WO2013153860A1

WO2013153860A1 - Capsule-shaped medical device and system

Info

Publication number: WO2013153860A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/054778
Authority: WO
Inventors: 隆俊中村; 佐古　曜一郎; 丹下　明; 有希甲賀; 勝巳安藤
Original assignee: ソニー株式会社
Priority date: 2012-04-12
Filing date: 2013-02-25
Publication date: 2013-10-17

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a capsule-shaped medical device and system that are capable of changing the temperature of a prescribed site in a body cavity. [Solution] A capsule-shaped medical device provided with a temperature-changing part that changes the temperature of a prescribed site in a body cavity. Said capsule-shaped medical device may also be provided with a stopping part for holding the capsule-shaped medical device inside the body cavity. The temperature-changing part may change the temperature of the aforementioned prescribed site with the capsule-shaped medical device held near said site by the stopping part.

Description

Capsule type medical device and system

The present disclosure relates to a capsule medical device and system.

Recently, capsule-type medical devices that are put into the body of a subject are known. Examples of such capsule medical devices include those that randomly image each part of the body, those that collect samples from the body, and those that release drugs as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below. Etc. are known.

On the other hand, in recent years, hyperthermia is known as one of cancer treatment methods by utilizing the property that cancer cells are more susceptible to heat than normal cells. As thermotherapy, a device using microwaves or electromagnetic waves is used to heat a part with cancer from the outside of the body (hyperthermia), or blood is artificially pumped out of the body with a pump or the like, and then heated again. There is whole body thermotherapy that heats the whole body back to the body.

In addition, acupuncture has also been used for a long time as a therapy to warm the body.

JP 2003-325438 A JP 2005-334331 A

As described above, various treatment methods have been carried out by adjusting the temperature inside the body, but it was difficult to adjust the temperature locally without affecting other parts of the body. .

For example, the whole body thermotherapy described above adds heat to the whole body, which also warms the brain that is vulnerable to heat, and must be performed with care so as not to affect the brain.

On the other hand, with local hyperthermia, cancer close to the surface of the body can be warmed up to the target temperature relatively easily, but cancer deep in the body is sufficiently warmed by fat, air, and bones. It was difficult. In addition, installation of a device for performing hyperthermia is costly and the area occupied by the device itself is large.

Also, acupuncture treatment is a treatment that changes the temperature locally, but it is difficult to give a local temperature change inside because it gives a temperature change from the outside.

Furthermore, in the capsule medical devices disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2 that perform treatment such as drug release in the body, there is no disclosure about local temperature control.

Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a capsule medical device and system capable of changing the temperature of a predetermined part in a body cavity.

According to the present disclosure, there is proposed a capsule medical device that is a capsule medical device and includes a temperature changing unit that changes the temperature of a predetermined part in a body cavity.

According to the present disclosure, comprising: a capsule medical device having a temperature changing unit that changes the temperature of a predetermined site in a body cavity; and an external device that transmits a control signal for controlling the temperature changing unit, The capsule medical device further includes a receiving unit that receives a control signal from the external device, and the temperature changing unit includes a system that changes the temperature of the predetermined part according to the control signal received from the external device. suggest.

As described above, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to change the temperature of a predetermined part in the body cavity.

It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the capsule type medical device by one Embodiment of this indication. 1 is an external view of a capsule medical device according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the capsule type medical device by 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the temperature change process of the capsule by 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the capsule by the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the stop of the capsule by each stop means. It is a figure which shows an example of the registration screen displayed on information processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the capsule by 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement process of the capsule by 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the whole structure of the medical system by 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement process of the medical system by 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the capsule by 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of each capsule which has a protection function.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

The description will be made in the following order.
1. 1. Overview of capsule medical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Embodiments 2-1. First embodiment 2-1-1. Configuration of capsule 2-1-2. Operation processing 2-1-3. Supplement 2-2. Second embodiment 2-3. Third Embodiment 2-4. Fourth embodiment 3. Summary

<< 1. Overview of Capsule Type Medical Device According to an Embodiment of the Present Disclosure >>
First, the outline | summary of the capsule type medical device by one Embodiment by this indication is demonstrated with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, a capsule medical device 1 according to the present embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as a capsule 1) is introduced into a body by being swallowed by a subject 6 or the like.

Here, in general, the temperature in the body cavity is very stable, and it is difficult to give a local temperature change to the inside by a temperature change from the outside. On the other hand, giving a temperature change locally with respect to the inside has a need as a medical treatment method as described above. In addition, even if the temperature is very slight, if it is heated and cooled for a certain period of time, the immune system is activated, and the response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy is increased (the absorption rate of the drug in the tumor cells is increased). It is expected.

However, as described above, it has been difficult to locally change the temperature of the site in the body in the thermotherapy performed in recent years.

Therefore, in the embodiment according to the present disclosure, there is provided a capsule medical device capable of locally adjusting the temperature in a body cavity by heating or cooling the vicinity of a predetermined site from the inside.

The capsule 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a temperature-cooling function, and can locally change the temperature of the site by generating heat (heating) or cooling (cooling) near a predetermined site in the body. Hereinafter, the capsule 1 having such a heating / cooling function will be specifically described using a plurality of embodiments.

<< 2. Each embodiment >>
<2-1. First Embodiment>
(2-1-1. Configuration of capsule)
FIG. 2 is an external view of the capsule 1-1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the capsule 1-1 inserted into the body cavity 29 of the subject 6 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is an outer case 30 in which the rear end of the capsule 1-1 is rounded and closed. Covered.

Further, the outer peripheral surface of the rear end of the outer case 30 is provided with a cool / warm portion 13 for changing the temperature of the body part, and a hemispherical transparent cover 32 is connected and fixed to the front end portion of the outer case 30 in a watertight manner. ing.

In the sealed container inside the transparent cover 32, as shown in FIG. 2, an imaging optical system 34 is arranged at the center so as to face the transparent cover 32, and an illumination such as a white LED 33 is provided around the imaging optical system 34. The part is arranged.

When the capsule 1-1 reaches the vicinity of a predetermined part (affected part 28) in the body, the temperature near the affected part 28 is changed by the cold / hot part 13.

Next, the functional configuration of the capsule 1-1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the capsule 1-1 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the capsule 1-1 includes a control unit 11, a cooling / heating unit 13, an illumination unit 35, and an imaging unit 36.

The illumination unit 35 is realized by the LED 34 and the like shown in FIG. 2 and has a function of illuminating the inside of the body cavity. The imaging unit 36 is realized by the imaging optical system 34 illustrated in FIG. 2 and an imaging sensor such as a CMOS imager (or CCD), and outputs a captured image obtained by imaging the inside of the body cavity to the control unit 11.

The control unit 11 controls each configuration of the capsule 1-1. More specifically, the control unit 11 analyzes the captured image output from the imaging unit 36 and determines whether or not the capsule 1-1 has arrived near a predetermined site (affected site 28). In addition, when the vicinity of the predetermined part is reached, the control unit 11 controls the cold / hot part 13 to change the temperature near the predetermined part. At this time, the control unit 11 may operate the cooling / heating unit 13 at a preset temperature and time.

The cold / hot part 13 is a temperature changing part that generates heat (heats) or cools (cools) so as to change the temperature of a predetermined part. The specific structure of the cool / warm portion 13 is not particularly limited in the present embodiment. For example, the heat generation control is performed by an electric heating coil (such as nichrome wire), a Peltier element, or an exothermic reaction (oxidation of metal or organic matter, hydrolysis of quick lime, etc. ) May be used. The cooling control may be realized by using, for example, a Peltier element or an endothermic reaction (dissolution of ammonium nitrate in water or the like). Further, in order to change the temperature of the affected area 28 more efficiently, for example, as shown in FIG.

The configuration of the capsule 1-1 according to the first embodiment has been described above in detail. Note that the capsule 1-1 according to the present embodiment may have a plurality of cold and hot portions. In this case, the control unit 11 of the capsule 1-1 may control to operate the cold / warm part arranged on the predetermined part side among the plural cool / warm parts based on the analysis of the captured image. Next, the temperature change process according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

(2-1-2. Operation processing)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing temperature change processing of the capsule 1-1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, first, the capsule 1-1 introduced into the body of the subject 6 starts imaging inside the body cavity by the imaging unit 36 while proceeding inside the body cavity (step S103).

Next, the control unit 11 analyzes the captured image output from the imaging unit 36 (step S106).

Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the imaged region is in the vicinity of a specific region registered in advance based on the analysis result of the captured image (step S109). Thereby, the control unit 11 can determine whether or not the capsule 1-1 has reached a specific part.

Here, the registration of the specific part is performed in advance by the subject 6 or medical staff using, for example, an information processing apparatus (not shown), and information on the specific part registered in the information processing apparatus in this way is the capsule 1. −1 may be stored. A specific part registration method will be described with a specific example in “1-4. Supplement”.

Next, when it is determined that the temperature is in the vicinity of the specific part, the control unit 11 starts to control the cold / hot part 13 so as to change the temperature in the vicinity of the specific part (step S112).

Subsequently, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the temperature change (step S115). Next, the control unit 11 performs control so as to end the temperature change by the cool / warm unit 13 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the temperature change (step S118).

The capsule 1-1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail above. As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to locally change the temperature of a specific part in the body. In addition, since the capsule 1-1 introduced into the body performs cooling temperature control near the affected area, the temperature of the affected area can be changed more effectively.

(2-1-3. Supplement)
The configuration and operation of the capsule 1-1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure have been described above. Hereinafter, supplementary explanations regarding the first embodiment will be provided.

(Stop part)
The capsule 1-1 according to the first embodiment described above can naturally stay for a predetermined time depending on a predetermined site such as the stomach, but depending on the site, a means for staying may be necessary. Therefore, the capsule 1 according to the present embodiment may have means for staying at a predetermined part in the body cavity, and the temperature of the predetermined part may be changed while staying in the vicinity of the predetermined part. Hereinafter, the capsule 1-1 ′ according to the modification of the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the capsule 1-1 'according to a modification of the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the capsule 1-1 ′ includes a control unit 12, a cooling / heating unit 13, a stop unit 14, an illumination unit 35, and an imaging unit 36. In addition, since the cold temperature part 13, the illumination part 35, and the imaging part 36 were mentioned above with reference to FIG. 3, description here is abbreviate | omitted.

The control unit 12 analyzes the captured image output from the imaging unit 36, and determines whether or not the capsule 1-1 'has reached the vicinity of a predetermined site (affected site 28). If it is determined that the vicinity of the predetermined part has been reached, the control unit 12 controls the stop unit 14 to stop near the predetermined part, and further controls the cold / hot part 13 to change the temperature near the predetermined part. Thereby, the capsule 1-1 'according to the present modification can change the temperature of the predetermined part in a state where it is stopped near the predetermined part.

The stop unit 14 operates a stop unit according to the control by the control unit 12 to stop the capsule 1-1 'near a predetermined part. There are various methods for realizing the stop means, and for example, an arm type as described in JP-A-2005-204806 or a balloon type as described in JP-A-2003-325438 may be used. . Hereinafter, each stop means will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining stopping of the capsule by each stopping means. A stop state 40 shown on the left side of FIG. 6 shows a state where the capsule 1-1 ′ having arm-type stop means stops near the affected part 28.

As shown in FIG. 6,

arms

42a and 42b and pins 41a and 41b are provided at the center in the longitudinal direction of the capsule 1-1 '. The

arms

42a and 42b are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the capsule 1-1 'from the state held inside the capsule 1-1' by the urging force of springs (not shown) disposed on the

pins

41a and 41b. In such a state, the

pins

41a and 41b are rotated as fulcrums.

As described above, the

arms

42a and 42b rotate with the

pins

41a and 41b as fulcrums, and the mucous membrane of the inner wall of the body cavity conduit 29 is sandwiched as shown in FIG. It can stay near (predetermined part). The capsule 1-1 ′ can change the temperature in the vicinity of the affected part 28 by the cold temperature part 13 while remaining in the vicinity of the affected part 28.

Further, the stop state 45 shown on the right side of FIG. 6 shows a state where the capsule 1-1 ″ having the balloon type stop means is stopped in the vicinity of the affected part.

As shown in FIG. 6, the capsule 1-1 ″ is covered with a balloon 46 having an airtight function with its outer peripheral surface at the center in the longitudinal direction being stretchable, and both ends of this balloon 46 are outer peripheral surfaces of the capsule 1-1 ″. The belt-like fixing member 47 is hermetically fixed.

When the capsule 1-1 ″ reaches the vicinity of the affected part 28, the pressurized gas stored in the capsule 1-1 ″ flows toward the balloon 46 in accordance with the control by the control unit 12, as shown in FIG. The balloon 46 is inflated. Thereby, the temperature near the affected part 28 can be changed by the cold / hot part 13 while the capsule 1-1 ″ remains in the vicinity of the affected part 28.

The control unit 12 controls to exhaust the pressurized gas flowing toward the balloon 46 from an opening (not shown) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the capsule 1-1 ″, so that the balloon 46 is deflated and stopped. The state can be released.

As described above, a plurality of examples of the realizing method of the stopping means by the stopping unit 14 are given, but the stopping method of the capsule 1 according to the present modification is not limited to the example shown in FIG. For example, the capsule 1 can be stopped in the vicinity of a predetermined site by attaching a linear member to the capsule 1 and adjusting the length of the linear member. More specifically, when the capsule 1 is introduced from the mouth of the subject 6 and the linear member attached to the capsule 1 is locked to the teeth, the length of the linear member is adjusted in advance. The capsule 1 can be stopped near a predetermined part.

(Registration of specific parts)
As described above, the specific site that is the target of the temperature change may be registered in advance by the subject 6 or medical staff. An information processing apparatus that is an external device may be used for registration of the specific part, and the subject 6, medical staff, and the like register the specific part according to a registration screen displayed on the information processing apparatus. An example of a registration screen displayed on the information processing apparatus is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the registration screen 50 includes a part screen 51 showing each body part, and a selection screen 53 for selecting an affected part, a capsule, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 7, the part screen 51 may be an image in which names and illustrations of the parts are associated with each other. In the example shown in FIG. 7, a uniform illustration of the body part is displayed as the part screen 51, but since the actual body position of the subject 6 is substantially fixed, the information processing apparatus The absolute position (positional coordinates) of each organ (part) has already been recognized. Therefore, the information processing apparatus can calculate the position coordinates of the part of the subject 6 corresponding to each part shown on the part screen 51.

As shown in FIG. 7, the selection screen 53 includes an affected area icon, a capsule icon, a temperature setting radio button, and a time designation check box.

The affected area icon is an icon for specifying a part where the temperature is changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the medical staff selects one of a plurality of affected area icons and moves the affected area icon 54 to a desired specific site (for example, esophagus) by a drag and drop operation. Based on such an operation by the medical staff, the information processing apparatus detects the coordinate position on the body of the actual subject 6 corresponding to the position where the affected part icon 54 has been moved on the part screen 51 (the position designated as the specific part). Is calculated.

The capsule icon is an icon for designating a capsule to be controlled in the vicinity of a specific part. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the medical staff selects one of a plurality of capsule icons and moves the capsule icon 55 near a specific site by a drag and drop operation. Based on such an operation by the medical staff, the information processing apparatus associates the capsule type indicated by the capsule icon moved to the vicinity of the affected part icon 54 on the part screen 51 with the calculated coordinate position of the specific part. Remember.

The temperature setting radio button is a selection button for setting how much the temperature of the specific part is changed. For example, since most cancer cells die at 43 degrees, in the case of cancer cell treatment, the temperature may be set to 43 degrees as shown in FIG.

The time specification check box is a check box for selecting how much time the temperature control of the capsule is performed in the vicinity of the specific part. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7, a time of “30 minutes” is designated.

As described above, the medical staff or the like can intuitively specify a specific part by moving the affected part icon and the capsule icon to arbitrary positions on the part screen 51 on the registration screen. Further, the medical staff or the like can select how much temperature the specified specific part is changed on the registration screen and how much time temperature cooling is to be controlled.

This completes the description of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example described above, the control unit 11 analyzes the captured image and determines whether or not it is a specific part registered in advance, but whether or not it is a specific part according to the present embodiment. The determination is not limited to the analysis of the captured image. For example, the control unit 11 may make a determination based on values (pH value, etc.) detected by various sensors.

<2-2. Second Embodiment>
When it is determined that the capsule 1 according to the first embodiment has reached the predetermined part based on the analysis of the captured image, the capsule 1 according to the first embodiment starts an operation (cooling temperature control) for changing the temperature of the predetermined part. Yes. However, the capsule medical device according to the present disclosure is not limited to the determination as to whether or not the predetermined part has been reached, and for example, heating / cooling control may be started based on a timer operation. Hereinafter, a capsule medical device 1-2 (hereinafter also referred to as a capsule 1-2) according to the second embodiment that starts cooling / cooling control based on such a timer operation will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Explained.

(2-2-1. Configuration of capsule)
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the capsule 1-2 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the capsule 1-2 includes a detection unit 17, a control unit 15, a measurement unit 16, and a cooling / heating unit 13. In addition, about the cold / hot part 13, since it is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, description here is abbreviate | omitted.

The detection unit 17 has a function of detecting an operation (start operation) for starting the operation process. For example, the detection unit 17 may detect that a power switch (not shown) is pressed as a start operation.

The control unit 15 controls each configuration of the capsule 1-2. More specifically, when the start operation is detected by the detection unit 17, the control unit 15 controls the measurement unit 16 to start counting. And after the time preset by the measurement part 16 is counted, the control part 15 controls the cold / hot part 13 and starts changing the temperature of a predetermined part.

For example, considering that the solid material reaches the stomach approximately 5 to 6 seconds after being swallowed, if the predetermined site is the stomach, the capsule 1-2 swallowed by the subject 6 when the switch is pressed Control may be performed so that the cooling temperature control is started after counting for approximately 5 to 6 seconds. As a result, the capsule 1-2 can start the cold temperature control after reaching the stomach, which is a predetermined site, and change the temperature of the stomach.

(2-2-2. Operation processing)
Next, the operation process of the capsule 1-2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the capsule 1-2 according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, first, the detection unit 17 of the capsule 1-2 detects a start operation such as pressing a switch (step S123). Further, the detection unit 17 notifies the control unit 15 that the start operation has been detected.

Next, the control unit 15 controls the measurement unit 16 in response to the notification from the detection unit 17 and starts counting (step S126). Next, when the predetermined time t1 is counted by the measuring unit 16 (step S129 / Yes), the control unit 15 starts to control the cooling / heating unit 13 so as to change the temperature near the predetermined part (step S132).

Subsequently, when the predetermined time t2 is counted after the temperature change by the measurement unit 16 is started (step S135 / Yes), the control unit 15 performs control so as to end the temperature change by the cold / hot part 13 (step S138). .

As described above, the capsule 1-2 according to the present embodiment counts a preset time when the start operation is detected, and starts the temperature change by the cold / hot part 13 after the count. Further, as described above, the capsule 1-2 may be controlled to end the temperature change after a predetermined time from the start of the temperature change. Here, when the cooling / heating unit 13 is realized by an electronic component such as an electric heating coil or a Peltier element, the control unit 15 controls the start / end of temperature change by controlling the current flowing through the cooling / heating unit 13. It is possible. On the other hand, when the cold / hot part 13 uses a chemical reaction, a temperature change occurs until the chemical reaction is completed. Therefore, the control unit 15 controls the end time of the temperature change time by controlling, for example, the synthesis amount, dissolution amount, supply amount, etc. of the substance for causing the chemical reaction, or controlling the chemical reaction rate. May be. In addition, the capsule 1-2 according to the present embodiment may change the temperature a plurality of times at predetermined time intervals (regularly or irregularly).

<2-3. Third Embodiment>
The capsule medical devices according to the first and second embodiments described above operate independently to change the temperature of a predetermined site in the body of the subject 6, but the capsule medical device according to the present disclosure is external. You may operate according to the control signal received from the device. Hereinafter, a capsule medical device 1-3 (hereinafter also referred to as a capsule 1-3) according to the third embodiment that operates according to a control signal from such an external device will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. explain.

(2-3-1. Configuration)
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the medical system according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the medical system according to the present embodiment includes a capsule 1-3 and a control device 20. As shown in FIG. 10, the capsule 1-3 moving in the body cavity conduit 29 performs wireless communication with the external control device 20 and changes the temperature of a predetermined part according to the control signal received from the control device 20 I do. Here, the capsule 1-3 may perform data communication directly with the control device 20, or may perform data communication via another device. Hereinafter, each apparatus which comprises the medical system by this embodiment is demonstrated in detail.

(Configuration of capsule 1-3)
As shown in FIG. 10, the capsule 1-3 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a cooling / heating unit 13. In addition, since the cold / hot part 13 is the same as that of each embodiment mentioned above, description here is abbreviate | omitted.

The communication unit 19 transmits / receives data to / from the control device 20. More specifically, the communication unit 19 according to the present embodiment transmits position information, which is a position detection signal, to the control device 20 and receives a control signal from the control device 20.

The control unit 18 controls each component of the capsule 1-3. More specifically, the control unit 18 according to the present embodiment controls the cooling / heating unit 13 to change the temperature of a predetermined part in accordance with a control signal received by the communication unit 19 from the control device 20.

(Configuration of control device 20)
As shown in FIG. 10, the control device 20 is an external device having a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, a display unit 23, an operation input unit 24, a position detection unit 25, and a determination unit 26.

The communication unit 22 has a function of connecting to an external device and transmitting / receiving data. For example, the communication unit 22 according to the present embodiment receives position information from the capsule 1-3 and transmits a control signal to the capsule 1-3.

The display unit 23 has a function of performing screen display including images and texts under the control of the control unit 21. The display unit 23 may be realized by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like.

The operation input unit 24 has a function of detecting an operation by a user such as a medical staff or the subject 6 and outputting an input signal generated based on the detected operation input to the control unit 21. The operation input unit 24 is realized by a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, and the like.

The position detection unit 25 detects (calculates) the position of the capsule 1-3 based on the position information that is a position detection signal received from the capsule 1-3 by the communication unit 22. Then, the position detection unit 25 outputs the detected position of the capsule 1-3 to the determination unit 26.

Note that the position detection unit 25 may detect (calculate) the position of the capsule 1-3 by analyzing the captured image received from the capsule 1-3 in addition to the position detection signal. Further, the position detection unit 25 may detect (calculate) the position of the capsule 1-3 based on values (pH value, etc.) detected by various sensors received from the capsule 1-3.

The determination unit 26 determines whether or not the position of the capsule 1-3 detected by the position detection unit 25 is near a specific site registered in advance by the medical staff or the subject 6 or the like, and the determination result is transmitted to the control unit To 21.

The control unit 21 has a function of controlling each component of the control device 20. For example, the control unit 21 according to the present embodiment controls the communication unit 22 to transmit a control signal to the capsule 1-3 based on the determination result output from the determination unit 26.

More specifically, when the determination unit 26 determines that the capsule 1-3 has reached the vicinity of the specific site, the control unit 21 sends a control signal (start signal) for starting stimulation to the capsule 1-3. Send to. Further, the control unit 21 may transmit a control signal (end signal) for ending the stimulation to the capsule 1-3 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start signal was transmitted to the capsule 1-3. .

(2-3-2. Operation processing)
Next, the operation process of the medical system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the medical system according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, first, in the control device 20, a specific part whose temperature is to be changed is registered (step S143). In addition, when registering the specific part, the control device 20 may accept designation of the temperature setting and the duration of the temperature change control in addition to the registration of the specific part.

Next, the capsule 1-3 that is powered on and swallowed by the subject 6 transmits position information to the control device 20 while moving in the body cavity (step S146).

Next, the position detection unit 25 of the control device 20 detects the position of the capsule 1-3 based on the strength of the position information (position detection signal) transmitted from the capsule 1-3 (step S149). Note that when the captured image in the body cavity is transmitted from the capsule 1-3, the position detection unit 25 may detect the position of the capsule 1-3 by analyzing the captured image.

Subsequently, the determination unit 26 of the control device 20 determines whether or not the position of the capsule 1-3 detected by the position detection unit 25 is near the specific part registered in step S143 (step S152). . For example, the determination unit 26 may determine that the capsule 1-3 has reached the vicinity of the specific part when the capsule 1-3 is located within a predetermined distance from the specific part registered in advance.

Next, when the determination unit 26 determines that the position of the capsule 1-3 is near the specific part, the control device 20 transmits a control signal (start signal) for starting the cooling / heating control to the capsule 1-3 ( Step S155).

Next, the control unit 18 of the capsule 1-3 controls the cooling / heating unit 13 to change the temperature of a specific part in accordance with the start signal received from the control device 20 (step S158).

Next, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start signal was transmitted (step S161). Here, the predetermined time may be a preset time, or may be the time specified together with the registration of the specific part in step S143.

Next, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 transmits a control signal (end signal) for ending the cool / warm control to the capsule 1-3 (step S164).

Then, the control unit 18 of the capsule 1-3 controls the cooling / heating unit 13 so as to end the temperature change of the specific part in accordance with the end signal received from the control device 20 (step S167).

As described above, according to the medical system according to the third embodiment, the capsule 1-3 operates according to the control signal transmitted from the control device 20, and the temperature of a predetermined part can be changed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the case where the capsule 1-3 and the control device 20 perform wireless communication has been described. However, communication according to the present embodiment is not limited to wireless, and may be wired. In this case, for example, the capsule 1-3 is introduced into the body of the subject 6 with a communication line connected to the control device 20 attached, and the control device 20 communicates data with the capsule 1-3 via the communication line. Communicate.

<2-4. Fourth Embodiment>
In each embodiment described above, the cooling / heating unit 13 does not depend on energy from the outside and performs heating / cooling on a predetermined part according to control of the control unit. Is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the cooling / heating unit may perform heating / cooling (temperature change control) in response to energy supplied from the outside. Hereinafter, a capsule medical device 1-4 according to the fourth embodiment having a cooling / heating unit that performs temperature change control in response to such externally supplied energy will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

(2-4-1. Configuration)
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the capsule 1-4 according to the fourth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the capsule 1-4 includes an energy receiving unit 61, an energy converting unit 62, and a cooling / heating unit 63.

The energy receiving unit 61 receives energy from the outside. For example, when the capsule 1-4 is introduced into the body with the linear member attached to the capsule 1-4, an external energy supply device (not shown) can connect the capsule 1-4 via the linear member. Energy (electric energy, etc.) may be sent to.

The energy conversion unit 62 converts the energy received from the outside by the energy receiving unit 61 into energy used for temperature change control by the cooling / heating unit 63. For example, the energy conversion unit converts electrical energy into heat energy, and supplies the converted heat energy to the cooling / heating unit 63.

The cooling / heating unit 63 uses the conversion energy supplied from the energy conversion unit 62 to heat (heat) or cool (cool) the body part.

When the capsule 1-4 having the above configuration receives energy from the outside, the capsule 1-4 can perform control to change the temperature of a predetermined part in accordance with the energy.

(2-4-2. Modifications)
The above-described capsule 1-4 performs control to change the temperature of a predetermined part when receiving energy from the outside, but also changes the temperature even when receiving unexpected energy supply or malfunctioning. There is a risk of control.

Therefore, capsules 1-4 ′ and 1-4 ″ according to a modification of the present embodiment having a protection function for preventing a temperature change due to such a malfunction will be described below with reference to FIG. . Note that the method for realizing the protection function according to the present embodiment is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

(Modification 1)
As illustrated in FIG. 13, the capsule 1-4 ′ includes an energy receiving unit 65, a determination unit 66, a reception control unit 67, an energy conversion unit 62, and a cooling / heating unit 63. Here, since the energy conversion unit 62 and the cooling / heating unit 63 have been described above with reference to FIG. 12, description thereof is omitted here.

The energy receiver 65 receives energy from the outside and supplies the received energy to the energy converter 62. The energy receiving unit 65 receives identification information (ID) from an energy transmission source (for example, an energy supply device), and outputs the received identification information to the determination unit 66. Further, the energy receiving unit 65 can block the reception of energy under the control of the reception control unit 67.

The determination unit 66 determines the validity of the identification information (ID) output from the energy reception unit 65 and outputs the determination result to the reception control unit 67. For example, the determination unit 66 compares the identification information with previously stored identification information, and determines that the identification information is valid if they match.

The reception control unit 67 controls the reception of energy by the energy reception unit 65 based on the determination result by the determination unit 66. More specifically, the reception control unit 67 performs control to block the reception of energy by the energy reception unit 65 when the determination unit 66 determines that the identification information is not valid.

Thereby, the capsule 1-4 'can prevent malfunction due to receiving unexpected energy.

(Modification 2)
As illustrated in FIG. 13, the capsule 1-4 ″ includes a temperature sensor 69, a cutoff control unit 70, an energy reception unit 61, an energy conversion unit 62, and a cooling / heating unit 63. Here, since the energy receiving unit 61, the energy converting unit 62, and the cooling / heating unit 63 have been described above with reference to FIG. 12, description thereof will be omitted.

The temperature sensor 69 detects the temperature of the cold / hot part 63 and outputs the detected temperature to the shutoff controller 70.

As shown in FIG. 13, the cutoff control unit 70 is provided between the energy reception unit 61 and the energy conversion unit 62, and can block the supply of energy to the energy conversion unit 62. More specifically, the cutoff control unit 70 blocks the supply of energy to the energy conversion unit 62 when the detected value (temperature) output from the temperature sensor 69 satisfies the cutoff condition. The blocking condition is, for example, a case where the detected value is greater than or less than a predetermined value or outside a predetermined range.

Thereby, the capsule 1-4 ″ can prevent the cold / hot portion 63 from becoming an unexpected temperature due to malfunction.

<< 3. Summary >>
As described above, the capsule medical device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can change the temperature locally at a predetermined site in the body cavity. Thereby, the death of a specific cell and the effect of a chemical | medical agent can be heightened.

More specifically, the capsule 1-1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure changes the temperature of a predetermined part when analyzing a captured image and determining that the vicinity of a specific part registered in advance is reached. Start cold temperature control. In addition, the capsule according to the present embodiment may have a stop portion for stopping near a predetermined site. Such capsules 1-1 with a stop 'is heated to a predetermined site in a state of stopping in the vicinity of the predetermined site can be pressurized cold.

In addition, the capsule 1-2 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure can start the cold temperature control by a timer operation.

In addition, the capsule 1-3 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure can be controlled in accordance with a control signal from the control device 20.

In addition, the capsule 1-4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure converts the energy received from the outside and supplies the converted energy to the cool / warm unit 13. Heating and cooling can be performed.

The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present technology is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present disclosure can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. Of course, it is understood that it belongs to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

In addition, this technique can also take the following structures.
(1)
A capsule medical device,
A capsule medical device comprising a temperature changing unit that changes the temperature of a predetermined part in a body cavity.
(2)
The capsule medical device is:
With a stop to stay in the body cavity,
The capsule medical device according to (1), wherein the temperature changing unit changes the temperature of the predetermined part while staying in the vicinity of the predetermined part by the stop unit.
(3)
The capsule medical device is:
It further comprises an imaging unit for imaging the body cavity,
(1) or (2), wherein the temperature changing unit changes the temperature in the vicinity of the specific part when it is determined that the specific part is based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit. The capsule medical device as described.
(4)
The capsule type according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the temperature changing unit starts changing the temperature of the predetermined portion after a preset time has elapsed after detecting a start operation. Medical device.
(5)
The capsule medical device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the temperature change unit ends the temperature change after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the temperature change.
(6)
The capsule medical device according to (5), wherein the predetermined time is a time specified in advance.
(7)
The capsule medical device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the temperature changing unit changes the temperature of the predetermined part to a temperature specified in advance.
(8)
The capsule medical device is:
A signal receiver for receiving a control signal from an external device;
The capsule medical device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the temperature changing unit changes the temperature of the predetermined portion in accordance with a control signal received from the external device.
(9)
The capsule medical device is:
An energy receiver for receiving energy;
A conversion unit for converting received energy;
Further comprising
The capsule medical device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the temperature changing unit changes the temperature of the predetermined part by supplying energy converted by the converting unit.
(10)
The energy receiving unit receives an identification signal,
The capsule medical device is:
The capsule medical device according to (9), further including a reception control unit that controls to stop reception of energy by the energy reception unit when it is determined that the received identification signal is not valid.
(11)
The capsule medical device is:
A temperature sensor for detecting a temperature changing by the temperature changing unit;
According to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, a cutoff control unit that controls to cut off the supply of energy from the energy receiving unit to the conversion unit,
The capsule medical device according to (9), further comprising:
(12)
A capsule medical device having a temperature changing unit that changes the temperature of a predetermined part in the body cavity;
An external device for transmitting a control signal for controlling the temperature change unit;
With
The capsule medical device is:
A receiver that receives a control signal from the external device;
The temperature changing unit is a system that changes the temperature of the predetermined portion according to a control signal received from the external device.

1-1 to 1-4 Capsule type medical device 6

Subject

11, 12, 15, 18

Control unit

13, 63 Cooling / cooling unit 14 Stopping unit 16 Measurement unit 17 Detection unit 19 Communication unit 20 Control unit 21 Control unit 22 Communication unit 23 Display unit 24 Operation input unit 25 Position detection unit 26 Judgment unit 28 Affected part 29 Body cavity conduit 30 Exterior case 32 Transparent cover 34 Imaging optical system 35 Illumination unit 36 Imaging unit 50 Registration screen 51 Site screen 53

Selection screen

61, 65 Energy reception unit 62 Energy Conversion Unit 66 Determination Unit 67 Reception Control Unit 69 Temperature Sensor 70 Blocking Control Unit

Claims

A capsule medical device,
A capsule medical device comprising a temperature changing unit that changes the temperature of a predetermined part in a body cavity.
The capsule medical device is:
With a stop to stay in the body cavity,
The capsule medical device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature changing unit changes the temperature of the predetermined part while staying in the vicinity of the predetermined part by the stop unit.
The capsule medical device is:
It further comprises an imaging unit for imaging the body cavity,
The capsule-type medical treatment according to claim 1, wherein the temperature changing unit changes a temperature in the vicinity of the specific part when it is determined that the specific part is based on a captured image captured by the imaging unit. apparatus.
The capsule medical device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature changing unit starts changing the temperature of the predetermined part after a preset time has elapsed since the start operation was detected.
2. The capsule medical device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature change unit ends the temperature change after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the temperature change.
The capsule medical device according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined time is a time specified in advance.
The capsule medical device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature changing unit changes the temperature of the predetermined part to a temperature specified in advance.
The capsule medical device is:
A signal receiver for receiving a control signal from an external device;
The capsule medical device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature changing unit changes the temperature of the predetermined part in accordance with a control signal received from the external device.
The capsule medical device is:
An energy receiver for receiving energy;
A conversion unit for converting received energy;
Further comprising
The capsule medical device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature changing unit changes the temperature of the predetermined part by supplying energy converted by the converting unit.
The energy receiving unit receives an identification signal,
The capsule medical device is:
The capsule medical device according to claim 9, further comprising a reception control unit that controls to stop receiving energy by the energy receiving unit when it is determined that the received identification signal is not valid.
The capsule medical device is:
A temperature sensor for detecting a temperature changing by the temperature changing unit;
According to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, a cutoff control unit that controls to cut off the supply of energy from the energy receiving unit to the conversion unit,
The capsule medical device according to claim 9, further comprising:
A capsule medical device having a temperature changing unit that changes the temperature of a predetermined part in the body cavity;
An external device for transmitting a control signal for controlling the temperature change unit;
With
The capsule medical device is:
A receiver that receives a control signal from the external device;
The temperature changing unit is a system that changes the temperature of the predetermined portion in accordance with a control signal received from the external device.