を透過することが可能な材料によって形成される場合には、図１１に示す変形例のように、傾斜部１０は、超音波振動子２１に重なるように配設される形態であってもよい。この場合、傾斜部１０を構成する材料は、軟性な合成樹脂のような、音響インピーダンスが生体に近いものであることが好ましい。図１１に示す変形例では、走査面２０ａを、上述した本実施形態よりも処置具挿通口２０１に近づけることができるため、超音波断層像による観察下における処置具を用いた処置をより容易に行うことができる。 When the inclined portion 10 is formed of a material that can transmit ultrasonic waves, the inclined portion 10 is disposed so as to overlap the ultrasonic transducer 21 as in the modification shown in FIG. The form provided may be sufficient. In this case, the material constituting the inclined portion 10 is preferably a material having acoustic impedance close to that of a living body, such as a soft synthetic resin. In the modification shown in FIG. 11, since the scanning surface 20a can be brought closer to the treatment instrument insertion port 201 than the above-described embodiment, treatment using the treatment instrument under observation with an ultrasonic tomogram is easier. It can be carried out.

（第４の実施形態）
以下に、本発明の第４の実施形態を説明する。第４の実施形態は、斜面部１１が先端部１２０とは別の部材に設けられている点のみが第１の実施形態と異なる。以下では第１の実施形態との相違点のみを説明するものとし、第１の実施形態と同様の構成要素については同一の符号を付し、その説明を適宜に省略するものとする。 (Fourth embodiment)
The fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in that the slope 11 is provided on a member different from the tip 120. Hereinafter, only differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

本実施形態のでは、図１２から図１４に示すように、斜面部１１は、超音波内視鏡の挿入部１０２の先端部１２０に着脱可能な挿入補助具１３に設けられている。具体的には、挿入補助具１３は、先端部１２０の外周に嵌合可能な略筒状の部材である。そして、斜面部１１は、略筒形状の挿入補助具１３の先端側の端部に形成されている。 In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the inclined surface portion 11 is provided on the insertion assisting tool 13 that can be attached to and detached from the distal end portion 120 of the insertion portion 102 of the ultrasonic endoscope. Specifically, the insertion assisting tool 13 is a substantially cylindrical member that can be fitted to the outer periphery of the distal end portion 120. The inclined surface portion 11 is formed at the end portion on the distal end side of the substantially cylindrical insertion assisting tool 13.

斜面部１１は、図１４に示すように走査面２０ａに略直交する方向から先端部１２０を見た場合に、挿入補助具１３が先端部１２０外周に嵌合された状態において、超音波観察部２０の表面に接する又は交わり、かつ基端側に向かうにつれて超音波観察部２０から離れるよう形成されている。 As shown in FIG. 14, when the distal end portion 120 is viewed from a direction substantially orthogonal to the scanning surface 20a, the inclined surface portion 11 is an ultrasonic observation unit in a state where the insertion assisting tool 13 is fitted to the outer periphery of the distal end portion 120. It is formed so as to be in contact with or intersect with the surface of 20 and away from the ultrasonic observation unit 20 toward the proximal end side.

本実施形態の挿入補助具１３は、例えば特開２００７−２６０３８１号公報に開示されているような従来の超音波内視鏡の先端部に装着することが可能である。そして、本実施形態のように、先端部１２０に着脱可能な部材である挿入補助具１３に斜面部１１が設けられる場合であっても、挿入補助具１３が装着された状態において斜面部１１は、基端側に向かうにつれて超音波観察部２０から離間するように挿入軸に対して傾斜していることから、くさびのように食道１の入口を押し広げることができる。本実施形態の挿入補助具１３を用いれば、従来の超音波内視鏡の挿入性を向上させることができる。 The insertion assisting tool 13 of the present embodiment can be attached to the distal end portion of a conventional ultrasonic endoscope as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-260381. And even if it is a case where the slope part 11 is provided in the insertion assistance tool 13 which is a member which can be attached or detached to the front-end | tip part 120 like this embodiment, the slope part 11 is in the state in which the insertion assistance tool 13 was mounted | worn. Since it is inclined with respect to the insertion axis so as to be separated from the ultrasonic observation unit 20 toward the proximal end side, the entrance of the esophagus 1 can be expanded like a wedge. If the insertion assisting tool 13 of this embodiment is used, the insertability of a conventional ultrasonic endoscope can be improved.

なお、挿入補助具１３は、合成樹脂等の透明な材料によって構成されることが好ましい。挿入補助具１３が透明であれば、挿入補助具１３を装着することによって光学観察部３０の視野が狭くなってしまうことを防止できる。 In addition, it is preferable that the insertion assistance tool 13 is comprised with transparent materials, such as a synthetic resin. If the insertion aid 13 is transparent, it is possible to prevent the field of view of the optical observation unit 30 from being narrowed by mounting the insertion aid 13.

なお、本発明は、上述した実施形態に限られるものではなく、請求の範囲及び明細書全体から読み取れる発明の要旨或いは思想に反しない範囲で適宜変更可能であり、そのような変更を伴う超音波内視鏡及び挿入補助具もまた本発明の技術的範囲に含まれるものである。 Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist or concept of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification. An endoscope and an insertion aid are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

上述のように、本発明は、挿入部の先端部から突出する超音波観察部を具備してなる超音波内視鏡に対して好適である。 As described above, the present invention is suitable for an ultrasonic endoscope including an ultrasonic observation unit protruding from the distal end portion of the insertion unit.

１食道、
２気管、
３結節、
１０傾斜部、
１１斜面部、
１３挿入補助具、
２０超音波観察部、
２０ａ走査面、
２１超音波振動子、
２２保持部、
３０光学観察部、
４０照明光出射部、
５０液体送出口、
６０ノズル、
１０１超音波内視鏡、
１０２挿入部、
１０３操作部、
１０４ユニバーサルコード、
１０５電気ケーブル、
１０５ａ電気コネクタ、
１０６超音波ケーブル、
１０６ａ超音波コネクタ、
１０８湾曲部、
１０９可撓管部、
１１１アングルノブ、
１１２送気・送水ボタン、
１１３吸引ボタン、
１２０先端部、
１２１先端面、
２００処置具挿通管路、
２０１処置具挿通口、
Ａ（先端部１２０の）挿入軸、
Ｂ（処置具挿通口２０１の）中心軸。 1 esophagus,
2 trachea,
3 Nodules,
10 Inclined part,
11 Slope,
13 Insertion aid,
20 Ultrasonic observation section,
20a scanning plane,
21 ultrasonic transducer,
22 holding part,
30 Optical observation part,
40 Illumination light emitting part,
50 liquid outlet,
60 nozzles,
101 ultrasound endoscope,
102 insertion part,
103 operation unit,
104 Universal code,
105 electric cable,
105a electrical connector,
106 ultrasonic cable,
106a ultrasonic connector,
108 bends,
109 flexible tube,
111 Angle knob,
112 Air / Water button,
113 Suction button,
120 tip,
121 tip surface,
200 treatment instrument insertion conduit,
201 treatment tool insertion port,
A insertion shaft (at the tip 120),
B Central axis (of the treatment instrument insertion port 201).

Claims

An insertion part;
A treatment instrument insertion port provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion, the treatment instrument being provided so as to project a treatment instrument along an insertion axis of the distal end portion;
It has an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and is arranged so that it protrudes in the distal direction from the treatment instrument insertion port and a plane including the ultrasonic scanning surface passes through the treatment instrument insertion port. An installed ultrasound observation unit;
When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the scanning plane, a portion that touches or intersects with the surface facing the treatment instrument insertion port of the surface of the ultrasonic observation unit and touches or intersects with the surface of the ultrasonic observation unit From the base end side toward the base end side, an inclined surface portion made of a surface inclined with respect to the insertion axis so as to be separated from the ultrasonic observation portion,
Equipped with,
The inclined surface portion is disposed on both sides or one side of the scanning surface so as not to overlap with a plane including the scanning surface when viewed from the distal end side along the insertion axis. An ultrasonic endoscope characterized by that.

The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein when viewed from the distal end side along the insertion axis, the inclined surface portion is disposed on one side with respect to the scanning surface .

Comprising an optical observation unit for observing an optical image at the tip,
The ultrasonic wave according to claim 2 , wherein the optical observation unit is disposed on the opposite side of the inclined surface and the scanning surface when viewed from the distal end side along the insertion axis. Endoscope.

The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inclined surface portion is formed of a concave curved surface toward the base end direction .

An insertion part;
A treatment instrument insertion port provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion, the treatment instrument being provided so as to project a treatment instrument along an insertion axis of the distal end portion;
It has an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and is arranged so that it protrudes in the distal direction from the treatment instrument insertion port and a plane including the ultrasonic scanning surface passes through the treatment instrument insertion port. An installed ultrasound observation unit;
When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the scanning plane, a portion that touches or intersects with the surface facing the treatment instrument insertion port of the surface of the ultrasonic observation unit and touches or intersects with the surface of the ultrasonic observation unit From the base end side toward the base end side, an inclined surface portion made of a surface inclined with respect to the insertion axis so as to be separated from the ultrasonic observation portion,
Comprising
The inclined surface portion to an ultrasonic endoscope you characterized by comprising a concave curved surface toward the proximal direction.

An insertion part;
A treatment instrument insertion port provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion, the treatment instrument being provided so as to project a treatment instrument along an insertion axis of the distal end portion;
It has an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and is arranged so that it protrudes in the distal direction from the treatment instrument insertion port and a plane including the ultrasonic scanning surface passes through the treatment instrument insertion port. An installed ultrasound observation unit;
When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the scanning plane, a portion that touches or intersects with the surface facing the treatment instrument insertion port of the surface of the ultrasonic observation unit and touches or intersects with the surface of the ultrasonic observation unit From the base end side toward the base end side, an inclined surface portion made of a surface inclined with respect to the insertion axis so as to be separated from the ultrasonic observation portion,
Comprising
The inclined surface portion is arranged to overlap with the scanning surface, at least the portion that overlaps the scanning surface, you characterized by being formed by a material capable of transmitting ultrasonic ultrasonic endoscope.

An insertion part;
A treatment instrument insertion port provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion, the treatment instrument being provided so as to project a treatment instrument along an insertion axis of the distal end portion;
It has an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and is arranged so that it protrudes in the distal direction from the treatment instrument insertion port and a plane including the ultrasonic scanning surface passes through the treatment instrument insertion port. An installed ultrasound observation unit;
When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the scanning plane, a portion that touches or intersects with the surface facing the treatment instrument insertion port of the surface of the ultrasonic observation unit and touches or intersects with the surface of the ultrasonic observation unit From the base end side toward the base end side, an inclined surface portion made of a surface inclined with respect to the insertion axis so as to be separated from the ultrasonic observation portion,
Comprising
The inclined surface portion to an ultrasonic endoscope you and which are located on a removable insertion aid to the tip.

Insertion part,
An opening provided at the distal end of the insertion portion, a treatment instrument insertion port provided so that the treatment instrument can protrude along the insertion axis of the distal end, and ultrasonic vibration for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves An ultrasonic observation unit that includes a child and protrudes in a distal direction from the treatment instrument insertion port, and is disposed so that a plane including the ultrasonic scanning surface passes through the treatment instrument insertion port. An insertion aid that can be attached to and detached from the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope,
When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the scanning plane in a state where the distal end is mounted, the ultrasonic observation section touches or intersects the surface facing the treatment instrument insertion port, and An insertion aid comprising an inclined surface formed of a surface inclined with respect to the insertion axis so as to move away from the ultrasonic observation unit from a portion in contact with or intersecting with the surface of the ultrasonic observation unit toward the proximal end side. Ingredients.