JPH07184893A - Apparatus for probe in celom - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To satisfy easily various conditions of an examinee and keeping a favorable posture of an operator, to provide good holding and operating characteristics and to decrease fatigue of the operator in accordance with various conditions such as the physique and the diagnostic position of the examinee or keeping the easily workable and favorable posture of the operator without preparing several kinds of probes in advance and by using only one kind of probe before operation. CONSTITUTION:In a constitution of a probe 1 in a celom provided with at least an inserting part 1 inserted in the celom and an operating part operating the inserting part 1, it is constituted by arranging a connecting means which can fit movably a holding member 12 to a plurality of positions where there exists no difficulty to the inserting part 1 or operation of the operating part.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an intracorporeal probe device for diagnosing an organ or the like in a body cavity, which is inserted into the body cavity for use.

[0002]

2. Description of the Prior Art In general, a device including an intracavity probe is
This is a device applied to make a diagnostic observation of an organ or the like in the body cavity by inserting a reduced-diameter tip insertion portion of the probe in the body cavity into a relevant site in the body cavity. As the intracavity probe, for example, an intracorporeal ultrasound probe for performing ultrasonic diagnosis and an endoscope for obtaining an optical image of an organ within the coelom are known.

Here, when the former ultrasonic probe device in the body cavity is used for diagnosing the organ in the body cavity, it is not always necessary to perform a laparotomy of the corresponding site, and the surface of the target organ or the like is required. On the other hand, the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface can be directly adhered, and as a result, a good ultrasonic image with high resolution can be obtained with less invasion to the patient. Also, this is
The same applies to the latter endoscope device. In the case of this endoscope device, the illumination / observation window can be brought close to the surface of the target organ, etc., and a good observation image with less invasion to the patient can be obtained. can get.

In the body cavity ultrasonic probe device, therefore, for the purpose of improving the operability, the grip at the proximal end of the insertion portion is made larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion. There is a configuration in which a grip portion is provided. In this case, since the outer diameter of the grip portion is larger than the inner diameter of the outer tube portion as the insertion aid, the grip portion has a fixed structure. However, the effective length of the insertion section is uniquely determined by the position of the grip section.

On the other hand, in the endoscope apparatus, as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-40642, for example, the connecting portion provided at the proximal end of the operating portion and the axis of the operating portion are connected. There is a configuration in which the grip member is provided in the extension direction so as to form a grasped portion of the operator, and the grip member is detachably connectable to the connecting portion. Here, a connecting member is used for mounting the grip member, the connecting member is fitted into the through hole of the grip member, and then the screw portion is screwed into the connecting portion screw hole formed at the rear end of the operation portion main body. By inserting the grip member, the grip member is detachably coupled to the operation portion main body.

As another example, for example, the actual fairness 1-36.
In the case of the endoscope device shown in Japanese Patent No. 481, the operation portion main body has a connection portion and a grip portion that are continuous with the rear end of the insertion portion on the same axis, and the center of the connection portion. The shaft and the central axis of the grip portion are rotatably connected so as to be tilted at an adjustable angle θ. In this case, the angle θ is the inclination angle of the gripping part central axis measured from the tip side central axis of the inserting part with respect to the intersection of the inserting part central axis and the gripping part central axis.

[0007]

However, in the case of the ultrasonic probe device in the body cavity according to the above-mentioned conventional configuration, when the ultrasonically diagnosed by inserting the thin insertion portion into the body cavity, the insertion portion The effective length range of the subject changes according to various conditions such as the physique of the subject or the diagnosis site, and in order to maintain the operator's preferred posture for easy operation, prior to the treatment,
The operator had to prepare in advance several types of probes that differ only in the length of the insertion portion.

Further, in the endoscope apparatus of the above-mentioned conventional structure, in the type in which the grip member is detachably connectable to the connecting portion, the screw portion of the connecting member is screwed into the screw hole of the operation portion main body. Since it is necessary to insert the grips, when the operator wants to attach grips having different grip lengths, grip outer diameters, and grip shapes during diagnosis, it is not always easy to replace the grips. In addition, when only the gripping part in which the axis of the grip member is aligned with the extension of the axis of the operation part body, when the gripping part is gripped by the hand of the upper limb, the wrist of the upper limb is directed toward the little finger of the hand. It is necessary to apply force to the muscles of the wrist and forearm, etc., to keep the corresponding muscles in tension at all times. If it is used for a long time, the upper limbs may feel fatigue, which is not preferable.

Further, in the conventional endoscope apparatus of the type in which the angle θ of the central axis of the gripping portion with respect to the central axis of the inserting portion can be adjusted, when the operating portion is used upright If there is a grip part only behind the operation part, it is possible to set a small inclination angle θ so that an unreasonable force is not applied to each part of the upper limb that grips the grip part. However, the range of the inclination angle θ of the gripping portion is limited depending on the structure of the connecting portion in the operation portion, and thus the desired inclination angle θ is not always obtained. On the other hand, as another method, the central axis of the grasping portion is made to coincide with the central axis of the inserting portion, and the grasping portion is grasped and grasped so that the operation portion comes to the little finger side of the hand portion. It is conceivable to perform the bending operation with the upper limb of the user who does not have a grip, or to operate by gripping a part that is not the grip part originally, but in any case, the operability of the device declines. It was not there.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is not to prepare several kinds of probes in advance prior to an operation, but to use only one probe. It is easy to maintain these various conditions and preferred postures according to various conditions such as the physique of the subject or the diagnostic site, or the posture maintenance that the operator can easily work in, just by using different types of probes. It is an object of the present invention to provide an intracavity probe device that can satisfy the above requirements, has good graspability and operability, and can reduce operator fatigue.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, an intracorporeal probe device according to the present invention is provided with at least an insertion portion for inserting into the body cavity and an operation portion for operating the insertion portion. The probe device is characterized in that connecting means for detachably mounting the gripping member is arranged at a plurality of positions where the operation of the insertion part or the operation part is not hindered.

[0012]

Therefore, according to the intracorporeal probe device of the present invention, the effective length of the insertion portion can be adjusted according to the physical condition of the subject, various conditions such as the diagnosis site, and / or maintenance of the operator's preferred posture for easy work. It is possible to connect the grasping member by selecting a suitable portion that can be used for the operation of the insertion section or the operation section and that can reduce the fatigue of the operator while maintaining the required length. Become.

[0013]

EXAMPLES Examples of the intracavity probe device according to the present invention will be described below, and in this case, examples of the device using the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe equipped with ultrasonic means as the intracorporeal probe. The detailed description will be made with reference to FIGS.

First embodiment. FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory view schematically showing a part of the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe device to which the first embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 shows the first embodiment device. FIG. 3 (a) and FIG. 3 (b) are enlarged outline views showing the proximal connection portion of the probe insertion part, and FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b) are enlarged outline views showing the probe holding member and its peripheral portion in the first embodiment device. It is explanatory drawing and an end view.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic probe device in the body cavity according to the first embodiment has a hard and thin insertion portion 1a having substantially the same outer diameter from the tip to the proximal end. 1 has an ultrasonic probe 1 in a body cavity. Then, the insertion portion 1 of the ultrasonic probe 1 in the body cavity
An electronic linear type ultrasonic probe (not shown) having an acoustic lens portion made of a soft material such as silicon rubber as an ultrasonic wave emitting end is arranged in the probe portion 2 at the tip of a. It is built in, and for the ultrasonic probe, the insertion part 1
A signal cable bundle (not shown) consisting of a large number of coaxial cables is electrically connected through the inside of a. In addition, a cable flexible tube 3 for accommodating the signal cable bundle is extended from the end portion of the proximal side connection portion 1b in the insertion portion 1a, and the connection connector 4 at the cable end is connected to the connection connector on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 6 side. By removably connecting to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 6, the intracavity ultrasonic probe 1 can be electrically connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 6. Then, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 6 has a monitor television 7, and is configured to display an ultrasonic tomographic image of an organ in a body cavity or the like obtained by the ultrasonic probe on a monitor. Further, with respect to the ultrasonic probe 1 in the body cavity, the ultrasonic probe 1 can be inserted into the body cavity through a trocar 9 as an insertion assisting tool that pierces the body wall portion 8 at a relevant portion, and the trocar 9 has An outer tube portion 9b extending forward is provided extending from the grip collar portion 9a on the proximal side.

Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the axial length from the distal end portion is provided at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface of the proximal side connecting portion 1b in the insertion portion 1a of the body cavity ultrasonic probe 1. The display of the effective length of the insertion portion shown is shown as a numerical display 10 and a line drawing display 11 marked in the circumferential direction.

On the other hand, the gripping member 12 shown in FIG.
The custom grip is detachably fitted from the direction orthogonal to the central axis and is attached. The custom grip has a required length and has an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the connecting portion 1b. In addition, it is formed in a C-shaped cross section having a slit 12a for attachment / detachment operation opened over its entire length. The gripping member 12 is located, for example, at a location where one of the hand parts gripping the gripping member 12 can be easily operated by the thumb, and a control hand of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 6 such as freeze release can be used. Switch 1
3 is arranged, the signal cable 14 taken out from the rear end is extended along the cable flexible tube 3, and the cable flexible tube 3 is bundled with a binding band 15 with a magic tape, and similarly here. By connecting the connection connector 16 at the end of the cable to the connection connector 17 on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 6 side in a detachable manner, the control by the hand switch 13 is made possible.

Thus, in the case of the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe device according to the first embodiment, the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe 1 is inserted before the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe 1 is inserted into the body cavity of the subject. The gripping member 12 is attached to the one hand side connection portion 1b. When the gripping member 12 is attached to the proximal side connection portion 1b, the insertion portion effective length indications 10 and 11 of the connection portion 1b are used as a guide, and the insertion portion effective that the operator himself needs is previously prepared. After selecting a position on the insertion portion 1a according to the length, the gripping member 1 is selected for the selected position.
The 2 may be joined by fitting against the elasticity. In the state in which the gripping member 12 is operated and mounted in this manner, since the inner diameter of the gripping member 12 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the connecting portion 1b, the restoring force toward the center in the radial direction is applied to the gripping member 12 that has been fitted. It works, and the restoring action produces a frictional force between the mounting surfaces, which is not easily loosened during use. Also, the gripping member 12 can be easily removed from the connecting portion 1b by performing the reverse operation.

Therefore, in the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe apparatus according to the first embodiment, the gripping member 12 is formed by a custom grip having a C-shaped cross section, and the gripping member 12 is attached to the proximal side connecting portion 1b. Since, for example, a connecting means such as a screw is not used, it is extremely easy to attach / detach the gripping member 12 to / from the proximal side connecting portion 1b and change the attaching position thereof, and moreover, the connecting portion 1b. 1
Since the gripping member 12 can be mounted at a required position in accordance with the insertion portion effective length indications 10 and 11 described in b, it is appropriate depending on the physical condition of the subject or various conditions such as a diagnosis site. The effective length of the insertion portion can be easily set.

Second embodiment. FIG. 4 is an outline explanatory view showing an enlarged proximal-side connecting portion at the probe insertion portion in the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe device to which the second embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) are It is an outline explanatory view and an end view showing an enlarged probe grasping member in the 2nd example.

The intracorporeal ultrasonic probe apparatus according to the second embodiment is similar to the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment except that the outer peripheral surface of the proximal connection portion 1b is adjusted to the numerical display 10. The line drawing display 11 for the entire circumference of
The engaging recessed portion 18 in place of is formed. And
With respect to the gripping member 20 that has opened the slit groove 20a, that is, the entire circumference (or part) of the inner peripheral surface of the custom grip,
An engaging convex portion 21 that can be attached and detached is formed corresponding to the engaging concave portion 18. The inner diameter of the engaging convex portion 21 is larger than the outer diameter of the engaging concave portion 18. In this case, in addition to the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment, the connecting portion 1
The engagement state is further ensured by the engagement of the engagement projection 21 of the grip 20 with the engagement recess 18 of b.

Third Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a structural explanatory view showing the outline of an intracorporeal ultrasonic probe device to which the third embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b) are the probe in the first embodiment. It is an outline explanatory view and an end view which expand and show a back grasping member. Further, FIG. 8 is an external view showing an enlarged view of another example of the probe rear gripping member in the third embodiment, and FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b) show the probe front gripping member in the third embodiment. It is the external view explanatory drawing and end view which expand and show.

In the body cavity ultrasonic probe apparatus according to the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an insertion portion 23 is provided in front of the bending operation portion 22 and the insertion portion 23 is provided. Of the insertion tube 23a, the distal end probe portion 23c is connected to the distal end portion of the insertion tube 23a via the curved portion 23b, and the rear connecting portion 24 extends rearward of the curved operation portion 22 on the same axis.
On the other hand, the rear grip member 25 having the slit groove 25a is detachably mounted. here,
As for the manner of mounting, as in the case of the configuration of the second embodiment, the engaging recess 24 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rear connecting portion 24.
The engaging convex portion 25b formed on the inner peripheral surface of the rear grip member 25 may be engaged with and disengaged from a. Further, the cable flexible tube 19 is extended from the rear connecting portion 24 as in the case of the first embodiment, and the connection connector 16 is provided at the end portion of the cable flexible tube 19.

Here, the bending portion 23b is bent up and down and left and right through an appropriate bending operation wire (not shown) by the operation of the bending operation knob 22a of the bending operation portion 22, and the tip probe portion is operated. 23c is directed in a required direction, and an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23d along the longitudinal direction of a part of the outer peripheral surface of the tip probe portion 23c can be brought into contact with a predetermined portion of an organ in the body cavity.

The rear gripping member 25 has the same outer peripheral surface shape along the longitudinal direction, or the outer peripheral surface shape shown in FIG.
6a and the rear gripping member 26 having the engaging convex portion 26b, and the like, a plurality of types having different outer diameters and lengths may be prepared and selectively used. Here, the same as in the case of the configuration of the first embodiment. The action and effect can be obtained.

Further, in the case of the structure of the third embodiment, FIG. 9 shows that the insertion tube 23a as the front connecting portion is elastically mounted as in the structure of the first embodiment. The front gripping member 27 having the slit groove 27a can be applied. When the front gripping members 27 having different lengths are selected and mounted, the effective length of the insertion portion can be changed. Therefore, the gripping member 27 has the effective length of the insertion portion or the length of the gripping member. It is preferable to note the numerical value display 27b indicating. In this case, when it is desired to stand and use the present apparatus, the front grip member 27 is gripped and operated.

Subsequently, each main part in the configuration of the third embodiment will be described in detail. The following description may be applicable to the configurations of the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a structural explanatory view schematically showing a part of the probe insertion portion of the third embodiment with a portion cut away. FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b) show the probe of the third embodiment. FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are enlarged explanatory views showing the respective operating modes of the insertion part by partially cutting them out, and FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are enlarged external views of the respective different examples of the probe tip probe in the third embodiment. FIGS. 14 (a), 14 (b) and 15 are an external view, a detailed view and a sectional view showing the details of the bending operation portion in the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the curved rubber surface that forms the surface of the curved portion 23b of the insertion portion 23 is, as shown in FIG.
In order to represent the upper limit position (rear end position) of the bendable portion by the bend operation section 22, a color that can be clearly distinguished from the rubber material color (generally black), for example, a boundary index 28 such as white. Are formed.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b), the insertion portion 23 is rotatable by 180 ° about the central axis in the longitudinal direction thereof and can be set in position. A direction indicator 34, which indicates the contact surface side of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23d, is provided on the mounting portion 23e on the side of the bending operation portion 22 which is separated from the inside of the trocar 9. Here, the direction indicator 34 may be a pin, a concave portion, or the like.

On the other hand, the tip probe portion 23c of the insertion portion 23
As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, a bag-shaped balloon 29 can be attached to cover the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23d, and for a portion not covered by the balloon 29, A direction index 30 indicating the direction of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23d, that is, a recess 30a in the case of the configuration of FIG. 12 and a screw head 30b in the case of the configuration of FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, one bending guide pin 32 is provided on the bending operation knob 22a for performing the bending motions of the up, down, left and right, respectively. The guide groove 33 is formed on the curved operation portion cover side and is inserted in a guide groove 33 having an arc shape around the pivot axis of the curved operation. The guide groove 33 is formed with an engaging recess 33a that click-locks the guide pin 32 at a position where the bending operation portion 22 is in a straight state. The guide groove 33 indicates the degree of bending of the bending operation portion 22. It also plays the role of an indicator.

Here, in the diagnosis of the internal organ in the body cavity using the ultrasonic probe apparatus in the body cavity of the third embodiment having the above-mentioned structure, the following operation is used.

That is, the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe 1 according to this embodiment has the insertion portion 1a of the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe 1 inserted into the coelom through the required trocar 9, and in this state, first, , A separately prepared optical viewing tube, for example, an optical viewing tube of a type in which an observation image of a subject, in this case, a target organ is displayed on a screen from an imaging signal obtained by a solid-state imaging device at the tip of an insertion portion, or Uses an optical tube for observing an observation image transmitted through an optical fiber with an eyepiece, and inserts the optical tube into a body cavity through another trocar. Then, with this optical tube, it was confirmed whether or not the boundary index 28 at the upper end of the bendable portion of the tip curved portion 23b of the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe 1 is in the body cavity beyond the tip surface of the trocar outer tube portion 9b. As described above, the bending operation knob 22a is operated to bend the tip bending portion 23b, and similarly, the direction of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23d at the tip probe 23c is indicated by the optical tube. After confirming the direction index 30, the tip probe portion 23c is brought into contact with the target diagnosis site for ultrasonic diagnosis. At this time, the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23
To change the direction of d, while holding the rear grip member 25, check the direction of the direction indicator 34 of the mounting portion 23e, and rotate the insertion tube 23 with the free hand. Thus, the direction of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23d can be changed without bending the wrist part of the hand holding the rear holding member 25.

Next, in order to remove the ultrasonic probe 1 in the body cavity from the trocar 9 after the diagnosis of the organ in the body cavity is completed,
When the bending operation knob 22a is operated so that the tip bending portion 23b is in a straight state, the bending operation knob 22a is moved.
The guide pin 32 provided in the guide groove 32 moves in the guide groove 33, and the guide pin 32 is click-locked to the engaging recess 33a at a position where the tip curved portion 23b is straight, and the operator clicks this. The user feels that the tip curved portion 23b is straight.

Therefore, when the internal cavity ultrasonic probe apparatus according to the third embodiment including the first and second embodiments is used to diagnose the internal organs of the internal cavity, the physique of the subject, the site to be diagnosed, and the operator himself. Front gripping member 2 according to the user's preference for ease of use, etc.
The effective length of the insertion part can be changed by 7.
Since either the front gripping member 27 or the rear gripping member 25 can be selectively gripped and operated, the intracavity ultrasonic probe 1
The operability is improved, the fatigue of the operator can be reduced, and the time required for diagnosis or treatment can be shortened. As a result, the invasion of the subject can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, in the above construction, the front grip member 27 is provided with a convex portion on the entire circumference or a part thereof, and the insertion portion 23a is formed with a concave portion for engaging the convex portion. Alternatively, an index indicating the effective length may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 23a.
Further, the configuration using the rear grasping member 25 and the front grasping member 27 for the ultrasonic probe 1 in the main body cavity in the present embodiment is used not only in the ultrasonic probe 1 in the body cavity but also in the body cavity. It can also be applied to all intracavity probes that perform

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, by confirming the boundary index 28 of the bendable upper end portion by using the optical tube, the bendable upper end portion can be identified, so that the trocar outer sheath tube portion 9b can be identified. In addition to being able to prevent damage caused by the bending of the tip bending portion 23b at the tip portion, the bending operability in the body cavity is significantly improved. The balloon 2 is attached to the tip probe 23c.
Even if 9 is fitted, since the direction of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23d can be confirmed by the optical tube, the operation at the time of diagnosis becomes easier.

In addition, when either the rear gripping member 25 or the front gripping member 27 is selected in advance according to the diagnosis site, the direction of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23d can be changed according to the gripping state. Therefore, for example, when the front holding member 27 is held and used in a state where the body cavity ultrasonic probe 1 is erected, the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving surface 23d is aligned in the same direction as the bending operation knob 22a, and When the rear grasping member 25 is grasped and used in a state where the in-body ultrasonic probe 1 is tilted, the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23d is aligned in the direction opposite to the bending operation knob 22a.
Since it can be put in a state in which it can be easily used by the operator, its usability is significantly improved. Further, when the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe 1 is inserted into the body cavity via the trocar 9, the insertion tube 23 is rotated around the central axis line without rotating the grasped wrist. Since it is possible to change the direction of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23d, the operability is improved and the mounting portion 23 of the bending operation portion of the insertion tube 23 is improved.
Since the direction of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23d can be easily visually confirmed by the direction indicator 34 of e, the usability is further improved. When the ultrasonic probe 1 in the body cavity is inserted into or removed from the trocar 9, the distal bending portion 23b is moved by the click mechanism of the bending operation knob 22a.
Since it is easy to confirm that is in a straight state,
The contact of the curved rubber or the like with the end portion of the outer tube portion 9b is easily avoided, and the durability of the curved rubber is increased.

Further, in this embodiment, the rear gripping member 25 and the front gripping member 27 can be attached to the corresponding connection portions in addition to the C ring-shaped substantially custom grip type, for example, a known elastic member. It may be of a type in which a fastening force is generated in the central axis direction of the connection corresponding portion by a material. Further, as for the click mechanism of the bending operation portion 22 that is clicked at the position where the tip bending portion 23b is in the straight state, the bending operation knob 22a is as shown in FIG.
Of the insertion tube 23.
It is also possible to provide it on the bending operation wire portion which is internally installed in, and further it may be provided on the bending piece itself.

Fourth Embodiment. FIG. 16 is a configuration explanatory view showing the outline of an intracorporeal ultrasonic probe device to which the fourth embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIGS. 17 (a) and 17 (b) show the probe in the fourth embodiment. It is an outline explanatory view and a connecting side end view showing a rear grasping member on an enlarged scale.

The in-body-cavity ultrasonic probe apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the in-body-cavity ultrasonic probe 1 according to the third embodiment, in which the rear connecting member is attached to the rear connecting portion 24. Engaging projection 36b to 24
And a grip portion main body 36c in which the central axis is bent downward in the bending direction with respect to the central axis of the insertion portion. Thus, in the case of the fourth embodiment,
The bending operation knob 31 provided in the bending operation portion 22 is extended point-symmetrically in a direction orthogonal to the operation pivot shaft 35, and each extension end has a front finger hook portion 31a.
By forming the rear finger hook 31b and the rear finger hook 31b, it is possible to perform a bending operation by hooking the index finger of the grasped hand on any selected one of the finger hooks 31a and 31b according to the usage pattern of the device. .

The rear gripping member 36 is constructed by a custom grip having a C-shaped cross section, which is detachably fitted and mounted in the direction orthogonal to the central axis, as in the case described above. A slit groove 36d for attachment / detachment operation is opened along the entire length in a side direction other than the bending direction, and the cable flexible tube 19 is led out from the end portion of the grip portion main body 36c.

Normally, in this type of intracavity ultrasonic probe device, the operator must always hold the intracavity ultrasonic probe 1 during diagnosis, but when using it in a state of being laid down As described above, since the central axes of the insertion portion, the bending operation portion, and the grip portion are conventionally arranged on the same straight line, as described above, the hand portion gripping the grip portion is The wrist must be bent to the side of the little finger, and the arm must be kept open. The diagnosis for a long time results in considerable fatigue to the operator.

Therefore, in the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the operator holds the grip portion main body having a bending angle most suitable for the operation in accordance with the physique of the subject, the diagnostic site, and the ease of use of the operator. The grip member 36 having 36c is selected, and the mounting portion 36a of the selected grip member 36 is connected to the rear connecting portion 2
Attach to 4 and use. That is, the ultrasonic probe 1 in the body cavity
When it is used in a tilted state, the grip body 36c of the grip member 36 is gripped by the tip of the hand, and the index finger thereof is hooked on the rear finger hook 31b of the bending operation knob 31 so that the bending operation can be performed. Also, the ultrasonic probe 1 in the body cavity
When used in a standing state, the front gripping member 2
7 is grasped by the hand part so that the index finger side is on the side of the grip portion main body 36c, and the index finger is bent by the bending operation knob 31.
It is possible to perform a bending operation by hanging it on the front finger hanging portion 31a, and in any of these grasping modes, the arm does not have an unreasonable posture in which the armpit is open.

Therefore, in the body cavity ultrasonic probe 1 according to the fourth embodiment, in the grasped state, it is possible to prevent the operator's grasping hand or wrist from being overloaded. The operator's own fatigue can be reduced, and further, with the main gripping member 36, no matter which of the front gripping member 27 and the grip portion main body 36c of the gripping member 36 is gripped, the entire device is operated with one hand. Therefore, the usability of the device can be further improved.

Fifth embodiment. 18 (a) and 18 (b) are an external view and a connection side end view showing a probe rear gripping member in an intracorporeal ultrasonic probe device to which a fifth embodiment of the present invention is applied.

The body cavity ultrasonic probe apparatus according to the fifth embodiment is another example of the rear grip member 36 in the fourth embodiment. In the rear grip member 37 according to this another example, a mounting portion 37a having an engaging protrusion 37b for engaging the rear connecting portion 24 and a slit groove 37c and having a C-ring cross section in a custom grip configuration, The mounting portion 37a
On the other hand, it is formed by a grip portion main body 37d which is capable of bending downward in the bending direction about the axis so that the angle can be adjusted. In this case, as the angle adjustable structure, the ratchet teeth 37e on the side of the mounting portion 37a and the ratchet teeth 37e on the side of the grip portion main body 37d with respect to the shaft center portion.
Is provided with a ratchet pawl 37f that engages at a set angle position,
In addition, a pressing and holding mechanism (not shown) at an engagement position according to a suitable known mode is arranged. Further, the angle adjustable structure may be a known detent such as a friction plate.

Therefore, in the body cavity ultrasonic probe 1 according to the fifth embodiment, in addition to the same operation and effect as in the case of the structure of the fourth embodiment, in the case of the structure of the fifth embodiment. Since the refraction angle of the grip portion main body 37d with respect to the mounting portion 37a can be arbitrarily set and maintained, the usability of the device can be further improved.

[0050]

As described above in detail with reference to the embodiments,
According to the present invention, in a body cavity probe to be inserted into a body cavity and used, a connecting means is provided to which a gripping member can be removably attached, at a plurality of positions that do not interfere with the operation of the insertion section or the operation section. Therefore, in accordance with the physique of the subject, the diagnosis site and the operator's preference for ease of use, etc., the gripping portion and the connecting portion can be arbitrarily selected, and despite the extremely simple configuration, It has an excellent feature that the operability of the device itself can be remarkably improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a structural explanatory view schematically showing a schematic outline of an intracorporeal ultrasonic probe device to which a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged external view showing a proximal-side connecting portion of a probe insertion portion according to the first embodiment.

3 (a) and 3 (b) are an external view and an end view showing an enlarged view of a probe holding member and its peripheral portion in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged external view showing a proximal connection portion of a probe insertion portion in an intracorporeal ultrasonic probe device to which a second embodiment of the present invention is applied.

5 (a) and 5 (b) are an external view and an end view showing an enlarged probe gripping member in the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a structural explanatory view showing an outline of an intracorporeal ultrasonic probe device to which a third embodiment of the present invention is applied.

7 (a) and 7 (b) are enlarged explanatory views and end views showing a probe rear grip member according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged external view showing another example of the probe rear grip member in the third embodiment.

9 (a) and 9 (b) are an outer shape explanatory view and an end view showing an enlarged view of a probe front grip member according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a configuration explanatory view schematically showing a part of a main part of a probe insertion portion in a cutout according to the third embodiment.

11 (a) and 11 (b) are outer shape explanatory views each showing a partially cut-away operation mode of each of the probe insertion portions in the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged external view showing another example of the probe tip probe in the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged external view showing another example of the probe tip probe of the third embodiment.

14 (a) and 14 (b) are an external view and a detailed view of a locking portion showing details of a bending operation portion in the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing details of a bending operation portion in the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a structural explanatory view showing the outline of an intracorporeal ultrasonic probe device to which a fourth embodiment of the present invention is applied.

17 (a) and 17 (b) are enlarged explanatory views and end views of the connection side showing the probe rear grip member in the fourth embodiment in an enlarged manner.

FIGS. 18 (a) and 18 (b) are an external view and a connection side end view showing a probe rear-grip member in an intracorporeal ultrasonic probe device to which the fifth embodiment is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Ultrasonic probe in body cavity 1a Insertion part 1b Connection part 2 Probe part 3 Cable flexible tube 4,5 Connector 6 Ultrasonic diagnostic device 7 Monitor TV 8 Body wall part 9 Trocar 9a Grip jaw part 9b Outer tube part 10 Numerical display 11 Line drawing display 12 Gripping member 12a Cut groove 13 Hand switch 14 Signal cable 15 Bundling band 16,17 Connector connector 18 Engagement concave portion 19 Cable coil 20 Grip member 20a Cut groove 21 Envelope convex portion 22 Bending operation portion 22a, 31 Bending operation knob 23 insertion tube 23a insertion portion 23b curved portion 23c tip probe portion 23d ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23e mounting portion 24 rear connection portion 24a engaging recess 25, 26 rear gripping member 25a, 26a slit groove 25b, 26b engaging protrusion 27 front Gripping member 27a Split groove 27b Numerical display 2 Boundary index 29 Balloon 30 Direction index 30a, 30b Recess, screw head (direction index) 31a, 31b Front and rear finger hooks 32 Guide pin 33 Guide groove 33a Engagement recess (index indicating the degree of bending) 34 Direction index 35 Working pivot Shaft 36, 37 Gripping member 36a, 37a Mounting part 36c, 37d Gripping part body 37e, 37f Ratchet tooth, ratchet claw

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] July 7, 1994

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0022

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Third Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a configuration explanatory view showing the outline of an intracorporeal ultrasonic probe device to which the third embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b) are the probe in the third embodiment. It is an outline explanatory view and an end view which expand and show a back grasping member. Further, FIG. 8 is an external view showing an enlarged view of another example of the probe rear gripping member in the third embodiment, and FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b) show the probe front gripping member in the third embodiment. It is the external view explanatory drawing and end view which expand and show.

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0034

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

That is, in the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe according to the present embodiment, the insertion portion 1a of the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe is inserted into the coelom through the required trocar 9, and in this state, first, separately. A prepared optical tube, eg,
From the imaging signal obtained by the solid-state imaging device at the tip of the insertion part,
The subject, in this case, an optical viewing tube of the type in which an observation image of the target organ is displayed on the screen for observation, or an observation tube transmitted through the optical fiber is observed with an eyepiece lens. Insert the optical tube into the body cavity through another trocar. Then, with this optical tube, the boundary index 28 at the upper end of the bendable portion of the tip bending portion 23b of the ultrasonic probe in the body cavity is changed to the trocar outer tube portion 9b.
After confirming whether it is in the body cavity from the tip end surface of the, the tip bending portion 23b is bent by operating the bending operation knob 22a, and similarly, the tip is bent by an optical tube. After confirming the direction index 30 indicating the direction of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23d on the probe unit 23c,
Ultrasonic diagnosis is performed by bringing the tip probe portion 23c into contact with the target diagnosis site. At this time, when it is desired to change the direction of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23d, the direction of the direction indicator 34 of the mounting portion 23e is confirmed with the rear grip member 25 held, and the insertion tube is inserted with the free hand. Just rotate 23,
As a result, the direction of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23d can be changed without bending the wrist part of the hand holding the rear grip member 25.

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0035

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Then, after the diagnosis of the internal organs in the body cavity, in order to remove the ultrasonic probe in the body cavity from the trocar 9, the bending operation knob 22a is operated so that the tip bending portion 23b is in a straight state, and the bending operation is performed. The guide pin 32 provided on the knob 22a moves in the guide groove 33, and the guide pin 32 is click-locked to the engaging recess 33a at a position where the tip curved portion 23b is straight, and the operator By this click feeling, it is recognized that the tip curved portion 23b has become straight.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0036

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Therefore, when the internal cavity ultrasonic probe apparatus according to the third embodiment including the first and second embodiments is used to diagnose the internal organs of the internal cavity, the physique of the subject, the site to be diagnosed, and the operator himself. Front gripping member 2 according to the user's preference for ease of use, etc.
The effective length of the insertion part can be changed by 7.
Since either the front gripping member 27 or the rear gripping member 25 can be selectively gripped and operated, the operability of the ultrasonic probe in the body cavity can be improved and fatigue of the operator can be reduced, and at the same time, for diagnosis or treatment. The required time can be shortened, and as a result, the invasion of the subject can be reduced.

[Procedure Amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0037

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

In the present embodiment, in the above construction, the front grip member 27 is provided with a convex portion on the entire circumference or a part thereof, and the insertion portion 23a is formed with a concave portion for engaging the convex portion. Alternatively, an index indicating the effective length may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 23a.
Further, the configuration using the rear grasping member 25 and the front grasping member 27 for the ultrasonic probe in the main body cavity in the present embodiment is not limited to the ultrasonic probe in the body cavity, and is used by inserting into the body cavity. It can also be applied to the intracavity probe.

[Procedure correction 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0039

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

In addition, when either the rear gripping member 25 or the front gripping member 27 is selected in advance according to the diagnosis site, the direction of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23d can be changed according to the gripping state. Therefore, for example, when the front holding member 27 is gripped and used in a state where the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe is erected, the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface 23d is aligned in the same direction as the bending operation knob 22a, and, When the ultrasonic probe in the body cavity is tilted and used by gripping the rear grip member 25, the surgeon uses the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23d in the direction opposite to that of the bending operation knob 22a. Since it can be put into an easy-to-use state, its usability is significantly improved. Further, when the intracorporeal ultrasonic probe is inserted into the body cavity via the trocar 9, the insertion tube 23 is rotated around the central axis line without rotating the grasped wrist. Since the direction of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23d can be changed, the operability is improved, and the direction indicator 34 of the mounting portion 23e of the bending operation portion of the insertion tube 23 allows the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23d to move. Since the orientation can be easily confirmed visually, the usability is further improved. When the ultrasonic probe in the body cavity is inserted into or removed from the trocar 9, the bending operation knob 22
Since it is possible to easily confirm that the tip bending portion 23b is in the straight state by the click mechanism of a, it is possible to easily avoid the contact of the bending rubber or the like with the end portion of the outer tube portion 9b, and the bending portion rubber Increases durability.

[Procedure Amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0042

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The in-body-cavity ultrasonic probe apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the in-body-cavity ultrasonic probe according to the third embodiment, in which the rear connecting member 24 is attached to the rear holding member 36 attached to the rear connecting portion 24. It is formed by a mounting portion 36a having an engaging convex portion 36b for engaging with, and a grip portion main body 36c whose center axis is bent downward with respect to the center axis of the insertion portion. Thus, in the case of the fourth embodiment, the bending operation knob 31 provided in the bending operation portion 22 is extended point-symmetrically in a direction orthogonal to the operation pivot shaft 35, and each extension end is extended. Front finger rests 31a
By forming the rear finger hook 31b and the rear finger hook 31b, it is possible to perform a bending operation by hooking the index finger of the grasped hand on any selected one of the finger hooks 31a and 31b according to the usage pattern of the device. .

[Procedure Amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0044

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Normally, in this type of intracavity ultrasonic probe device, the operator must always hold the intracavity ultrasonic probe during diagnosis. As described above, since the central axes of the insertion section, the bending operation section, and the grip section are arranged on the same straight line, as described above, the wrist of the wrist section gripping the grip section is conventionally. It is necessary to maintain the posture in which the part is bent to the little finger side, and thus the armpit of the upper limb is open, and the diagnosis for a long time may result in a considerable amount of fatigue of the operator.

[Procedure Amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0045

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Therefore, in the ultrasonic probe in the body cavity according to the fourth embodiment, the operator holds the grip portion main body 36c having the bending angle most suitable for the operation in accordance with the physique of the subject, the diagnostic site, and the ease of use of the operator. Of the gripping member 36 having the above is selected, and the mounting portion 36a of the selected gripping member 36 is connected to the rear connecting portion 24.
Attach to and use. That is, when the ultrasonic probe in the body cavity is used in a tilted state, the grip body 36c of the grip member 36 is gripped by the hand, and the index finger is hung on the rear finger hook 31b of the bending operation knob 31. In order to perform the bending operation, and when the ultrasonic probe in the body cavity is used in an upright state, the front grip member 27 is gripped by the hand part with the index finger side facing the grip body 36c, and The index finger is hung on the front finger hook 31a of the bending operation knob 31 so that the bending operation can be performed. In any of these gripping modes, the arm does not have an unreasonable posture in which the armpit is open.

[Procedure Amendment 10]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0046

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Therefore, in the ultrasonic probe in the body cavity according to the fourth embodiment, in the grasped state, it is possible to prevent the operator's grasping hand or wrist from being overloaded, so that the operation is performed. In addition, it is possible to reduce the fatigue of the person himself or herself, and further, with the main gripping member 36, no matter which of the front gripping member 27 and the grip portion main body 36c of the gripping member 36 is gripped, the entire device can be operated with one hand. Since it is possible, the usability of the device can be further improved.

[Procedure Amendment 11]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0048

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The body cavity ultrasonic probe apparatus according to the fifth embodiment is another example of the rear grip member 36 in the fourth embodiment. In a rear grip member 37 according to this another example, a mounting portion 37a having an engaging convex portion 37c for engaging the rear connecting portion 24 and a slit groove 37e, and having a C-shaped cross section in a custom grip configuration, The mounting portion 37a
On the other hand, it is formed by a grip portion main body 37d which is capable of bending downward in the bending direction about the axis so that the angle can be adjusted. In this case, as the angle adjustable structure, the ratchet teeth 37b on the side of the mounting portion 37a and the ratchet teeth 37b on the side of the grip portion main body 37d with respect to the shaft center portion.
Is provided with a ratchet pawl 37f that engages at a set angle position,
In addition, a pressing and holding mechanism (not shown) at an engagement position according to a suitable known mode is arranged. Further, the angle adjustable structure may be a known detent such as a friction plate.

[Procedure Amendment 12]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0049

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Therefore, in the body cavity ultrasonic probe according to the fifth embodiment, the same action and effect as in the case of the configuration of the fourth embodiment can be obtained, and in the case of the configuration of the fifth embodiment, Since the refraction angle of the grip portion main body 37d with respect to the mounting portion 37a can be arbitrarily set and maintained, the usability of the device can be further improved.

[Procedure Amendment 13]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Explanation of code

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Explanation of Codes] 1 ultrasonic probe in body cavity 1a insertion part 1b connection part 2 probe part 3 cable flexible tube 4,5 connection connector 6 ultrasonic diagnostic device 7 monitor TV 8 body wall part 9 trocar 9a gripping collar part 9b mantle tube Part 10 Numerical display 11 Line drawing display 12 Gripping member 12a Slitting groove 13 Hand switch 14 Signal cable 15 Bundling band 16,17 Connector connector 18 Engagement recess 19 Cable flexible tube 20 Gripping member 20a Slitting groove 21 Engagement convex part 22 Bending operation part 22a , 31 curved operation knob 23 insertion tube 23a insertion portion 23b curved portion 23c tip probe portion 23d ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 23e mounting portion 24 rear connecting portion 24a engaging recess 25, 26 rear gripping member 25a, 26a slit groove 25b, 26b Joint convex part 27 Front gripping member 27a Split groove 2 b Numerical display 28 Boundary index 29 Balloon 30 Direction index 30a Recess (direction index) 30b Screw head (direction index) 31a Front finger hook 31b Rear finger hook 32 Guide pin 33 Guide groove 33a Engagement recess (index indicating the degree of bending) 34 Direction index 35 Actuating support shaft 36, 37 Gripping member 36a, 37a Mounting part 36b, 37c Engaging convex part 36c, 37d Gripping part main body 37b Ratchet tooth 37e Cutting groove 37f Ratchet claw ──────────── ───────────────────────────────────────────

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] July 7, 1994

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 6

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 6]

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Fig. 10

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 10]

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Fig. 16

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

FIG. 16

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Fig. 18

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

FIG. 18

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An intracorporeal probe device comprising at least an insertion section to be inserted into a body cavity and an operation section for operating the insertion section, wherein the insertion section or the operation section is grasped at a plurality of positions where there is no problem in the operation. An intracorporeal probe device, characterized in that a connecting means for detachably mounting a member is provided.