JP7463246B2 - Endoscopes and medical equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to endoscopes and medical devices.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a medical device that includes a balloon catheter for treating diseased areas (stenosis or blockage) in the fallopian tubes and an endoscope (fallopian tube scope) for observing inside the fallopian tubes.

Patent No. 3921108

However, the endoscope (fallopian tube scope) of the conventional technology described above has a relatively narrow field of view and a short focal length. In addition, the images captured by the endoscope (endoscopic images) are dark and of low image quality. For this reason, it is not easy for a user to determine from the endoscopic image whether the part being imaged is the fallopian tube opening (vital tube opening) or simply a recess.

The present invention was made in consideration of these problems, and aims to provide an endoscope and medical device that can efficiently find the opening of a biological tube using endoscopic images.

One aspect of the present invention is an endoscope having an insertion portion to be inserted into a living body, comprising: a light-emitting portion provided at the tip of the insertion portion and emitting light in a tip direction toward which a tip surface of the insertion portion is pointed; an imaging portion provided at the tip of the insertion portion and receiving reflected light of the light emitted by the light-emitting portion; and a linear portion fixed to the insertion portion so as to protrude in the tip direction beyond the tip of the insertion portion, wherein the linear portion includes a first portion provided on the insertion portion adjacent to the light-emitting portion and a second portion extending from the first portion to the tip of the linear portion, and the first portion has a cross-sectional shape that follows the outline of the light-emitting portion .

Another aspect of the present invention is a medical instrument comprising the endoscope described above and a medical device used together with the endoscope for insertion into a desired biological canal opening.

According to the present invention, by inserting a linear part into the imaging target area and checking the appearance of the linear part in an image captured by an endoscope (endoscopic image), it is possible to easily determine whether the imaging target area is a biological tube opening or simply a recess. This allows the user to efficiently find a biological tube opening (e.g., a fallopian tube opening) based on the endoscopic image.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a catheter system including an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal end side of the catheter system of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a partially omitted perspective view of the endoscope of FIG. 1 from the tip side. 4A is a front view of the endoscope of FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is a partially omitted longitudinal sectional view of the endoscope taken along line IVB-IVB of FIG. 4A. 2 is a flowchart for explaining salpingoscopic salpingoplasty using the catheter system of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a first explanatory diagram of the salpingoscopic salpingoplasty. FIG. 2 is a second explanatory diagram of the salpingoscopic salpingoplasty. FIG. 3 is a third explanatory diagram of the fallopianoscopic salpingoplasty. FIG. 4 is a fourth explanatory diagram of the fallopianoscopic salpingoplasty. FIG. 5 is a fifth explanatory diagram of the fallopianoscopic salpingoplasty. FIG. 11 is a partially omitted perspective view of the distal end side of an endoscope according to a first modified example. 12A is a longitudinal sectional view of the distal end portion of the endoscope in FIG. 11 with a portion thereof omitted, and FIG. 12B is a transverse sectional view taken along line XIIB-XIIB in FIG. 12A. 13A is a partially omitted perspective view from the tip side of an endoscope according to a second modified example, and FIG. 13B is a partially omitted longitudinal sectional view of the tip portion of the endoscope in FIG. 13A. FIG. 14A is a perspective view, with some parts omitted, seen from the tip side of an endoscope according to a third modified example, and FIG. 14B is a perspective view, with some parts omitted, seen from the tip side of an endoscope according to a fourth modified example.

Below, preferred embodiments of the endoscope and medical device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a catheter system 12 (medical equipment) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a balloon catheter 14 (medical device) and an endoscope 10. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, the catheter system 12 is used, for example, in salpingoscopic salpingoplasty for treating a lesion 204 (such as a stenosis or obstruction) in a fallopian tube 202. However, the catheter system 12 may also be used to treat lesions in biological tubes other than the fallopian tube 202, such as blood vessels, bile ducts, tracheas, esophagus, urethra, and other organs.

In the following description of the catheter system 12, the left side in FIG. 1 (the direction of arrow A) is referred to as the "distal end," and the right side in FIG. 1 (the direction of arrow B) is referred to as the "base end."

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the balloon catheter 14 includes an outer catheter 20, a slider 22 provided on the outer catheter 20, an inner catheter 24 inserted into the outer catheter 20, and a balloon 26.

In FIG. 1, the outer catheter 20 has a long, flexible outer tube 32, an outer tube hub 34 (outer tube operating section) provided at the base end of the outer tube 32, and a fixing screw 36 provided on the outer tube hub 34. The total length of the outer tube 32 is preferably set to 100 mm or more and 1500 mm or less, and more preferably set to 200 mm or more and 1000 mm or less.

2, the outer tube 32 includes an outer tube body 38 and a tip member 40 (tip) provided at the tip of the outer tube body 38. Examples of materials constituting the outer tube body 38 and the tip member 40 include flexible polymeric materials such as polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, etc.), polyolefin elastomer, polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate, etc.), polyester elastomer, soft polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyurethane elastomer, polyamide, polyamide elastomer, polytetrafluoroethylene, fluororesin elastomer, polyimide, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, silicone rubber, etc.

The outer tube body 38 has a first lumen 42 that penetrates from the tip to the base end. The outer tube body 38 has a substantially constant outer diameter over its entire length. The tip side of the outer tube body 38 is shaped to be curved in an arc in the axial direction.

The outer surface of the tip member 40 is curved to prevent damage to the balloon catheter 14 or biological tissue. The tip member 40 is formed with a balloon outlet hole 44 for leading the balloon 26 in the distal direction (in the direction of arrow A) beyond the tip member 40. The balloon outlet hole 44 is connected to the tip opening 66 of the outer tube 32.

In FIG. 1, the outer tube hub 34 is made of hard resin or metal (stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, etc.). Examples of hard resin include polycarbonate, acrylic resin, polyester, polyolefin, styrene-based resin, polyamide, polysulfone, polyarylate, polyetherimide, etc.

The outer tube hub 34 is hollow and sized to be easily manipulated by hand. The outer tube hub 34 is provided with a first introduction port 46 for introducing a balloon expansion fluid. The balloon expansion fluid is for inflating the balloon 26 shown in FIG. 2 radially inward of the outer tube 32. The balloon expansion fluid is, for example, saline.

The fixing screw 36 is for fixing the inner catheter 24 to the outer tube hub 34. The fixing screw 36 may be made of the same material as the outer tube hub 34.

The slider 22 is provided in a state in which it can move (slide) in the axial direction of the outer tube 32 relative to the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube 32. The overall length of the slider 22 is shorter than the overall length of the outer tube 32. The slider 22 has a long tubular slider body 48 and a slider hub 50 (slider operation part) provided at the base end of the slider body 48. The slider body 48 and the slider hub 50 are each made of the same material as the outer tube hub 34 described above. The slider hub 50 is formed in an annular shape with a size that makes it easy to operate by hand.

When the slider 22 is moved toward the base end (in the direction of arrow B) relative to the outer tube body 38 (when the base end of the slider 22 is positioned at the tip of the outer tube hub 34), the tip side of the outer tube body 38 is exposed further toward the tip side than the slider 22 and curves in an arc (see FIG. 1). When the slider 22 is moved to the most tip side (in the direction of arrow A) relative to the outer tube body 38, the tip side of the outer tube body 38 extends in a straight line along the shape of the slider body 48 (see FIG. 6).

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the inner catheter 24 comprises a long inner tube 52 and an inner tube hub 54 (inner tube operating section) provided at the base end of the inner tube 52. The total length of the inner tube 52 is preferably set to 100 mm or more and 1500 mm or less, and more preferably set to 200 mm or more and 1000 mm or less.

In FIG. 2, the inner tube 52 is made of a relatively hard resin (e.g., fluororesin, polycarbonate, polyimide, PEEK resin, etc.) or metal (e.g., stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, etc.). The inner tube 52 is formed with a second lumen 56 that runs through it from the tip to the base end.

The inner tube 52 is inserted through the outer tube hub 34 and disposed in the first lumen 42 of the outer tube body 38. The tip of the inner tube 52 is located in the proximal direction (in the direction of arrow B) from the tip of the outer tube body 38. An outer lumen 58 (expansion lumen) through which balloon expansion fluid flows is provided between the inner tube 52 and the outer tube body 38.

A long insertion section 72 of the endoscope 10, which also functions as a balloon support device, is inserted into the second lumen 56 of the inner tube 52. With the insertion section 72 inserted into the second lumen 56 of the inner tube 52, an inner lumen 60 (irrigation lumen) through which an irrigation fluid flows is formed between the inner tube 52 and the insertion section 72. The irrigation fluid is, for example, physiological saline.

In FIG. 1, the inner tube hub 54 is made of the same material as the outer tube hub 34. The inner tube hub 54 is formed to be hollow. The inner tube hub 54 is provided with a second introduction port portion 62 for introducing irrigation fluid. The irrigation fluid introduced from the second introduction port portion 62 is guided to the second cavity 56 (inner lumen 60) shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the balloon 26 is a tubular member that connects the tip of the outer tube 32 and the tip of the inner tube 52. The balloon 26 expands radially inward of the outer tube 32. In other words, the balloon 26 is formed to be elastically deformable in the radial direction.

Examples of materials that can be used to form the balloon 26 include natural rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, soft polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyurethane elastomer, polyisoprene, polyamide, polyamide elastomer, polyester, polyester elastomer, polyimide, polytetrafluoroethylene, and silicone rubber. The balloon 26 is preferably made of a polyamide elastomer, polyurethane elastomer, or polyester elastomer.

One end of the balloon 26 is bonded or fused to the tip of the outer tube 32 (the base end of the tip member 40). In other words, one end of the balloon 26 is bonded or fused to the outer tube 32 near the base end side of the balloon outlet hole 44. The other end of the balloon 26 is bonded or fused to the tip of the outer surface of the inner tube 52. However, the other end of the balloon 26 may be bonded or fused to the tip of the inner surface of the inner tube 52. The balloon 26 has an inner cavity 64 into which the insertion section 72 of the endoscope 10 can be inserted. A bag-shaped outer space S with a closed tip is formed between the balloon 26 and the outer tube body 38.

As shown in Figures 8 to 10, when a pushing force (pushing force in the tip direction) is transmitted from the inner tube 52 to the balloon 26, the tip portion 26a of the balloon 26 is rolled back and protrudes in the tip direction from the tip opening 66 of the outer tube 32. At this time, a radially double-folded portion is formed in the protruding portion 26b of the balloon 26 that protrudes in the direction of arrow A beyond the tip opening 66 of the outer tube 32.

In this embodiment, the endoscope 10 is a fallopian tube scope 70 for observing the fallopian tube 202. As shown in Figs. 3 to 4B, the endoscope 10 includes an insertion section 72, a light emitting unit 74, an imaging unit 76, and a linear section 78. Although not shown, the endoscope 10 also includes a display section such as a display, and an imaging control device for displaying an image (endoscopic image) on the display section. In Figs. 1 and 2, the insertion section 72 is formed long and is inserted into the inside (lumen) of the balloon 26 via the second lumen 56 of the inner tube 52. An operation section (not shown) is provided at the base end of the insertion section 72.

The insertion section 72 has a flexible and bendable tubular sheath 80, and an insertion tip section 82 provided at the tip of the sheath 80. As shown in Figures 3 to 4B, the insertion tip section 82 includes a base member 84 fixed to the tip of the sheath 80, and a covering tube 86 that covers the outer circumferential surface of the base member 84. The covering tube 86 is made of a resin material such as, but not limited to, polyimide, polyurethane, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.

The light-emitting unit 74 includes four light-emitting elements 88 (88a to 88d) provided on the insertion tip 82 so as to emit light in the direction (arrow A direction) that the tip surface of the insertion part 72 (tip surface 85a of the base member 84) is pointing. Each light-emitting element 88 is fixed to the base member 84.

In FIG. 4B, the light-emitting unit 74 includes four long, flexible light guides 90. Each light guide 90 extends over the entire length of the insertion section 72. Each light guide 90 guides light from a light source (not shown) to the tip of the insertion section 72.

The tip of the light guide 90 forms the light emitting section 88. Each light guide 90 is formed by bundling a plurality of optical fibers, for example. However, each light guide 90 may be formed from a single optical fiber. The tip surface 91a of each light guide 90 is exposed to the flat tip surface 85a of the base member 84. The tip surface 91a of each light guide 90 may be covered with a light-transmitting protective material or the like. The tip surface 91a of each light guide 90 is flush with the tip surface 85a of the base member 84. However, the tip surface 91a of each light guide 90 may be located further distally (in the direction of the arrow A) than the tip surface 85a of the base member 84, or may be located further proximally (in the direction of the arrow B) than the tip surface 85a of the base member 84.

The imaging unit 76 has an imaging section 92 provided at the tip of the insertion section 72 so as to receive reflected light of the light emitted by the light emitting section 88 (see Figures 3 to 4B). The imaging unit 76 has a lens unit 94 and a transmission unit 96 for transmitting the image formed by the lens unit 94.

The lens unit 94 forms the imaging section 92. The lens unit 94 includes an objective lens 98. The lens unit 94 may include multiple lenses. The lens unit 94 (imaging section 92) is fixed to the base member 84. The tip surface 95a of the lens unit 94 is flush with the tip surface 85a of the base member 84. However, the tip surface 95a of the lens unit 94 may be located further distally (in the direction of arrow A) than the tip surface 85a of the base member 84, or may be located further proximally (in the direction of arrow B) than the tip surface 85a of the base member 84.

The transmission unit 96 includes a long, flexible image guide 100. The image guide 100 is formed by bundling a number of optical fibers. The tip of the image guide 100 is fixed to the base member 84. The tip surface 101a of the image guide 100 is fixed to the base end surface 95b of the lens unit 94 with an adhesive or the like (not shown).

The image guide 100 extends from the base end surface 95b of the lens unit 94 to the base end of the insertion section 72. The image guide 100 transmits the image formed by the lens unit 94 to an imaging control device (not shown).

As shown in Figures 3 to 4B, the linear portion 78 is fixed to the insertion portion 72 (base member 84) so as to protrude in the distal direction (in the direction of arrow A) beyond the tip of the insertion portion 72. The linear portion 78 is a cylindrical member having appropriate rigidity and appropriate flexibility.

The linear portion 78 is made of various metal materials such as superelastic alloys such as stainless steel, Ni-Ti alloys, Ni-Al alloys, and Cu-Zn alloys, resin-coated metal materials, and relatively high-rigidity resin materials. The linear portion 78 reflects light emitted by the light-emitting portion 88. In FIG. 4B, the protruding length L of the linear portion 78 from the tip surface of the insertion portion 72 (the tip surface 85a of the base member 84) is set to 0.5 cm or more and 6 cm or less. The protruding length L is preferably set to 1 cm or more and 4 cm or less, and more preferably set to about 2.5 cm. The outer peripheral surface of the linear portion 78 is preferably coated with a coating (hydrophilic lubricant coating, PTFE coating, etc.) to reduce friction with the balloon 26 or biological tissue.

As shown in Figures 3 to 4B, the linear portion 78 has an outer diameter smaller than that of the insertion tip 82. The outer diameter of the linear portion 78 is larger than that of the light emitting portion 88 and smaller than that of the imaging portion 92 (outer diameter of the lens unit 94). The tip of the linear portion 78 is formed in an R-shape (e.g., hemispherical) to prevent damage to living tissue. An uneven portion (not shown) is formed on the outer surface of the linear portion 78 so that the linear portion 78 is visibly displayed in an echo image (ultrasound image). The height (depth) of this uneven portion is set to, for example, 100 μm. However, such uneven portions do not have to be formed on the outer surface of the linear portion 78.

In FIG. 4A, the axis Ax1 of the linear portion 78 is located on a straight line La that connects the axis Ax2 of the insertion tip 82 and the axis Ax3 of the imaging portion 92. The light-emitting portions 88a and 88b are arranged close to the linear portion 78. The light-emitting portions 88c and 88d are arranged close to the imaging portion 92. The light-emitting portions 88a and 88b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the straight line La. The light-emitting portions 88c and 88d are arranged symmetrically with respect to the straight line La.

The number, position, size, and shape of each of the light emitting units 88 and the imaging units 92 can be set as appropriate. The transmission unit 96 may be configured to include an imaging element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and a signal line. The imaging element may also be capable of wireless communication. The linear portion 78 is not limited to the example configured in a cylindrical shape, and may have an appropriate shape such as a prismatic shape, a cylindrical shape, or a square tube shape. The linear portion 78 may be curved in advance. When the linear portion 78 is configured in a curved shape that is curved in advance, it is possible to smoothly cause the endoscope 10 and the balloon 26 to follow the inserted linear portion 78, especially in a bent fallopian tube 202.

Next, salpingoscopic salpingoplasty using the catheter system 12 configured in this manner will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 5.

In fallopianoscopic tuboplasty, first, as shown in FIG. 6, in the preparation step (step S1 in FIG. 5), the endoscope 10 (fallopianoscope 70) is inserted from the base end side of the inner catheter 24 into the second lumen 56 of the inner tube 52. The inner tube 52 is then fixed by the fixing screw 36 in a state where it is fully pulled toward the base end side (in the direction of arrow B). Furthermore, the slider 22 is slid relative to the outer tube 32 in the direction of the tip of the outer tube 32 to straighten the tip side of the outer tube main body 38.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the insertion step (step S2), the user inserts the balloon catheter 14 transcervically to the uterine fundus 200 (see FIG. 6). Then, in the sliding step (step S3), the slider 22 is pulled back toward the base end of the outer tube 32 relative to the outer tube 32. As a result, the tip side of the outer tube body 38 is exposed from the slider 22 and assumes a curved shape (see FIG. 7). At this time, the user positions the tip of the endoscope 10 at the tip opening 66 of the outer tube 32. Therefore, the endoscope 10 can capture an image of the tip direction of the balloon catheter 14 (arrow A direction) through the tip opening 66 of the outer tube 32. The image captured by the endoscope 10 (endoscopic image) is displayed on a display unit not shown.

Then, in the identification process (step S4), the user identifies the insertion target site 203 into which the balloon 26 is to be inserted based on the endoscopic image. After that, in the confirmation process (step S5), the user operates the catheter system 12 to insert the linear portion 78 into the insertion target site 203 (image target site) (see FIG. 7) and checks the appearance of the linear portion 78 in the endoscopic image. At this time, for example, when the user checks in the endoscopic image how the linear portion 78 is being inserted toward the insertion target site 203, the user determines that the insertion target site 203 is the fallopian tube orifice 202a.

On the other hand, if the user confirms from the endoscopic image that the linear portion 78 is not inserted into the insertion target portion 203 (it hits a wall and does not proceed), the user determines that the insertion target portion 203 is not the fallopian tube opening 202a (for example, it is simply a recess, etc.). If the user determines that the insertion target portion 203 is not the fallopian tube opening 202a, the user repeats the above-mentioned identification process and confirmation process until the fallopian tube opening 202a is found.

After confirming the fallopian tube opening 202a in the confirmation step, the user moves the endoscope 10 toward the base end by a predetermined length relative to the outer tube 32, and then performs the balloon extraction step (step S6). Specifically, a balloon expansion fluid is supplied to the first introduction port 46 (see FIG. 1) (pressurization step). Then, the balloon expansion fluid is supplied from the first introduction port 46 through the outer lumen 58 to the outer space S of the balloon 26 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The balloon 26 is elastically deformed by being pressed radially inward by the balloon expansion fluid supplied to the outer space S. That is, the portion of the balloon 26 located on the outer periphery side of the insertion portion 72 is in close contact with the outer periphery of the insertion portion 72. The inner surfaces of the portions of the balloon 26 located on the tip side of the tip of the insertion portion 72 are in contact with each other.

Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the user advances the inner tube 52 relative to the outer tube 32 (advancement process). Then, the balloon 26, which is pushed toward the distal end by the inner tube 52, advances toward the outer tube 32 together with the insertion portion 72. In other words, the balloon 26 protrudes from the distal end opening 66 of the outer tube 32 together with the insertion portion 72 in the distal end direction (direction of arrow A) as the pushing force is transmitted from the inner tube 52 to the balloon 26.

During the forward movement process, one end of the balloon 26 is fixed to the tip of the outer tube 32, so the balloon 26 moves forward while its tip 26a is turned over. In other words, the balloon 26 is turned over at its tip 26a so that the inner surface faces outward. Therefore, the balloon 26 moves forward a distance equivalent to half the forward movement distance of the insertion section 72. The forward movement process is performed until the tip of the insertion section 72 reaches the tip 26a (protruding end) of the balloon 26. At this time, the balloon 26 moves forward together with the insertion section 72 of the endoscope 10. Therefore, there is a high probability that the balloon 26 will be inserted into the fallopian tube opening 202a.

Then, the user judges whether the balloon 26 has reached the lesion 204 based on the endoscopic image. The user may judge that the balloon 26 has reached the lesion 204 by leading the entire balloon 26 forward. If the balloon 26 is located in front of the lesion 204, as shown in FIG. 9, the balloon expansion fluid is depressurized and perfusion fluid (perfusion fluid) is supplied to the second introduction port portion 62 (see FIG. 1) (depressurization process). This allows perfusion fluid to flow between the balloon 26 and the insertion portion 72 of the endoscope 10 via the inner lumen 60. Next, the user retracts the endoscope 10 a predetermined distance (retraction process).

Then, the above-mentioned pressurizing step and advancing step are performed again. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, when the balloon 26 has completely passed through the lesion 204, the balloon 26 pushes open the lesion 204. That is, in the balloon extraction step in step S6, the pressurizing step, advancing step, depressurizing step, and retreating step are repeated to improve the stenosis or blockage of the fallopian tube 202.

After the lesion 204 has been expanded, in the removal step (step S7 in FIG. 5), the user reduces the pressure of the balloon expansion fluid and then removes the balloon catheter 14 and the endoscope 10. Note that before removing the balloon catheter 14, the user may inject irrigation fluid through the second introduction port portion 62 (see FIG. 1) while pulling the inner tube 52 to retract the balloon 26, and at the same time operate the endoscope 10 to position it at the tip of the balloon 26, thereby removing the balloon catheter 14 while observing the inside of the fallopian tube 202 during the removal step. This completes the fallopianoscopic salpingoplasty.

The endoscope 10 and catheter system 12 (medical device) according to this embodiment provide the following advantages:

The endoscope 10 includes a light emitting unit 88 provided at the tip of the insertion section 72 and emitting light in the tip direction toward which the tip surface of the insertion section 72 (tip surface 85a of the base member 84) is directed, an imaging unit 92 provided at the tip of the insertion section 72 and receiving reflected light emitted by the light emitting unit 88, and a linear portion 78 fixed to the insertion section 72 so as to protrude in the tip direction beyond the tip of the insertion section 72.

With this configuration, by inserting the linear portion 78 into the insertion target portion 203 (image target portion) of the balloon 26 and checking the appearance of the linear portion 78 in the image captured by the endoscope 10 (endoscopic image), it is possible to easily determine whether the insertion target portion 203 is a biological tube opening or simply a recess. This allows the user to efficiently find the biological tube opening (e.g., fallopian tube opening 202a) based on the endoscopic image.

In addition, since the linear portion 78 is fixed to the insertion portion 72 so as to protrude further toward the distal end than the tip of the insertion portion 72, the balloon 26 can be reliably inserted into the biotube opening together with the insertion portion 72.

The base end of the linear portion 78 is fixed to the tip of the insertion portion 72.

This configuration allows the configuration of the endoscope 10 to be simplified.

(First Modification)
Next, an endoscope 10A according to a first modified example will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 12B. In the endoscope 10A according to this modified example, the same components as those in the endoscope 10 described above are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The same applies to the second to fourth modified examples described below.

As shown in Figures 11 to 12B, the endoscope 10A (fallopian tube scope 70A) includes an insertion section 72, a light-emitting unit 74a, an imaging unit 76, and a linear section 78a. The light-emitting unit 74a includes five light-emitting sections 88 (88a to 88e). The light-emitting section 88e is configured similarly to the light-emitting sections 88a to 88d, and is fixed to the base member 84. Each light-emitting section 88 (light guide 90) has a circular cross section. The light-emitting section 88e may be of a different size and shape from the light-emitting sections 88a to 88d.

The linear portion 78a includes a first portion 110 provided on the insertion portion 72 adjacent to the light-emitting portion 88e, and a second portion 112 extending from the first portion 110 to the tip of the linear portion 78a. The first portion 110 extends from the base end of the linear portion 78a in the distal direction (in the direction of arrow A) beyond the tip of the insertion portion 72.

The first part 110 has a cross-sectional shape that follows the outer shape of the light-emitting part 88e. That is, the first part 110 has an arc-shaped (semicircular) cross-section. The light-emitting part 88e is located between the first part 110 and the imaging part 92. The first part 110 is provided so as to cover the light-emitting part 88e from the side opposite the imaging part 92. In FIG. 11 and FIG. 12A, the second part 112 has a circular cross-section. The outer diameter of the second part 112 is larger than the outer diameter (diameter) of the light-emitting part 88e and smaller than the outer diameter (diameter) of the imaging part 92.

The length of the linear portion 78a is set to be the same as the length L of the linear portion 78 described above. The outer surface of the linear portion 78a has an uneven portion (not shown) formed thereon so that it can be seen in an echo image, similar to the linear portion 78 described above. However, such uneven portions do not have to be formed on the outer surface of the linear portion 78a.

The endoscope 10A of this modified example has the same configuration and provides the same effects as the endoscope 10 described above.

The linear portion 78a includes a first portion 110 provided in the insertion portion 72 adjacent to the light-emitting portion 88e, and a second portion 112 extending from the first portion 110 to the tip of the linear portion 78a. The first portion 110 has a cross-sectional shape that follows the outer shape of the light-emitting portion 88e.

With this configuration, the first portion 110 has a cross-sectional shape that conforms to the outer shape of the light-emitting portion 88, so that the linear portion 78a can be fixed to the insertion portion 72 without reducing the number of light-emitting portions 88.

The light-emitting section 88 has a circular cross-section, and the first section 110 has an arc-shaped cross-section.

This configuration makes it possible to more clearly view the second portion 112 of the linear portion 78a in the endoscopic image.

The second portion 112 has a circular cross section.

This configuration improves the rigidity of the tip of the linear portion 78a compared to when the second portion 112 is formed with a semicircular cross section.

(Second Modification)
Next, an endoscope 10B according to a second modification will be described with reference to Figures 13A and 13B. As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the endoscope 10B (fallopian tube scope 70B) includes an insertion section 72, a light-emitting unit 74b, an imaging unit 76, and a linear section 78b. The light-emitting unit 74b includes five light-emitting sections 88 (88a to 88d, 88f). The light-emitting section 88f has a shape such that the above-mentioned light-emitting section 88e protrudes in the direction of the arrow A, and is fixed to the base member 84. The light-emitting section 88f (light guide 90) has a circular cross section. The light-emitting section 88f may have a size and shape different from those of the light-emitting sections 88a to 88d.

The linear portion 78b is formed by the light guide 90 protruding in the distal direction beyond the tip of the insertion portion 72. In other words, the linear portion 78b also functions as a light-emitting portion 88f. Therefore, the linear portion 78b emits light by light guided from a light source (not shown).

The length of the linear portion 78b is set to be the same as the length L of the linear portion 78 described above. The outer surface of the linear portion 78b has an uneven portion (not shown) formed thereon so that it can be seen in an echo image, similar to the linear portion 78 described above. However, such uneven portions do not have to be formed on the outer surface of the linear portion 78b.

The endoscope 10B of this modified example has the same configuration and provides the same effects as the endoscopes 10 and 10A described above.

The endoscope 10B has a light guide 90 through which light is guided, and the linear portion 78b is formed by the light guide 90 protruding further in the distal direction than the tip of the insertion portion 72.

With this configuration, the linear portion 78b can be made to emit light, making it easier to check the appearance of the linear portion 78b using an endoscopic image.

(Third Modification)
Next, an endoscope 10C according to a third modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 14A. As shown in Fig. 14A, the endoscope 10C (fallopian tube scope 70C) includes an insertion section 72, a light-emitting unit 74a, an imaging unit 76, and a linear section 78c. The light-emitting unit 74a includes five light-emitting sections 88 (88a to 88e).

The linear portion 78c protrudes from the tip surface of the covering tube 86 in the tip direction. The linear portion 78c extends along the circumferential direction of the covering tube 86. The thickness of the linear portion 78c is the same as the thickness of the covering tube 86. The width dimension of the linear portion 78c is larger than the outer diameter (diameter) of the light-emitting portion 88. The light-emitting portion 88e is located between the linear portion 78c and the imaging portion 92. The linear portion 78c is provided so as to cover the light-emitting portion 88 from the side opposite the imaging portion 92.

The length of the linear portion 78c is set to be the same as the length L of the linear portion 78 described above. The outer surface of the linear portion 78c has an uneven portion (not shown) formed thereon so that it can be seen in an echo image, similar to the linear portion 78 described above. However, such uneven portions do not have to be formed on the outer surface of the linear portion 78c.

The endoscope 10C of this modified example has the same configuration and provides the same effects as the endoscopes 10, 10A, and 10B described above.

The insertion section 72 has a base member 84 to which the light emitting section 88 and the imaging section 92 are fixed, and a covering tube 86 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the base member 84, and the linear section 78c protrudes from the tip surface of the covering tube 86 toward the tip.

With this configuration, the linear portion 78c can be fixed to the insertion portion 72 without reducing the number of light-emitting portions 88.

(Fourth Modification)
Next, an endoscope 10D according to a fourth modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 14B. As shown in Fig. 14B, the endoscope 10D (fallopian tube scope 70D) includes an insertion section 72, a light emitting unit 74, an imaging unit 76, and a linear section 78d. The linear section 78d is disposed within the insertion section 72 over the entire length of the insertion section 72.

The endoscope 10D of this modified example has the same configuration and provides the same effects as the endoscopes 10, 10A to 10C described above.

The linear portion 78d is disposed within the insertion portion 72 over the entire length of the insertion portion 72.

With this configuration, the insertion portion 72 can be reinforced by the linear portion 78d.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. The linear portions 78, 78a to 78d may be fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 72 (the outer circumferential surface of the covering tube 86). The linear portion 78a may be disposed within the insertion portion 72 over the entire length of the insertion portion 72. The medical device used together with the endoscope 10, 10A to 10D is not limited to the balloon catheter 14, as long as it is for insertion into the opening of a biological tube.

The above embodiments can be summarized as follows:

The above embodiment discloses an endoscope (10, 10A-10D) having an insertion section (72) to be inserted into a living body, comprising: a light emitting section (88) provided at the tip (82) of the insertion section and emitting light in the tip direction toward which the tip surface (85a) of the insertion section is directed; an imaging section (92) provided at the tip of the insertion section and receiving reflected light of the light emitted by the light emitting section; and a linear section (78, 78a-78d) fixed to the insertion section so as to protrude in the tip direction beyond the tip of the insertion section.

In the above endoscope, the linear portion includes a first portion (110) provided in the insertion portion so as to be adjacent to the light-emitting portion (88e), and a second portion (112) extending from the first portion to the tip of the linear portion, and the first portion may have a cross-sectional shape that follows the outer shape of the light-emitting portion.

In the endoscope described above, the light-emitting section may have a circular cross-section, and the first section may have an arc-shaped cross-section.

In the above endoscope, the second portion may have a circular cross section.

The endoscope may include a light guide (90) that forms the light emitting portion, and the linear portion may be formed by the light guide protruding in the distal direction beyond the distal end of the insertion portion.

In the above endoscope, the insertion section may have a base member (84) to which the light emitting section and the imaging section are fixed, and a covering tube (86) that covers the outer circumferential surface of the base member, and the linear section may protrude in the distal direction from the distal end surface of the covering tube.

In the endoscope described above, the base end of the linear portion may be fixed to the tip end of the insertion portion.

In the endoscope described above, the linear portion may be disposed within the insertion portion over the entire length of the insertion portion.

In the above endoscope, the endoscope may be a fallopian tube scope (70) that can be inserted into the fallopian tube (202) of the human body.

The above embodiment discloses a medical instrument (12) including the above-mentioned endoscope and a medical device (14) used together with the endoscope for insertion into a desired biological tube opening (202a).

In the above medical equipment, the medical device comprises a flexible outer tube (32), an inner tube (52) disposed in the inner cavity (42) of the outer tube so as to be movable in the axial direction relative to the outer tube, and a tubular balloon (26) that connects the tip of the outer tube to the tip of the inner tube and expands radially inward of the outer tube, and the balloon may protrude from the tip opening (66) of the outer tube together with the insertion part while the tip of the balloon (26a) is rolled up by transmitting a pushing force from the inner tube to the balloon.

10, 10A to 10D... Endoscope 12... Catheter system (medical device)
14...Balloon catheter (medical device)
26: Balloon 32: Outer tube 52: Inner tube 66: Tip opening 72: Insertion section 78, 78a to 78d: Linear section 82: Insertion tip section 84: Base member 86: Covering tube 88: Light-emitting section 90: Light guide 92: Imaging section 110: First section 112: Second section 202: Fallopian tube 202a: Fallopian tube opening (biological tube opening)

Claims (8)

An endoscope having an insertion portion to be inserted into a living body,
a light emitting unit provided at a tip of the insertion portion and emitting light in a tip direction toward which a tip surface of the insertion portion is directed;
an imaging unit provided at the tip of the insertion portion and configured to receive reflected light of the light emitted by the light emitting unit;
a linear portion fixed to the insertion portion so as to protrude in the distal direction beyond the distal end of the insertion portion ,
The linear portion is
A first portion is provided in the insertion portion so as to be adjacent to the light emitting portion;
a second portion extending from the first portion to a tip end of the linear portion,
An endoscope , wherein the first portion has a cross-sectional shape that conforms to the outer shape of the light-emitting portion . 2. The endoscope according to claim 1 ,
The light emitting portion has a circular cross section,
The first section has an arcuate cross section. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The second portion has a circular cross-section. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
An endoscope, wherein the base end of the linear portion is fixed to the tip end of the insertion portion. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
An endoscope, wherein the linear portion is disposed within the insertion portion over the entire length of the insertion portion. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The endoscope is an fallopian tube speculum that can be inserted into the fallopian tube of the human body. An endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
and a medical device for use with the endoscope to be inserted into a desired biological canal orifice. 8. The medical device of claim 7 ,
The medical device comprises:
a flexible outer tube;
an inner tube disposed in the inner cavity of the outer tube so as to be axially movable relative to the outer tube;
a tubular balloon that connects a distal end of the outer tube and a distal end of the inner tube to each other and expands radially inwardly of the outer tube,
The insertion portion is inserted inside the balloon,
The balloon is a medical device in which a pushing force is transmitted from the inner tube to the balloon, causing the tip of the balloon to roll back and protrude from the tip opening of the outer tube together with the insertion portion.

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