JPH02213362A - Endoscopic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve operability by performing control so that the output of illumination light and the signal processing of a signal processing means for visual light are automatically controlled simultaneously with the output of laser beam and the signal processing of a fluorescent signal processing means is started. CONSTITUTION:An insert part 9 is inserted in the body cavity and, when a subject 18 is observed, the subject 18 is irradiated with the illumination light from the light source lamp 28 of a light source part 27 through a laser beam distribution lens system 14. The reflected beam from the subject 18 is formed into an image on the imaging surface of a CCD 19 through an objective lens 13 to be processed by a visible light signal processing circuit 24 and the image of the subject is displayed on a monitor 8. When fluorescent observation is performed, a footswitch 7 is stepped and a control signal is simultaneously outputted to a laser apparatus 6, the visible light signal processing circuit 24, an infrared ray signal processing part 26 and a light source part 27. The light source part 27 stops the output of illumination light. The laser apparatus 6 generates laser beam which is, in the turn, applied to the subject 18 through a laser probe 4. HpD accumulated in a tumor generates red fluorescence and this fluorescence is formed into an image on the CCD 19 by the objective lens system 13. The electric signal from the CCD 19 is processed by the infrared ray signal processing circuit 26 to be outputted to the monitor 18.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention provides an endoscope device that performs diagnosis and treatment by absorbing a photosensitizing substance that has an affinity for tumors in advance and irradiating the absorbed portion with laser light. Regarding, move.

[Prior art and problems to be solved by the invention] In recent years, organs in body cavities, etc. can be inserted into body cavities by inserting elongated insertion sections into body cavities. Endoscopes are widely used that can perform various therapeutic procedures using a treatment instrument inserted into a treatment instrument channel as needed.

Furthermore, various electronic endoscopes using solid-state imaging devices such as charge-coupled devices (CODs) as B image means have been proposed.

As a method for diagnosing and treating cancer using the above-mentioned endoscope, a photosensitizer that has a selective affinity for cancer cells is incorporated, and then low-power laser light is irradiated to diagnose by its photodynamic action. How to perform treatment (photo Dynamic
Therapy is abbreviated as PDT hereafter. ) is being carried out.

A specific example of this is hematoporphyrin derivatives (He
matOporrrrin Derivatives is hereinafter abbreviated as HpD. ) has been used as a photosensitizer for tumor phototherapy. This is because the fluorescence intensity of HpD in tumor tissue is higher than that in normal tissue, and
D is II! ! ! This is due to the fact that it does not show high accumulation in the tumor area. Furthermore, clinically, when l-1pD is accumulated in cancer and irradiated with 430nl of light, 615g3 and 670g3
Because it emits fluorescence around ~680 nm, it is possible to detect secondary spread of cancer. In addition, as a therapeutic effect, singlet oxygen generated by 630 nm light,
The effect is that cancer cells are destroyed.

As a conventional example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-9464 discloses a system in which a diagnostic pulse laser and an imaging device are synchronized by switching between a diagnostic laser and a therapeutic laser to avoid displaying the fluorescence spectrum as an image.

Incidentally, the wavelength of fluorescence generated during fluorescence image observation in PDT is around 670 to 680 na+, which is close to infrared light although it is in the visible light range. In general, the wavelength of light that can be seen by the human eye is said to be 380 to 760n11, as shown in Figure 4, but this value also varies from person to person, so in the case of weak light such as fluorescence diagnosis, visual inspection is required. There were some aspects that made it difficult to visually recognize the area. In addition, the endoscopic image had a reddish tinge overall, which also made visual recognition difficult.

Therefore, fluorescence images are observed by signal processing using a wide imaging wavelength range of about 11,000 nm or less of a solid-state imaging device (hereinafter abbreviated as CCD). When attempting to detect fluorescence using this electronic endoscope, it is necessary to switch the video processor from a signal processing circuit that emphasizes visible light to a signal processing circuit that emphasizes infrared light.

Then, it is necessary to perform a procedure of performing one laser irradiation after performing the switching, which is complicated in terms of operation.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when observing a fluorescent image, laser irradiation is performed after switching from a signal processing circuit that emphasizes visible light to a signal processing circuit that emphasizes and covers infrared light. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope device with good operability without the need for such operations.

[Means and effects for solving the problems] The endoscope apparatus of the present invention includes a laser light source that outputs laser light of an excitation wavelength necessary for irradiating a subject and generating fluorescence from the subject; a light source that generates illumination light that is irradiated to the object; an imaging device that images a subject and converts it into an electrical signal; and a signal processor that images the subject that generates fluorescence and processes the electrical signal based on the fluorescence output by the imaging device; Fluorescent signal processing means for outputting as a video signal, and visible light signal processing for processing an electric signal based on the illumination light outputted by the imaging means by taking an R image of the object irradiated with the illumination light and outputting it as a video signal. and a control means that outputs a signal for outputting laser light to the laser light source and at the same time outputs a control signal to the fluorescence signal processing means and the visible light signal processing means.

In the present invention, the control means outputs a signal for outputting laser light to the laser light source, and at the same time instructs the visible light signal processing means to stop signal processing, and instructs the fluorescence signal processing means to start signal processing.

[Example] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes an electronic endoscope 2 as an image sensor, a control section @3 having a control section and a light source section for controlling the electronic endoscope 2, and an electronic endoscope 2. A control signal is sent to the laser probe 4 inserted into the endoscope 2, the laser device @6 as a laser light source that supplies laser light to the laser probe 4, the control device 3 and the device S4 device 6. The electronic endoscope 2 has an insertion section 9 that is inserted into the subject. An operating section 11 is connected to the rear end of the insertion section 9. A universal cord 17 extends from the side of the operation unit 11, and this universal cord 17
A light source and a signal connector 21 provided at the rear end are detachably connected to the control device 3. An objective lens system 13 and a light distribution lens system 14 are provided at the distal end 12 of the insertion section 9, and a treatment instrument channel 16 is further opened. The objective lens system 13 forms an optical image of the subject 18 on the imaging surface of a solid-state image sensor 19 (hereinafter abbreviated as CD) provided at the rear. is photoelectrically converted and output as an electrical signal via a signal line 20.Signal line 2
0 is inserted through the insertion portion, the operation portion 11, and the universal cord 17 to reach the light source and signal connector 21.

The light distribution lens system 14 is configured to irradiate the object 18 with illumination light emitted from the end face of a light guide 22 provided behind the light distribution lens system 14. The light guide 22 is inserted through the insertion portion 9, the operating portion 11, and the universal cord 17 to reach the light source and signal connector 21.

Further, the treatment instrument channel 16 communicates with a treatment instrument insertion opening 23 provided in the operating section 11 through the inside of the insertion section 9. A flexible and elongated laser probe 4 is inserted into the treatment instrument channel 16 so that its tip end reaches the tip of the insertion section 9 . This laser probe 4 is connected to the laser device 6 which is separate from the electronic endoscope 12, and is configured to transmit the laser light generated by the rapping device 6 and irradiate the object 18 with it. .

The control device 3 is provided with a visible light signal processing circuit 24 as a visible light signal processing means, an infrared light signal processing circuit 26 as a fluorescence signal processing means, and a light source section 27. Visible light signal processing circuit 24 and infrared light signal processing circuit 2
6 is connected to the signal @ line 20, and an electric signal from the CCD 19 is input thereto. This visible signal processing circuit 24 performs signal processing to generate a video signal based on visible light and outputs it to the monitor 8, and the infrared light signal processing circuit 26 performs signal processing to generate a video signal based on infrared light. It is designed to output to monitor 8. The monitor 8 receives each video signal and displays an endoscopic image.

Moeki light source unit 27 outputs illumination light 1 + light source lamp 28,
The illumination light emitted from this light source lamp 28 is, for example, red (R).
, green (G), and blue (B), and condenses each color light separated by the rotary filter 29. A condensing lens 3 that illuminates the end face of the light guide 22
1, and a motor 32 that rotationally drives the rotary filter 29.
It is composed of.

The foot switch 7 is connected to the visible light signal processing circuit 24.
Control signals can be output simultaneously to the infrared light signal processing circuit 26 and the laser device 6, and when observing fluorescence using laser light, the infrared light signal processing circuit 26 and the infrared light signal processing circuit 26 can be output simultaneously. A control signal instructing the signal processing circuit 26 to operate is outputted, and when performing normal observation, a control signal instructing the visible light signal processing circuit 24 to operate. Further, the control signal from the foot switch 7 is also sent to the light source section 27, so that the light source section 27 does not supply illumination light to the electronic endoscope 2 when this control signal is input.

The operation of the internal mirror device 1 configured as described above will be explained.

The patient had previously been administered HpD, and the tumor was
are accumulated.

The insertion section 9 is inserted into a body cavity, and a subject 18 that is thought to be a tumor is observed. A light distribution lens system 14 is attached to the subject 18.
More illumination light is irradiated. This illumination light is provided by the light source section 27.
The light source lamp 28 generates the light, and the rotating filter 29 sequentially separates the colors into red (R).

The light is transmitted through the light guide 22 as green (G) and N (B) colored light.

The reflected light from the object 18 irradiated with the illumination light is imaged by the objective lens system 13 on the imaging surface of the CCD 19 and photoelectrically converted. This converted electrical signal is input to the visible light signal processing circuit 24 via the signal line 20, where it undergoes predetermined signal processing. The visible light signal processing circuit 24 generates a video signal and outputs it to the monitor 8, and the image of the subject for normal observation is displayed on the screen of the monitor 8.

When performing fluorescence observation, the foot switch 7 is depressed to simultaneously output a control signal to the laser device 6, the visible light signal processing circuit 24, the infrared signal processing circuit 26, and the light source section 27. The light source section 27 receives the control signal and stops outputting illumination light. Further, the laser device 6 receives the control signal and generates a laser beam having an excitation wavelength necessary for generating fluorescence, for example, 430 nm. This laser light is supplied to the laser probe 4 and is irradiated onto the subject 18 . HpD accumulated in the tumor is 615 and 670 ~
Red fluorescence having a maximum at 680 n1ll is generated, and this fluorescence is imaged on the CCD 19 by the objective lens system 13. The control signal from the foot switch 7 stops the operation of the visible light signal processing circuit 24 and stops the operation of the infrared light signal processing circuit 2.
Since only CCD 6 is operated, the electric signal from CCD 19 is input to infrared light signal processing circuit 26. The infrared light signal processing circuit 26 processes the input electric signal based on fluorescence to generate a video signal and outputs it to the monitor 8 . An image based on fluorescence is displayed on the screen of the monitor 8.

When fluorescence observation is completed, the user releases the foot from the 7-button switch 7 to stop outputting the control signal. The laser device 6 stops emitting laser light, and the light source section 27 starts supplying illumination light. Further, the visible light signal processing circuit 24 starts operating, and the infrared light signal processing circuit 26 stops operating.

As a result, a normal color image is displayed on the monitor 8.

When repeating fluorescence observation, the observation can be performed by depressing the foot switch 7.

In this embodiment, by stepping on the foot switch 7, laser light irradiation and signal processing circuit switching can be performed at the same time.
Operability can be improved.

Furthermore, the red fluorescence near 670-68 OnlIl emitted from tumors is visible light, but its intensity is so weak that it cannot be imaged well with the same signal processing as when viewing normal visible light. During laser irradiation, signal processing is performed by the infrared light processing circuit 26, so the fluorescent image can be seen more clearly, making observation easier, and it becomes possible to confirm tumors that have been overlooked until now.

Furthermore, detection by fluorescence image observation becomes possible from a lower fluorescence level than conventionally.

It should be noted that the control device 3 is provided with a memory unit that stores video signals from the visible light signal processing circuit 24, and when performing fluorescence observation, the image on the monitor 8 is used as a still image, and this still image is used to store the video signal from the visible light signal processing circuit 24. The positions of the tumor and the subject may be made to correspond by superimposing the images.

2 and 3 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the timing of the operation of the processing circuit.

In this embodiment, a control circuit 36 for turning on and turning on the laser device 6 is provided in place of the foot switch 7 of the first embodiment, and furthermore, a control circuit 36 for turning on and turning on the laser device 6 is provided. A memory section 37.3 that stores each video signal of
8. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same components are given the same reference numerals and explanations will be omitted.

The control circuit 36 includes the laser device 6 and the visible light signal processing circuit 2.
4, an infrared light signal processing circuit 26, and a light source section 27.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit 36 alternately turns on and off the control signal and outputs one control signal. This control signal turns on the control signal output to the laser device 6 and the infrared light processing circuit 26, and at the same time turns off the control signal to the visible light signal processing circuit 24, and outputs the control signal to the laser device 6 and the infrared processing circuit 26. The control signal for the circuit 26 is turned off and at the same time the control signal for the visible light signal processing circuit 24 is turned on, and this process is not repeated within 16 degrees.

Note that the level of the A-off signal output from the control circuit 36 can be made variable.

The video signal from the visible light signal processing circuit 24 is sent to the memory section 3.
Similarly, the video signal from the infrared signal processing circuit 26 is stored in the memory section 38 for one frame. The video signal read from the memory section 37 is output to the monitor 8a, and the video signal read from the memory vI38 is output to the monitor 8b.

The operation of the endoscopic VT device configured as described above will be explained.

The control signal from the control circuit 36 is alternately turned on and off as shown in FIG. In other words, the control signals output to the laser device 6 and the infrared light signal processing circuit 26 are turned on and off in synchronization, and the control signals to the visible light signal processing circuit 24 are output to the laser device @6 and the infrared light signal processing circuit 24. When the signal output to the optical signal processing circuit 26 is turned on, it is turned off, and when it is turned off, it is turned on.

When the control signals to the laser device 6 and the infrared signal processing circuit 26 are turned on, the laser device 6 generates laser light, and the subject 18 is irradiated with this laser light. The fluorescence generated by this is imaged on the CCD 19 by the objective lens system 13, converted into an electric signal, inputted to the infrared light processing circuit 26 via the signal line 20, where the signal is processed and stored as a video signal in the memory. 38. This memory section 38
While the infrared signal processing circuit 26 is operating, the video signal is passed through as is, and a moving fluorescent image is displayed on the screen of the monitor 8a. When the control signal 13 is turned off, the memory unit 38 repeatedly outputs the video signal from before it was turned off until the control signal is turned on again, and displays the still image of the fluorescent image on the monitor 8a.
Display n images.

On the other hand, when the control signals to the laser device 6 and the infrared signal processing circuit 26 are turned off, the control signals to the visible light signal processing circuit 24 are turned on. When the control signal is turned on, the visible light signal processing circuit 24 generates a video signal based on the illumination light from the light source section 27 and outputs it to the memory section 37 . Like the memory section 38, this memory section 37 also allows the video signal to pass through as is while the visible light signal processing circuit 24 is operating, and displays a moving image of the subject on the screen of the monitor 8b.

When the control signal is turned off, the memory section 37 repeatedly outputs the video signal before turning off until the control signal is turned on again, and displays a still image of the subject on the monitor 8b.

In other words, the monitor 8a repeatedly displays moving fluorescent images and still images, and the monitor 8b normally displays l! when the monitor 8a is displaying moving fluorescent images. A still image of the subject image being observed is displayed, and when the monitor 8a is displaying a still image of the fluorescent image, a moving image of the subject image being normally observed is displayed.

In this embodiment, the laser device 6 can be turned on and off freely, making the operation easy.
Since fluorescent images and visible light images can be imaged separately in 3b, it becomes easy to compare lesion areas and make diagnosis easier.

Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The control circuit 36 is provided with a switch that can switch between two modes, normal observation mode and fluorescence observation mode, and when the fluorescence observation mode is selected, a control signal that alternately repeats on and off as described above is output. When the mode is selected, the control signal to the visible light signal processing circuit 24 may be turned on to display only the visible light image on the monitor 8b.

Although each of the above embodiments has been described with respect to an electronic endoscope, the present invention is not limited thereto, and, for example, an optical endoscope having an image guide may be equipped with an external TV camera.

Further, the image method may be not only a sequential method but also a simultaneous method.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, laser irradiation can be performed after switching from a signal processing circuit that emphasizes visible light to a signal processing circuit that emphasizes infrared light. It is possible to improve operability without any problems.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an endoscope apparatus according to a first practical example of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are a block diagram of an endoscope apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the timing of the processing circuit operation, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the wavelength band of light. 1... Endoscopic chain @ 2... Electronic endoscope 3...
Control device 4...Laser probe 6...Laser device 7...Foot switch 8...Monitor
19...Solid-state R image element 24...Signal processing circuit for visible light 26...Signal processing circuit for infrared light 27...Light source department agent Patent attorney Susumu Ito In Figure 3 711'" ( nm) 1000, um

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A laser light source that outputs laser light of an excitation wavelength necessary to irradiate a subject and generate fluorescence from the subject; a light source that generates illumination light that is irradiated to the subject; and the subject. an imaging means for imaging the subject that generates the fluorescence and converting it into an electrical signal; and a fluorescence signal processing means for imaging the subject that generates the fluorescence, processing the electrical signal based on the fluorescence output by the imaging means, and outputting it as a video signal. and visible light signal processing means for imaging the subject irradiated with the illumination light and signal processing an electric signal based on the illumination light outputted by the imaging means and outputting it as a video signal; An endoscope apparatus comprising: control means for outputting a control signal to the fluorescence signal processing means and the visible light signal processing means at the same time as outputting a signal for outputting light.