WO2020012873A1 - Endoscope adapter and endoscope - Google Patents

Endoscope adapter and endoscope Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020012873A1
WO2020012873A1 PCT/JP2019/023786 JP2019023786W WO2020012873A1 WO 2020012873 A1 WO2020012873 A1 WO 2020012873A1 JP 2019023786 W JP2019023786 W JP 2019023786W WO 2020012873 A1 WO2020012873 A1 WO 2020012873A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
endoscope
tubular member
insertion channel
instrument insertion
tool
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2019/023786
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
佳弘 上田
鳥澤　信幸
勝蔵 井山
Original Assignee
富士フイルム株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 富士フイルム株式会社 filed Critical 富士フイルム株式会社
Publication of WO2020012873A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020012873A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/012—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor characterised by internal passages or accessories therefor
    • A61B1/018—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor characterised by internal passages or accessories therefor for receiving instruments

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an endoscope aid and an endoscope.
  • the treatment instrument insertion channel protector described in Patent Literature 1 has a length substantially equal to the length of the treatment instrument insertion passage of the endoscope, and has a flexible protection that can be inserted into and removed from the treatment instrument insertion passage.
  • a tube and a base cap connected to a base end of the protective tube are provided.
  • the base end cap is detachable from the entrance portion of the treatment instrument insertion passage, and has an inner hole that smoothly communicates with the protection tube.
  • the inside diameter of the treatment tool insertion channel of the endoscope is variously different.
  • the inside diameter of the treatment tool insertion channel of the oral endoscope is larger than the inside diameter of the treatment tool insertion channel of the nasal endoscope.
  • the size of the treatment tool is also variously different.
  • a treatment tool having a relatively small size may be preferably used for a treatment requiring precise treatment tool operation.
  • the arrangement of the treatment tool at the outlet of the treatment tool insertion channel is not determined, and the difficulty of the treatment unnecessarily increases.
  • changing the endoscope according to the treatment imposes a burden on the subject. Therefore, in one endoscope, it is desired that the inner diameter of the treatment tool insertion channel be changed depending on the situation.
  • the treatment tool insertion channel protector described in Patent Literature 1 is intended to allow a treatment tool such as a puncture needle to be inserted into and removed from a treatment tool insertion passage of an endoscope without obstruction.
  • the inner diameter of the treatment instrument insertion channel is changed by the protective tube having a length substantially equal to the length of the passage.
  • no consideration is given to the arrangement of the protective tube at the outlet of the treatment instrument insertion channel.
  • the arrangement of the protection tube is not stable at the outlet of the treatment instrument insertion channel, the arrangement of the treatment instrument inserted through the protection tube is not stable.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope auxiliary tool that can be operated, and to provide an endoscope including a treatment tool insertion channel to which the endoscope auxiliary tool can be attached.
  • An endoscope auxiliary tool is an endoscope auxiliary tool that is detachably attached to a treatment tool insertion channel of an endoscope, and is maintained in a straight tubular shape regardless of the bending of the endoscope bending portion.
  • a flexible tubular member having a length equal to or greater than a length extending from at least an inlet end of an outlet portion of the treatment tool insertion channel to an entrance of the treatment tool insertion channel, wherein the tubular member includes the treatment tool
  • the treatment device includes a distal end portion that is disposed at the outlet portion of the insertion channel, and the distal end portion has an outer periphery that is in sliding contact with an inner peripheral surface of the exit portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel.
  • an endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a treatment tool insertion channel to which the endoscope auxiliary tool can be attached.
  • assistant which can change the inner diameter of the treatment tool insertion channel of an endoscope according to a situation, and can stabilize the arrangement of the treatment tool in the exit part of the treatment tool insertion channel.
  • a tool can be provided, and an endoscope including a treatment tool insertion channel to which the endoscope auxiliary tool can be attached can be provided.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an endoscope for describing an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of an endoscope system including the endoscope of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an internal mechanism of a distal end portion and a bending portion in an insertion portion of the endoscope in FIG. 1.
  • It is a top view of an example of an endoscope assistant for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an exit portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel in a state where the endoscope auxiliary tool of FIG. 4 is attached to the treatment instrument insertion channel of the endoscope of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an endoscope for describing an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of an endoscope system including the endoscope of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an internal mechanism
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another example of an exit portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel in a state where the endoscope auxiliary tool of FIG. 4 is attached to the treatment instrument insertion channel of the endoscope of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another example of an exit portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel in a state where the endoscope auxiliary tool of FIG. 4 is attached to the treatment instrument insertion channel of the endoscope of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another example of an exit portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel in a state where the endoscope auxiliary tool of FIG. 4 is attached to the treatment instrument insertion channel of the endoscope of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a tubular member of the endoscope aid of FIG. 4. It is sectional drawing of the tubular member of the modification of the endoscope auxiliary tool of FIG. It is a top view of other examples of the endoscope auxiliary tool for describing embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of other examples of the endoscope auxiliary tool for describing embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of other examples of the endoscope auxiliary tool for describing embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the principal part of other examples of an endoscope assistance tool for describing embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the principal part of other examples of an endoscope assistance tool for describing embodiment of this invention. FIG.
  • FIG. 16 is a front view of the tubular member of the endoscope aid of FIG. 15. It is a side view of the principal part of the modification of the endoscope auxiliary tool of FIG.
  • FIG. 18 is a front view of a tubular member of the endoscope assistance tool of FIG. 17.
  • FIG. 1 shows an example of an endoscope for describing an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 shows an example of an endoscope system including the endoscope of FIG.
  • the endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope 2, a light source device 3, a processor unit 4, and a suction pump 5.
  • the endoscope 2 has an insertion section 10 inserted into the subject, an operation section 11 connected to the insertion section 10, and a universal cord 12 extending from the operation section 11, and a light source at the end of the universal code 12.
  • a connector 13 connected to the device 3 is provided.
  • the insertion portion 10 of the endoscope 2 includes a distal end portion 14, a bending portion 15 connected to the distal end portion 14, and a flexible portion 16 connecting the bending portion 15 and the operation portion 11.
  • An imaging section 17 including an imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor and a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor is mounted on the distal end portion.
  • the bending section 15 is configured to be bendable, and the bending of the bending section 15 is operated by the operation section 11.
  • the flexible portion 16 is configured to be flexible enough to be deformable following the shape of the insertion path in the subject.
  • the operation unit 11 is provided with an operation button 18A for operating suction using the suction pump 5, an operation knob 18B for operating the bending of the bending unit 15, an operation button 18C for operating imaging using the imaging unit 17, and the like. I have.
  • the operation section 11 is provided with an entrance portion 24 of a treatment instrument insertion channel 23 through which the treatment instrument is inserted.
  • a light guide 20 and an electric cable 21 are provided inside the insertion unit 10, the operation unit 11, and the universal cord 12.
  • the light guide 20 guides the illumination light generated by the light source device 3 to the distal end portion 14.
  • the electric cable 21 transmits the operating power of the imaging unit 17, a control signal, and a captured image signal between the imaging unit 17 and the processor unit 4.
  • the processor unit 4 generates captured image data from the input captured image signal, displays the generated captured image data on the monitor 6, and records the generated captured image data.
  • a plurality of operation wires 22 and a treatment tool insertion channel 23 are provided inside the insertion section 10 and the operation section 11.
  • the operation wire 22 reaches the distal end portion 14 of the insertion portion 10 from the operation portion 11 and is pushed out toward the distal end portion 14 or pulled toward the operation portion 11 in response to operation of the operation knob 18B of the operation portion 11.
  • the bending portion 15 is bent according to the pushing and pulling of the operation wire 22.
  • the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 reaches the distal end portion 14 of the insertion portion 10 from an entrance portion 24 provided in the operation section 11, and an exit portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 opens to the end face of the distal end portion 14. I have.
  • the treatment instrument inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 through the opening of the inlet portion 24 is guided to the distal end portion 14 of the insertion section 10 by the treatment instrument insertion channel 23, and projects from the distal end portion 14 through the opening of the outlet portion 25.
  • the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is branched into two branches in the operation section 11, one of which is connected to the inlet portion 24 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23, and the other is connected to the suction pipe 26.
  • the suction pipe 26 extends to the connector 13 via a valve 27 opened and closed by an operation button 18A, and is connected to the suction pump 5 via a connection tube 29 connected to a base 28 provided on the connector 13. .
  • the valve 27 When the valve 27 is opened, the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 and the suction tube 26 are communicated with each other, and a liquid such as blood is sucked into the suction pump 5 from the opening of the outlet 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23.
  • a forceps stopper 30 having an open / close valve is attached to the inlet portion 24, and the internal pressure of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is set to a negative pressure by closing the opening of the inlet portion 24 by the forceps stopper 30 during suction.
  • FIG. 3 shows an internal mechanism of the distal end portion 14 and the bending portion 15 of the insertion section 10.
  • the distal end portion 14 of the endoscope is fixed to a cylindrical distal rigid portion 40 holding various built-in objects mounted on the distal portion 14 such as the imaging section 17 (see FIG. 2), and a proximal end side of the distal rigid portion 40. And a cylindrical tip sleeve 41 to be formed.
  • the distal end rigid portion 40 has a through-hole 42 having a circular cross section penetrating the distal end rigid portion 40 in the axial direction.
  • a flexible channel tube 43 having a circular cross section that forms the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is joined to the distal end rigid portion 40.
  • the inner hole of the channel tube 43 joined to the distal end rigid portion 40 communicates with the through hole 42, and the through hole 42 forms at least a part of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23.
  • the endoscope bending portion 15 has a plurality of annular pieces 50, and these pieces 50 are arranged with their central axes aligned.
  • the piece 50 arranged closest to the distal end portion 14 is fixed to the distal end sleeve 41 of the distal end portion 14.
  • Two adjacent pieces 50 are rotatably connected by a pair of shaft members 51 arranged on an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bending portion 15. When the rotations of the two adjacent pieces 50 are combined, the bending portion 15 is bent as a whole.
  • a rotation axis X and a rotation axis Y substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis X are alternately provided as rotation axes of two adjacent pieces 50.
  • the bending portion 15 has a total of four directions: a vertical direction based on the rotation of the two adjacent pieces 50 about the rotation axis X, and a horizontal direction based on the rotation of the two adjacent pieces 50 about the rotation axis Y. It is possible to bend.
  • the maximum bending angle of the bending portion 15 in the vertical direction and the maximum bending angle of the bending portion 15 in the horizontal direction may be the same or different. For example, by making the number of sets of two pieces 50 rotatable about the rotation axis X larger than the number of sets of two pieces 50 rotatable about the rotation axis Y, the maximum bending in the vertical direction is increased.
  • the angle can be relatively large.
  • the maximum rotation angle of each pair of two pieces 50 rotatable around the rotation axis X may be the same or different, and the maximum rotation angle of each pair is two pieces 50. It can be set by the interval Gx.
  • the maximum rotation angle of each pair of two pieces 50 rotatable about the rotation axis Y may be the same or different, and the maximum rotation angle of each set is two pieces 50. Can be set by the interval Gy.
  • a pair of operation wires 22A corresponding to the vertical bending and a pair of operation wires 22B corresponding to the horizontal bending are provided.
  • the pair of operation wires 22 ⁇ / b> B pass through the inside of the plurality of pieces 50, reach the distal end portion 14 from the operation section 11, and are fixed to the distal end sleeve 41, respectively.
  • the channel tube 43 forming the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 also passes through the inside of the plurality of pieces 50, reaches the distal end portion 14 from the operation portion 11, and is joined to the distal end rigid portion 40.
  • FIG. 4 shows an example of an endoscope aid for explaining the embodiment of the present invention.
  • the endoscope auxiliary tool 100 shown in FIG. 4 is detachably attached to the treatment tool insertion channel 23 of the endoscope 2.
  • the endoscope assisting tool 100 has a flexible tubular member 101 having a circular cross section, and a base 102 connected to a base end of the tubular member 101.
  • the tubular member 101 is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 through the opening of the entrance portion 24 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23.
  • the base 102 is detachably attached to the entrance portion 24.
  • the distal end 103 of the tubular member 101 reaches the outlet 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 in a state where the base 102 is attached to the entrance 24 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23.
  • the tubular member 101 has a length that is equal to or greater than the length that extends from at least the inlet-side end of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 to the opening (entrance) of the inlet portion 24.
  • the channel tube 43 configuring the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 passes through the inside of the plurality of pieces 50 included in the bending portion 15 and reaches the distal end portion 14 of the insertion portion 10, and the distal end rigid portion 40 of the distal end portion 14
  • the inner hole of the channel tube 43 communicates with the through hole 42 of the distal end rigid portion 40.
  • the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is a portion that is maintained in a straight tubular shape regardless of the bending of the bending portion 15.
  • a fitting hole 44 concentric with the through hole 42 and having a larger diameter than the through hole 42 is formed at the base end of the distal end rigid portion 40.
  • the distal end of the channel tube 43 is fitted in the fitting hole 44 and is joined to the distal end rigid portion 40 by bonding or the like.
  • the through hole 42 and the fitting hole 44 are maintained in a straight tubular shape regardless of the bending of the bending portion 15.
  • the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is formed by the through hole 42 and the fitting hole 44, and the inlet-side end 25 ⁇ / b> A of the outlet portion 25 is formed by the fitting hole 44.
  • annular convex portion 45 that is concentric with the through hole 42 and has the same inner diameter as the inner diameter of the through hole 42 is formed at the base end of the distal end rigid portion 40 integrally with the distal end rigid portion 40. ing.
  • the distal end of the channel tube 43 is fitted on the annular convex portion 45.
  • the through hole 42 and the annular convex portion 45 are maintained in a straight tubular shape irrespective of the curvature of the curved portion 15.
  • the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is configured by the through hole 42 and the annular convex portion 45, and the inlet-side end portion 25 ⁇ / b> A of the outlet portion 25 is configured by the annular convex portion 45.
  • a fitting hole 44 concentric with the through hole 42 and having a larger diameter than the through hole 42 is formed at the base end of the distal end rigid portion 40, and is different from the distal end rigid portion 40.
  • the distal end portion 46A of the rigid connection pipe 46 which is a member, is fitted in the fitting hole 44.
  • the distal end of the channel tube 43 is externally fitted to the base end portion 46B of the connection tube 46 protruding from the fitting hole 44.
  • the through-hole 42, the fitting hole 44, and the connecting pipe 46 are maintained in a straight tubular shape regardless of the bending of the bending portion 15.
  • the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is constituted by the through hole 42, the fitting hole 44, and the connecting pipe 46, and the inlet side end 25 ⁇ / b> A of the outlet portion 25 is a base end 46 ⁇ / b> B of the connecting pipe 46. It is constituted by.
  • the maximum rotation angle of the pair of two adjacent pieces 50 arranged closest to the distal end portion 14 among the plurality of pieces 50 (see FIG. 3) included in the bending portion 15 is extremely small,
  • the distal end portion 43A of the channel tube 43 disposed inside the distal end sleeve 41 of the distal end portion 14 is maintained in a straight tubular shape regardless of the bending of the bending portion 15.
  • the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is constituted by the through hole 42 and the fitting hole 44 and the distal end portion 43A of the channel tube 43.
  • the inlet side end portion 25A of the outlet portion 25 is formed by the distal end portion 43A of the channel tube 43. Be composed.
  • the channel tube 43 is a straight tube can be evaluated based on the straightness of the longitudinal axis of the channel tube 43.
  • the straightness of the longitudinal axis of the portion to be evaluated is 10% or less of the inner diameter of the channel tube 43.
  • the evaluation target portion is a straight tube.
  • the outlet portion 25 is provided with one or a plurality of pieces arranged on the distal end portion 14 side. In some cases, it may extend to the inside of 50.
  • the distal end portion 103 of the tubular member 101 has an outer periphery that is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 103 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion 25.
  • the inner diameter of the outlet portion 25 and the outer diameter of the distal end portion 103 are in a so-called clearance fit relationship (the inner diameter of the outlet portion 25> the distal end portion).
  • the outer diameter of the distal portion 103) is desirable, but when the material of the treatment tool insertion channel 23 is flexible, the relationship of tight fitting (the inner diameter of the outlet portion 25 ⁇ the outer diameter of the distal end portion 103) may be adopted. Since the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 103 of the tubular member 101 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23, the arrangement of the distal end portion 103 at the outlet portion 25 is stabilized. The center axis of the inner hole of the outlet portion 25, which is maintained in a straight tubular shape regardless of the bending of the bending portion 15, and the center axis of the inner hole of the distal end portion 103 are parallel to each other, and coincide with each other in this example.
  • the above-described endoscope auxiliary tool 100 is used in combination with a treatment tool TI whose size is smaller than the inner diameter of the treatment tool insertion channel 23.
  • the treatment tool TI is, for example, a puncture needle, a high-frequency scissors forceps, a high-frequency knife, a bipolar hemostat, a clip, a recovery net, and the like.
  • the tubular member 101 of the endoscope assisting tool 100 is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel 23, and the distal end portion 103 of the tubular member 101 is disposed at the outlet 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23.
  • the treatment tool TI is inserted into the tubular member 101 through the opening of the base 102 of the endoscope assisting tool 100.
  • the treatment tool TI inserted into the tubular member 101 is guided by the tubular member 101 to the distal end portion 103 of the tubular member 101, passes through the opening of the distal end portion 103, and further passes through the opening of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23. It protrudes from the tip 14 of the part 10.
  • the treatment instrument TI protrudes on the central axis of the inner hole of the distal end portion 103, and since the central axis of the inner hole of the distal end portion 103 and the central axis of the inner hole of the outlet portion 25 are parallel to each other, the treatment instrument TI has an outlet. It projects along the central axis of the bore of the part 25. Thereby, the arrangement of the treatment tool TI is stabilized.
  • the distal end portion 103 of the tubular member 101 is disposed at the inlet side end portion 25A of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23. For example, it may reach the opening of the outlet part 25 or may protrude from the opening of the outlet part 25.
  • the tubular member 101 disposed on the endoscope bending portion 15 and the flexible portion 16 is flexible as a whole. Then, from the viewpoint of suppressing damage to the tubular member 101 due to contact with the treatment tool TI, it is desirable that the inner peripheral surface of the tubular member 101 has high hardness. In addition, from the viewpoint of reducing the resistance when the tubular member 101 is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel 23, it is desirable that the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 101 has low friction.
  • the tubular member 101 has an inner layer 110 forming the inner peripheral surface of the tubular member 101, and an outer layer 111 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner layer 110.
  • the hardness of the material is Rockwell hardness specified in JIS-K7202, and the flexibility of the material is bending elastic modulus specified in JIS-K7171.
  • the material of the inner layer 110 is preferably a fluorine-based resin such as non-expanded PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane), and FEP (perfluoroethylene propene copolymer).
  • the material of the outer layer 111 is preferably urethane or expanded PTFE.
  • Urethane is a material having a relatively high friction coefficient. When urethane is used as the material of the outer layer 111 disposed on the outermost side, a low friction coating such as a fluororesin coating is applied to the outer periphery of the outer layer 111. May be done.
  • the outer layer 111 is not limited to one, and a plurality of outer layers may be provided.
  • the material of the inner layer 110 may be harder than the material of each of the plurality of outer layers 111, and the material of one or more outer layers 111 may be more flexible than the material of the inner layer 110.
  • the tubular member 101 may be formed such that hardness and flexibility continuously change from the inner peripheral surface side to the outer peripheral surface side, and the inner peripheral surface side is harder and the outer peripheral surface side is more flexible.
  • the degree of foaming of PTFE may be gradually increased from the inner peripheral surface side to the outer peripheral surface side.
  • the tubular member 101 is formed by winding a thin metal wire in a spiral shape. It may be reinforced by a spring formed or a mesh formed by braiding a large number of thin metal wires.
  • the tubular member 101 has been described as having a circular cross section, but the cross sectional shape of the tubular member 101 is not limited to a circular shape.
  • the tubular member 101 may be formed in a circular arc shape having a center angle ⁇ of 180 ° or more.
  • the center angle ⁇ is equal to or greater than 180 °, the sliding contact between the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 103 of the tubular member 101 and the inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is maintained.
  • the arrangement of the portion 103 is stabilized.
  • FIG. 11 shows another example of the endoscope aid for explaining the embodiment of the present invention.
  • the endoscope auxiliary tool 200 shown in FIG. 11 is detachably attached to the treatment tool insertion channel 23 (see FIG. 2) of the endoscope 2.
  • the endoscope assisting device 200 includes a flexible tubular member 201 having a circular cross section, and a base 202 connected to a base end of the tubular member 201.
  • the tubular member 201 has a length that is equal to or longer than at least the length extending from at least the inlet end of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 to the opening of the inlet portion 24.
  • the tubular member 201 has an intermediate portion 204 disposed on the curved portion 15, and the flexibility of the intermediate portion 204 is higher than the flexibility of other portions of the tubular member 201 excluding the intermediate portion 204. Has been. Thereby, the influence of the rigidity of the tubular member 201 on the bending of the bending portion 15 can be reduced.
  • the flexibility of each part of the tubular member 201 is evaluated, for example, by measuring the reaction force of three-point bending. Specifically, first, each part of the tubular member 201 is cut out by a fixed length (for example, 200 mm), and is placed on two cylindrical supports arranged at a fixed distance (for example, 150 mm).
  • the tracing stylus disposed at the intermediate position of the support is lowered at a constant speed from vertically above the tubular member to deform the tubular member 201.
  • the reaction force at this time is measured. It can be said that the smaller the measured reaction force, the higher the flexibility.
  • the intermediate portion 204 only needs to be disposed at least in a part of the bending portion 15, but is preferably disposed over the entire length of the bending portion 15, and more preferably, the flexible portion 16 of the insertion portion 10 beyond the bending portion 15. It is arranged over part or all. Since the flexible intermediate portion 204 extends to the flexible portion 16, the influence of the rigidity of the tubular member 201 on the flexure of the flexible portion 16 can be reduced.
  • the intermediate portion 204 has notches 210 extending over a part of the circumference at a plurality of locations in the axial direction of the intermediate portion 204.
  • a pair of notches 210X sandwiching the longitudinal axis of the intermediate portion 204 in the up-down direction and a pair of notches 210Y sandwiching the longitudinal axis of the intermediate portion 204 in the left-right direction are formed as intermediate portions.
  • the portions 204 are provided alternately at appropriate intervals in the axial direction.
  • the flexibility of the intermediate portion 204 is enhanced by the pair of notches 210X and the pair of notches 210Y.
  • the pair of cutouts 210X and the pair of cutouts 210Y are alternately provided, so that the flexibility is increased substantially equally in the up-down direction and the left-right direction.
  • the maximum bending angle of the bending portion 15 in the vertical direction may be different from the maximum bending angle of the bending portion 15 in the horizontal direction.
  • the maximum bending angle in the vertical direction is relatively large.
  • a relatively large number of notches 210X that increase the flexibility of the intermediate portion 204 in the vertical direction may be provided, or only a pair of notches 210X may be provided.
  • the vertical direction of the bending portion 15 and the vertical Indices for matching the directions may be provided on the endoscope 2 and the endoscope assisting device 200.
  • the index is, for example, a figure, a symbol, or the like, and is formed, for example, by printing, engraving, or the like on the outer periphery of the entrance portion 24 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 and the outer periphery of the base 202 of the endoscope auxiliary tool 200.
  • the notch 210 may be provided through the intermediate portion 204 from the outer periphery to the inner periphery of the intermediate portion 204, or may be provided on the inner periphery of the intermediate portion 204, but preferably, as shown in FIG. In addition, it is provided on the outer periphery of the intermediate portion 204.
  • a concave portion caused by the notch is not formed on the inner periphery of the intermediate portion 204, and the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate portion 204 becomes smooth. Thereby, the treatment tool can be smoothly inserted to the distal end portion 203 of the tubular member 201.
  • the configuration for increasing the flexibility of the intermediate portion 204 is not limited to the notch 210 extending over a part of the circumference.
  • the intermediate portion 204 has a spiral groove 211 and is formed in a bellows shape.
  • the intermediate portion 204 may have a plurality of annular grooves instead of the spiral grooves 211, and may be formed in a bellows shape.
  • the spiral groove 211 or the plurality of annular grooves may be provided on the inner periphery of the intermediate portion 204, but is preferably provided on the outer periphery of the intermediate portion 204 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the treatment tool can be smoothly inserted to the distal end portion 203 of the tubular member 201.
  • the intermediate portion 204 is formed to be thinner than other portions of the tubular member 201 excluding the intermediate portion 204.
  • the intermediate portion 204 may be formed relatively thin by making the inner diameter of the intermediate portion 204 larger than the inner diameters of the other portions, and the outer diameter of the tubular member 201 may be constant.
  • the intermediate portion 204 is formed relatively thin, and the inner diameter of the tubular member 201 is kept constant. Thereby, resistance when the tubular member 201 is inserted into the treatment tool insertion channel 23 can be reduced. Further, the treatment tool can be smoothly inserted to the distal end portion 203 of the tubular member 201.
  • the material of the intermediate portion 204 includes a material different from the material of other portions of the tubular member 201 excluding the intermediate portion 204, and this different material is used. , May have higher flexibility than other parts of the material.
  • the degree of foaming of PTFE may be locally changed
  • the intermediate portion 204 may be made of expanded PTFE
  • the other portions may be made of non-expanded PTFE.
  • the above configuration for enhancing the flexibility of the intermediate portion 204 is not limited to the case where the cross-sectional shape of the tubular member 201 is circular, and as shown in FIG. Is also applicable.
  • FIG. 14 shows another example of the endoscope aid for explaining the embodiment of the present invention.
  • the endoscope auxiliary tool 300 shown in FIG. 14 is detachably attached to the treatment tool insertion channel 23 of the endoscope 2.
  • the endoscope assisting tool 300 has a flexible tubular member 301 having a circular cross section, and a base connected to a base end of the tubular member 301.
  • the tubular member 301 has a length that is equal to or greater than a length that extends from at least the inlet-side end of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 to the opening of the inlet portion 24.
  • the distal end portion 303 of the tubular member 301 reaches the outlet portion 25, and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 303 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion 25.
  • the central axis C1 of the inner hole of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 and the central axis C2 of the inner hole of the distal end portion 303 of the tubular member 301 are parallel to each other, but the central axis C2 is relative to the central axis C1.
  • Eccentric In this case, the tubular member 301 is rotated around the longitudinal axis in a state where the treatment tool is inserted through the tubular member 301, and thereby the arrangement of the treatment tool at the outlet portion 25 is changed to a circle centered on the central axis C1. Can be changed on the circumference.
  • the central axis C2 of the inner hole of the tubular member 301 is eccentric with respect to the longitudinal axis C3 of the tubular member 301.
  • a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 301 and the inner peripheral surface of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23, and the convex portion 310 filling the gap is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 303 of the tubular member 301.
  • the protrusion 310 is formed in a columnar shape extending in the axial direction of the tubular member 301.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the distal end portion 303 including the convex portion 310 has a circular shape, and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 303 including the convex portion 310 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23.
  • the convex portion 310 is formed with a suction hole 311 penetrating the convex portion 310 in the axial direction. Even when the tubular member 301 is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 303 including the projection 310 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23, The treatment instrument insertion channel 23 communicates with the outside via the suction hole 311. This enables suction using the suction pump 5 (see FIG. 2).
  • a plurality of protrusion-like protrusions 320 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 303 instead of the columnar protrusions 310 extending in the axial direction of the tubular member 301.
  • the protruding convex portions 320 are provided at a plurality of positions in the axial direction of the distal end portion 303, and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 301 and the inner peripheral surface of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23. Is partially filled with these projections 320.
  • the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 communicates with the outside through a gap remaining around the convex portion 320, and suction using the suction pump 5 (see FIG. 2) is possible.
  • the endoscope assisting tool disclosed in the present specification is an endoscope assisting instrument that is detachably attached to the treatment instrument insertion channel of the endoscope, and is adapted to bend the endoscope bending portion.
  • a flexible tubular member having a length that extends from at least the inlet-side end of the outlet portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel, which is maintained in a straight tubular shape, to the entrance of the treatment instrument insertion channel, The member has a distal end disposed at the outlet portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel, and the distal end has an outer periphery that is in sliding contact with an inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel.
  • the tubular member has at least an intermediate portion disposed in the endoscope bending portion, and the intermediate portion is the same except for the intermediate portion. It is more flexible than the rest of the tubular member.
  • the intermediate portion has notches extending over a part of the circumference at a plurality of positions in the axial direction of the intermediate portion.
  • the notch is provided on the outer periphery of the intermediate portion.
  • the intermediate portion is formed in a bellows shape having a spiral groove or a plurality of annular grooves.
  • the spiral groove or the plurality of annular grooves is provided on an outer periphery of the intermediate portion.
  • the intermediate portion is formed to be thinner than other portions of the tubular member excluding the intermediate portion.
  • the outer diameter of the intermediate portion is smaller than other portions of the tubular member excluding the intermediate portion, and the inner diameter of the tubular member is constant.
  • the material of the intermediate portion includes a material different from the material of the other portion of the tubular member excluding the intermediate portion, and the different material is More flexible than other parts of the material.
  • the endoscope assisting tool disclosed in the present specification, the tubular member, an inner layer forming the inner peripheral surface of the tubular member, and one or more outer layers disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner layer
  • the material of the inner layer is harder than the material of the outer layer
  • one or more of the materials of the outer layer is more flexible than the material of the inner layer
  • the tubular member is harder on the inner peripheral surface side of the tubular member and is more flexible on the outer peripheral surface side.
  • the central axis of the inner hole of the distal end portion of the tubular member is deviated from the central axis of the inner hole of the outlet portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel. I have a heart.
  • the endoscope disclosed in the present specification includes a treatment tool insertion channel to which the endoscope auxiliary tool can be attached.

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Abstract

Provided are: an endoscope adapter that enables the inner diameter of an instrument insertion channel of an endoscope to be altered as circumstances demand, and allows the positioning of an instrument at an exit portion of the instrument insertion channel to be stabilized; and an endoscope provided with an instrument insertion channel to which the endoscope adapter can be attached. An endoscope adapter 100 that is removably attached to an instrument insertion channel 23 of an endoscope 2 is provided with a flexible tubular member 101 having at least a length that reaches at least from an entrance-side end 25A of an exit portion 25 of the instrument insertion channel 23, which is maintained in a straight tube form despite the curvature of a curved section 15 of the endoscope 2, to an entrance of the instrument insertion channel 23. The tubular member 101 comprises a distal end 103 that is positioned at the exit portion 25 of the instrument insertion channel 23. The distal end 103 has an outer circumference that slidingly contacts an inner circumferential surface of the exit portion 25 of the instrument insertion channel 23.

Description

内視鏡補助具及び内視鏡Endoscope aids and endoscopes

　本発明は、内視鏡補助具及び内視鏡に関する。
The present invention relates to an endoscope aid and an endoscope.

　特許文献１に記載された、処置具挿通チャンネル保護具は、内視鏡の処置具挿通路の長さとほぼ同じ長さを有し、処置具挿通路内に挿脱自在な可撓性の保護チューブと、保護チューブの基端に連結された基端口金とを備える。基端口金は、処置具挿通路の入口部分に係脱自在であり、保護チューブに滑らかに連通する内孔を有する。
The treatment instrument insertion channel protector described in Patent Literature 1 has a length substantially equal to the length of the treatment instrument insertion passage of the endoscope, and has a flexible protection that can be inserted into and removed from the treatment instrument insertion passage. A tube and a base cap connected to a base end of the protective tube are provided. The base end cap is detachable from the entrance portion of the treatment instrument insertion passage, and has an inner hole that smoothly communicates with the protection tube.

特開２００１－２３１７４６号公報JP 2001-231746 A

　内視鏡の処置具挿通チャンネルの内径は種々に異なり、例えば経口内視鏡の処置具挿通チャンネルの内径は、経鼻内視鏡の処置具挿通チャンネルの内径よりも大きい。処置具のサイズも種々に異なり、例えば精密な処置具動作を要する処置に対して、サイズが相対的に小さい処置具が好ましく用いられる場合がある。ここで、処置具のサイズに対して処置具挿通チャンネルの内径が過大であると、処置具挿通チャンネルの出口部分において処置具の配置が定まらず、処置の難度が無用に高まる。一方、処置に応じて内視鏡を変更することは被検者に負担を強いる。したがって、一つの内視鏡において、状況に応じ、処置具挿通チャンネルの内径が変更されることが望まれる。
The inside diameter of the treatment tool insertion channel of the endoscope is variously different. For example, the inside diameter of the treatment tool insertion channel of the oral endoscope is larger than the inside diameter of the treatment tool insertion channel of the nasal endoscope. The size of the treatment tool is also variously different. For example, a treatment tool having a relatively small size may be preferably used for a treatment requiring precise treatment tool operation. Here, if the inner diameter of the treatment tool insertion channel is excessively large with respect to the size of the treatment tool, the arrangement of the treatment tool at the outlet of the treatment tool insertion channel is not determined, and the difficulty of the treatment unnecessarily increases. On the other hand, changing the endoscope according to the treatment imposes a burden on the subject. Therefore, in one endoscope, it is desired that the inner diameter of the treatment tool insertion channel be changed depending on the situation.

　特許文献１に記載された、処置具挿通チャンネル保護具は、穿刺針等の処置具を内視鏡の処置具挿通路に障害なく挿脱させることを目的としたものであるが、処置具挿通路の長さとほぼ同じ長さを有する保護チューブによって、処置具挿通チャンネルの内径が変更される。しかし、処置具挿通チャンネルの出口部分における保護チューブの配置について、何ら考慮されていない。処置具挿通チャンネルの出口部分において、保護チューブの配置が安定していない場合に、保護チューブに挿通された処置具の配置も安定しない。
The treatment tool insertion channel protector described in Patent Literature 1 is intended to allow a treatment tool such as a puncture needle to be inserted into and removed from a treatment tool insertion passage of an endoscope without obstruction. The inner diameter of the treatment instrument insertion channel is changed by the protective tube having a length substantially equal to the length of the passage. However, no consideration is given to the arrangement of the protective tube at the outlet of the treatment instrument insertion channel. When the arrangement of the protection tube is not stable at the outlet of the treatment instrument insertion channel, the arrangement of the treatment instrument inserted through the protection tube is not stable.

　本発明は、上述した事情に鑑みなされたものであり、状況に応じて内視鏡の処置具挿通チャンネルの内径を変更可能であり、且つ処置具挿通チャンネルの出口部分における処置具の配置を安定させることが可能な内視鏡補助具を提供し、この内視鏡補助具を取り付け可能な処置具挿通チャンネルを備える内視鏡を提供することを目的とする。
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and it is possible to change the inner diameter of the treatment tool insertion channel of the endoscope according to the situation, and to stably arrange the treatment tool at the exit portion of the treatment tool insertion channel. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope auxiliary tool that can be operated, and to provide an endoscope including a treatment tool insertion channel to which the endoscope auxiliary tool can be attached.

　本発明の一態様の内視鏡補助具は、内視鏡の処置具挿通チャンネルに着脱可能に取り付けられる内視鏡補助具であって、内視鏡湾曲部の湾曲にかかわらず直管状に保たれる上記処置具挿通チャンネルの出口部分の少なくとも入口側端部から上記処置具挿通チャンネルの入口に及ぶ長さ以上の長さを有する可撓な管状部材を備え、上記管状部材は、上記処置具挿通チャンネルの上記出口部分に配置される先端部を有し、上記先端部は、上記処置具挿通チャンネルの上記出口部分の内周面に摺接する外周を有する。
An endoscope auxiliary tool according to one embodiment of the present invention is an endoscope auxiliary tool that is detachably attached to a treatment tool insertion channel of an endoscope, and is maintained in a straight tubular shape regardless of the bending of the endoscope bending portion. A flexible tubular member having a length equal to or greater than a length extending from at least an inlet end of an outlet portion of the treatment tool insertion channel to an entrance of the treatment tool insertion channel, wherein the tubular member includes the treatment tool The treatment device includes a distal end portion that is disposed at the outlet portion of the insertion channel, and the distal end portion has an outer periphery that is in sliding contact with an inner peripheral surface of the exit portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel.

　また、本発明の一態様の内視鏡は、上記内視鏡補助具を取り付け可能な処置具挿通チャンネルを備える。
In addition, an endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a treatment tool insertion channel to which the endoscope auxiliary tool can be attached.

　本発明によれば、状況に応じて内視鏡の処置具挿通チャンネルの内径を変更可能であり、且つ処置具挿通チャンネルの出口部分における処置具の配置を安定させることが可能な内視鏡補助具を提供でき、この内視鏡補助具を取り付け可能な処置具挿通チャンネルを備える内視鏡を提供できる。
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the endoscope auxiliary | assistant which can change the inner diameter of the treatment tool insertion channel of an endoscope according to a situation, and can stabilize the arrangement of the treatment tool in the exit part of the treatment tool insertion channel. A tool can be provided, and an endoscope including a treatment tool insertion channel to which the endoscope auxiliary tool can be attached can be provided.

本発明の実施形態を説明するための、内視鏡の一例の斜視図である。FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an endoscope for describing an embodiment of the present invention. 図１の内視鏡を含む内視鏡システムの一例の模式図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of an endoscope system including the endoscope of FIG. 1. 図１の内視鏡の挿入部における先端部及び湾曲部の内部機構を示す斜視図である。FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an internal mechanism of a distal end portion and a bending portion in an insertion portion of the endoscope in FIG. 1. 本発明の実施形態を説明するための、内視鏡補助具の一例の平面図である。It is a top view of an example of an endoscope assistant for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. 図４の内視鏡補助具が図１の内視鏡の処置具挿通チャンネルに取り付けられた状態の、処置具挿通チャンネルの出口部分の一例の断面図である。FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an exit portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel in a state where the endoscope auxiliary tool of FIG. 4 is attached to the treatment instrument insertion channel of the endoscope of FIG. 1. 図４の内視鏡補助具が図１の内視鏡の処置具挿通チャンネルに取り付けられた状態の、処置具挿通チャンネルの出口部分の他の例の断面図である。FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another example of an exit portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel in a state where the endoscope auxiliary tool of FIG. 4 is attached to the treatment instrument insertion channel of the endoscope of FIG. 1. 図４の内視鏡補助具が図１の内視鏡の処置具挿通チャンネルに取り付けられた状態の、処置具挿通チャンネルの出口部分の他の例の断面図である。FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another example of an exit portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel in a state where the endoscope auxiliary tool of FIG. 4 is attached to the treatment instrument insertion channel of the endoscope of FIG. 1. 図４の内視鏡補助具が図１の内視鏡の処置具挿通チャンネルに取り付けられた状態の、処置具挿通チャンネルの出口部分の他の例の断面図である。FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another example of an exit portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel in a state where the endoscope auxiliary tool of FIG. 4 is attached to the treatment instrument insertion channel of the endoscope of FIG. 1. 図４の内視鏡補助具の管状部材の断面図である。FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a tubular member of the endoscope aid of FIG. 4. 図４の内視鏡補助具の変形例の管状部材の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the tubular member of the modification of the endoscope auxiliary tool of FIG. 本発明の実施形態を説明するための、内視鏡補助具の他の例の平面図である。It is a top view of other examples of the endoscope auxiliary tool for describing embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施形態を説明するための、内視鏡補助具の他の例の平面図である。It is a top view of other examples of the endoscope auxiliary tool for describing embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施形態を説明するための、内視鏡補助具の他の例の平面図である。It is a top view of other examples of the endoscope auxiliary tool for describing embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施形態を説明するための、内視鏡補助具の他の例の要部の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the principal part of other examples of an endoscope assistance tool for describing embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施形態を説明するための、内視鏡補助具の他の例の要部の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the principal part of other examples of an endoscope assistance tool for describing embodiment of this invention. 図１５の内視鏡補助具の管状部材の正面図である。FIG. 16 is a front view of the tubular member of the endoscope aid of FIG. 15. 図１５の内視鏡補助具の変形例の要部の側面図である。It is a side view of the principal part of the modification of the endoscope auxiliary tool of FIG. 図１７の内視鏡補助具の管状部材の正面図である。FIG. 18 is a front view of a tubular member of the endoscope assistance tool of FIG. 17.

　図１は、本発明の実施形態を説明するための、内視鏡の一例を示し、図２は、図１の内視鏡を含む内視鏡システムの一例を示す。
FIG. 1 shows an example of an endoscope for describing an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an example of an endoscope system including the endoscope of FIG.

　内視鏡システム１は、内視鏡２と、光源装置３と、プロセッサユニット４と、吸引ポンプ５とを備える。内視鏡２は、被検体内に挿入される挿入部１０と、挿入部１０に連なる操作部１１と、操作部１１から延びるユニバーサルコード１２とを有し、ユニバーサルコード１２の末端には、光源装置３に接続されるコネクタ１３が設けられている。
The endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope 2, a light source device 3, a processor unit 4, and a suction pump 5. The endoscope 2 has an insertion section 10 inserted into the subject, an operation section 11 connected to the insertion section 10, and a universal cord 12 extending from the operation section 11, and a light source at the end of the universal code 12. A connector 13 connected to the device 3 is provided.

　内視鏡２の挿入部１０は、先端部１４と、先端部１４に連なる湾曲部１５と、湾曲部１５と操作部１１とを接続している軟性部１６とで構成されている。先端部１４には、ＣＣＤ（Charge Coupled Device）イメージセンサ、ＣＭＯＳ（Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor）イメージセンサ等の撮像素子を含む撮像部１７が搭載されている。湾曲部１５は湾曲可能に構成されており、湾曲部１５の湾曲は操作部１１によって操作される。また、軟性部１６は、被検体内の挿入経路の形状に倣って変形可能な程に可撓に構成されている。
The insertion portion 10 of the endoscope 2 includes a distal end portion 14, a bending portion 15 connected to the distal end portion 14, and a flexible portion 16 connecting the bending portion 15 and the operation portion 11. An imaging section 17 including an imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor and a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor is mounted on the distal end portion. The bending section 15 is configured to be bendable, and the bending of the bending section 15 is operated by the operation section 11. Further, the flexible portion 16 is configured to be flexible enough to be deformable following the shape of the insertion path in the subject.

　操作部１１には、吸引ポンプ５を用いた吸引を操作する操作ボタン１８Ａ、湾曲部１５の湾曲を操作する操作ノブ１８Ｂ、撮像部１７を用いた撮像を操作する操作ボタン１８Ｃ等が設けられている。また、操作部１１には、処置具が挿通される処置具挿通チャンネル２３の入口部分２４が設けられている。
The operation unit 11 is provided with an operation button 18A for operating suction using the suction pump 5, an operation knob 18B for operating the bending of the bending unit 15, an operation button 18C for operating imaging using the imaging unit 17, and the like. I have. The operation section 11 is provided with an entrance portion 24 of a treatment instrument insertion channel 23 through which the treatment instrument is inserted.

　挿入部１０及び操作部１１並びにユニバーサルコード１２の内部には、ライトガイド２０と、電気ケーブル２１とが設けられている。ライトガイド２０は、光源装置３によって生成される照明光を先端部１４に導く。電気ケーブル２１は、撮像部１７の動作電力、制御信号、及び撮影画像信号を、撮像部１７とプロセッサユニット４との間で伝送する。プロセッサユニット４は、入力された撮影画像信号から撮影画像データを生成し、生成した撮影画像データをモニタ６に表示させ、また記録する。
A light guide 20 and an electric cable 21 are provided inside the insertion unit 10, the operation unit 11, and the universal cord 12. The light guide 20 guides the illumination light generated by the light source device 3 to the distal end portion 14. The electric cable 21 transmits the operating power of the imaging unit 17, a control signal, and a captured image signal between the imaging unit 17 and the processor unit 4. The processor unit 4 generates captured image data from the input captured image signal, displays the generated captured image data on the monitor 6, and records the generated captured image data.

　挿入部１０及び操作部１１の内部には、複数の操作ワイヤ２２と、処置具挿通チャンネル２３とが設けられている。操作ワイヤ２２は、操作部１１から挿入部１０の先端部１４に達しており、操作部１１の操作ノブ１８Ｂの操作に応じて先端部１４側に押し出され、又は操作部１１側に引っ張られる。湾曲部１５は、操作ワイヤ２２の押し引きに応じて湾曲される。処置具挿通チャンネル２３は、操作部１１に設けられている入口部分２４から挿入部１０の先端部１４に達しており、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５は先端部１４の端面に開口している。入口部分２４の開口を通して処置具挿通チャンネル２３に挿入された処置具は、処置具挿通チャンネル２３によって挿入部１０の先端部１４に案内され、出口部分２５の開口を通して、先端部１４から突出する。
A plurality of operation wires 22 and a treatment tool insertion channel 23 are provided inside the insertion section 10 and the operation section 11. The operation wire 22 reaches the distal end portion 14 of the insertion portion 10 from the operation portion 11 and is pushed out toward the distal end portion 14 or pulled toward the operation portion 11 in response to operation of the operation knob 18B of the operation portion 11. The bending portion 15 is bent according to the pushing and pulling of the operation wire 22. The treatment instrument insertion channel 23 reaches the distal end portion 14 of the insertion portion 10 from an entrance portion 24 provided in the operation section 11, and an exit portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 opens to the end face of the distal end portion 14. I have. The treatment instrument inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 through the opening of the inlet portion 24 is guided to the distal end portion 14 of the insertion section 10 by the treatment instrument insertion channel 23, and projects from the distal end portion 14 through the opening of the outlet portion 25.

　処置具挿通チャンネル２３は、操作部１１において二又に分岐しており、一方は、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の入口部分２４に接続され、他方は、吸引管２６に接続されている。吸引管２６は、操作ボタン１８Ａによって開閉されるバルブ２７を経てコネクタ１３まで延びており、コネクタ１３に設けられている口金２８に接続された接続チューブ２９を介して吸引ポンプ５と接続されている。バルブ２７が開かれることにより、処置具挿通チャンネル２３と吸引管２６とが連通され、血液等の液が、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５の開口から吸引ポンプ５に吸引される。なお、入口部分２４には、開閉弁を有する鉗子栓３０が装着されており、吸引時に入口部分２４の開口が鉗子栓３０によって閉じられることにより、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の内圧は負圧とされる。
The treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is branched into two branches in the operation section 11, one of which is connected to the inlet portion 24 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23, and the other is connected to the suction pipe 26. The suction pipe 26 extends to the connector 13 via a valve 27 opened and closed by an operation button 18A, and is connected to the suction pump 5 via a connection tube 29 connected to a base 28 provided on the connector 13. . When the valve 27 is opened, the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 and the suction tube 26 are communicated with each other, and a liquid such as blood is sucked into the suction pump 5 from the opening of the outlet 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23. In addition, a forceps stopper 30 having an open / close valve is attached to the inlet portion 24, and the internal pressure of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is set to a negative pressure by closing the opening of the inlet portion 24 by the forceps stopper 30 during suction. You.

　図３は、挿入部１０の先端部１４及び湾曲部１５の内部機構を示す。
FIG. 3 shows an internal mechanism of the distal end portion 14 and the bending portion 15 of the insertion section 10.

　内視鏡先端部１４は、撮像部１７（図２参照）等の先端部１４に搭載される各種内蔵物を保持する円柱状の先端硬性部４０と、先端硬性部４０の基端側に固定される円筒状の先端スリーブ４１とを有する。先端硬性部４０には、先端硬性部４０を軸方向に貫通する断面円形状の貫通孔４２が形成されている。処置具挿通チャンネル２３を構成する断面円形状の可撓なチャンネルチューブ４３は先端硬性部４０に接合されている。先端硬性部４０に接合されたチャンネルチューブ４３の内孔と貫通孔４２とが連通し、貫通孔４２は、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５の少なくとも一部を構成する。
The distal end portion 14 of the endoscope is fixed to a cylindrical distal rigid portion 40 holding various built-in objects mounted on the distal portion 14 such as the imaging section 17 (see FIG. 2), and a proximal end side of the distal rigid portion 40. And a cylindrical tip sleeve 41 to be formed. The distal end rigid portion 40 has a through-hole 42 having a circular cross section penetrating the distal end rigid portion 40 in the axial direction. A flexible channel tube 43 having a circular cross section that forms the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is joined to the distal end rigid portion 40. The inner hole of the channel tube 43 joined to the distal end rigid portion 40 communicates with the through hole 42, and the through hole 42 forms at least a part of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23.

　内視鏡湾曲部１５は、複数の環状の駒５０を有し、これらの駒５０は中心軸を揃えて並べられている。複数の駒５０のうち、最も先端部１４側に配置される駒５０は、先端部１４の先端スリーブ４１に固定される。隣り合う二つの駒５０は、湾曲部１５の長手軸に直交する軸線上に配置された一対の軸部材５１によって回動可能に連結されている。隣り合う二つの駒５０の回動が合わさることによって、湾曲部１５は全体として湾曲する。
The endoscope bending portion 15 has a plurality of annular pieces 50, and these pieces 50 are arranged with their central axes aligned. Among the plurality of pieces 50, the piece 50 arranged closest to the distal end portion 14 is fixed to the distal end sleeve 41 of the distal end portion 14. Two adjacent pieces 50 are rotatably connected by a pair of shaft members 51 arranged on an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bending portion 15. When the rotations of the two adjacent pieces 50 are combined, the bending portion 15 is bent as a whole.

　図３に示す例では、隣り合う二つの駒５０の回動軸として、回動軸Ｘと、回動軸Ｘに対して略垂直な回動軸Ｙとが交互に設けられている。湾曲部１５は、隣り合う二つの駒５０の回動軸Ｘまわりの回動に基づく上下方向と、隣り合う二つの駒５０の回動軸Ｙまわりの回動に基づく左右方向との計４方向に湾曲可能である。
In the example shown in FIG. 3, a rotation axis X and a rotation axis Y substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis X are alternately provided as rotation axes of two adjacent pieces 50. The bending portion 15 has a total of four directions: a vertical direction based on the rotation of the two adjacent pieces 50 about the rotation axis X, and a horizontal direction based on the rotation of the two adjacent pieces 50 about the rotation axis Y. It is possible to bend.

　なお、湾曲部１５の上下方向の最大湾曲角度と、湾曲部１５の左右方向の最大湾曲角度とは、同じでもよいし、異なっていてもよい。例えば、回動軸Ｘまわりに回動可能な二つの駒５０の組数を、回動軸Ｙまわりに回動可能な二つの駒５０の組数よりも多くすることによって、上下方向の最大湾曲角度を相対的に大きくできる。
The maximum bending angle of the bending portion 15 in the vertical direction and the maximum bending angle of the bending portion 15 in the horizontal direction may be the same or different. For example, by making the number of sets of two pieces 50 rotatable about the rotation axis X larger than the number of sets of two pieces 50 rotatable about the rotation axis Y, the maximum bending in the vertical direction is increased. The angle can be relatively large.

　また、回動軸Ｘまわりに回動可能な二つの駒５０の組毎の最大回動角度は、同じでもよいし、異なっていてもよく、各組の最大回動角度は二つの駒５０の間隔Ｇｘによって設定できる。同様に、回動軸Ｙまわりに回動可能な二つの駒５０の組毎の最大回動角度は、同じでもよいし、異なっていてもよく、各組の最大回動角度は二つの駒５０の間隔Ｇｙによって設定できる。
Further, the maximum rotation angle of each pair of two pieces 50 rotatable around the rotation axis X may be the same or different, and the maximum rotation angle of each pair is two pieces 50. It can be set by the interval Gx. Similarly, the maximum rotation angle of each pair of two pieces 50 rotatable about the rotation axis Y may be the same or different, and the maximum rotation angle of each set is two pieces 50. Can be set by the interval Gy.

　複数の操作ワイヤ２２（図２参照）として、上下方向の湾曲に対応する一対の操作ワイヤ２２Ａと、左右方向の湾曲に対応する一対の操作ワイヤ２２Ｂとが設けられており、一対の操作ワイヤ２２Ａと、一対の操作ワイヤ２２Ｂとは、複数の駒５０の内側を通って、操作部１１から先端部１４に達し、先端スリーブ４１にそれぞれ固定される。処置具挿通チャンネル２３を形成するチャンネルチューブ４３もまた、複数の駒５０の内側を通って、操作部１１から先端部１４に達し、先端硬性部４０に接合される。
As the plurality of operation wires 22 (see FIG. 2), a pair of operation wires 22A corresponding to the vertical bending and a pair of operation wires 22B corresponding to the horizontal bending are provided. And the pair of operation wires 22 </ b> B pass through the inside of the plurality of pieces 50, reach the distal end portion 14 from the operation section 11, and are fixed to the distal end sleeve 41, respectively. The channel tube 43 forming the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 also passes through the inside of the plurality of pieces 50, reaches the distal end portion 14 from the operation portion 11, and is joined to the distal end rigid portion 40.

　図４は、本発明の実施形態を説明するための、内視鏡補助具の一例を示す。
FIG. 4 shows an example of an endoscope aid for explaining the embodiment of the present invention.

　図４に示す内視鏡補助具１００は、内視鏡２の処置具挿通チャンネル２３に着脱可能に取り付けられる。内視鏡補助具１００は、断面円形状の可撓な管状部材１０１と、管状部材１０１の基端部に連結された口金１０２とを有する。管状部材１０１は、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の入口部分２４の開口を通して処置具挿通チャンネル２３に挿入される。口金１０２は入口部分２４に着脱可能に装着される。
The endoscope auxiliary tool 100 shown in FIG. 4 is detachably attached to the treatment tool insertion channel 23 of the endoscope 2. The endoscope assisting tool 100 has a flexible tubular member 101 having a circular cross section, and a base 102 connected to a base end of the tubular member 101. The tubular member 101 is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 through the opening of the entrance portion 24 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23. The base 102 is detachably attached to the entrance portion 24.

　口金１０２が処置具挿通チャンネル２３の入口部分２４に装着されている状態で、管状部材１０１の先端部１０３は、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５に達している。換言すれば、管状部材１０１は、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５の少なくとも入口側端部から入口部分２４の開口（入口）に及ぶ長さ以上の長さを有する。
The distal end 103 of the tubular member 101 reaches the outlet 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 in a state where the base 102 is attached to the entrance 24 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23. In other words, the tubular member 101 has a length that is equal to or greater than the length that extends from at least the inlet-side end of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 to the opening (entrance) of the inlet portion 24.

　図５～図８を参照して、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５について説明する。
The outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 will be described with reference to FIGS.

　上述したとおり、処置具挿通チャンネル２３を構成するチャンネルチューブ４３は、湾曲部１５に含まれる複数の駒５０の内側を通って挿入部１０の先端部１４に達し、先端部１４の先端硬性部４０に接合されており、チャンネルチューブ４３の内孔は、先端硬性部４０の貫通孔４２に連通している。チャンネルチューブ４３は、湾曲部１５の湾曲に応じて湾曲されるが、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５は、湾曲部１５の湾曲にかかわらず直管状に保たれる部分である。
As described above, the channel tube 43 configuring the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 passes through the inside of the plurality of pieces 50 included in the bending portion 15 and reaches the distal end portion 14 of the insertion portion 10, and the distal end rigid portion 40 of the distal end portion 14 The inner hole of the channel tube 43 communicates with the through hole 42 of the distal end rigid portion 40. Although the channel tube 43 is bent in accordance with the bending of the bending portion 15, the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is a portion that is maintained in a straight tubular shape regardless of the bending of the bending portion 15.

　図５に示す例では、貫通孔４２と同心であり且つ貫通孔４２よりも大径な嵌合穴４４が、先端硬性部４０の基端部に形成されている。チャンネルチューブ４３の先端は、嵌合穴４４に内嵌しており、接着等によって先端硬性部４０に接合されている。貫通孔４２及び嵌合穴４４は、湾曲部１５の湾曲にかかわらず直管状に保たれる。この場合に、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５は、貫通孔４２及び嵌合穴４４によって構成され、出口部分２５の入口側端部２５Ａは、嵌合穴４４によって構成される。
In the example shown in FIG. 5, a fitting hole 44 concentric with the through hole 42 and having a larger diameter than the through hole 42 is formed at the base end of the distal end rigid portion 40. The distal end of the channel tube 43 is fitted in the fitting hole 44 and is joined to the distal end rigid portion 40 by bonding or the like. The through hole 42 and the fitting hole 44 are maintained in a straight tubular shape regardless of the bending of the bending portion 15. In this case, the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is formed by the through hole 42 and the fitting hole 44, and the inlet-side end 25 </ b> A of the outlet portion 25 is formed by the fitting hole 44.

　図６に示す例では、貫通孔４２と同心であり且つ貫通孔４２の内径と同一の内径を有する環状凸部４５が、先端硬性部４０と一体に先端硬性部４０の基端部に形成されている。チャンネルチューブ４３の先端は、環状凸部４５に外嵌している。貫通孔４２及び環状凸部４５は、湾曲部１５の湾曲にかかわらず直管状に保たれる。この場合に、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５は、貫通孔４２及び環状凸部４５によって構成され、出口部分２５の入口側端部２５Ａは、環状凸部４５によって構成される。
In the example shown in FIG. 6, an annular convex portion 45 that is concentric with the through hole 42 and has the same inner diameter as the inner diameter of the through hole 42 is formed at the base end of the distal end rigid portion 40 integrally with the distal end rigid portion 40. ing. The distal end of the channel tube 43 is fitted on the annular convex portion 45. The through hole 42 and the annular convex portion 45 are maintained in a straight tubular shape irrespective of the curvature of the curved portion 15. In this case, the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is configured by the through hole 42 and the annular convex portion 45, and the inlet-side end portion 25 </ b> A of the outlet portion 25 is configured by the annular convex portion 45.

　図７に示す例では、貫通孔４２と同心であり且つ貫通孔４２よりも大径な嵌合穴４４が、先端硬性部４０の基端部に形成されており、先端硬性部４０とは別部材である硬質な接続管４６の先端部４６Ａが嵌合穴４４に内嵌している。そして、チャンネルチューブ４３の先端は、嵌合穴４４から突出している接続管４６の基端部４６Ｂに外嵌している。貫通孔４２及び嵌合穴４４並びに接続管４６は、湾曲部１５の湾曲にかかわらず直管状に保たれる。この場合に、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５は、貫通孔４２及び嵌合穴４４並びに接続管４６によって構成され、出口部分２５の入口側端部２５Ａは、接続管４６の基端部４６Ｂによって構成される。
In the example shown in FIG. 7, a fitting hole 44 concentric with the through hole 42 and having a larger diameter than the through hole 42 is formed at the base end of the distal end rigid portion 40, and is different from the distal end rigid portion 40. The distal end portion 46A of the rigid connection pipe 46, which is a member, is fitted in the fitting hole 44. The distal end of the channel tube 43 is externally fitted to the base end portion 46B of the connection tube 46 protruding from the fitting hole 44. The through-hole 42, the fitting hole 44, and the connecting pipe 46 are maintained in a straight tubular shape regardless of the bending of the bending portion 15. In this case, the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is constituted by the through hole 42, the fitting hole 44, and the connecting pipe 46, and the inlet side end 25 </ b> A of the outlet portion 25 is a base end 46 </ b> B of the connecting pipe 46. It is constituted by.

　図８に示す例では、湾曲部１５に含まれる複数の駒５０（図３参照）のうち最も先端部１４側に配置された隣り合う二つの駒５０の組の最大回動角度が極めて小さく、先端部１４の先端スリーブ４１の内側に配置されているチャンネルチューブ４３の先端部４３Ａは、湾曲部１５の湾曲にかかわらず直管状に保たれる。処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５は、貫通孔４２及び嵌合穴４４並びにチャンネルチューブ４３の先端部４３Ａによって構成され、出口部分２５の入口側端部２５Ａは、チャンネルチューブ４３の先端部４３Ａによって構成される。
In the example shown in FIG. 8, the maximum rotation angle of the pair of two adjacent pieces 50 arranged closest to the distal end portion 14 among the plurality of pieces 50 (see FIG. 3) included in the bending portion 15 is extremely small, The distal end portion 43A of the channel tube 43 disposed inside the distal end sleeve 41 of the distal end portion 14 is maintained in a straight tubular shape regardless of the bending of the bending portion 15. The outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is constituted by the through hole 42 and the fitting hole 44 and the distal end portion 43A of the channel tube 43. The inlet side end portion 25A of the outlet portion 25 is formed by the distal end portion 43A of the channel tube 43. Be composed.

　なお、チャンネルチューブ４３が直管状であるか否かは、チャンネルチューブ４３の長手軸の真直度によって評価でき、評価対象部分の長手軸の真直度がチャンネルチューブ４３の内径の１０％以下である場合に、評価対象部分は直管状であるものとする。また、最大回動角度が極めて小さい二つの駒５０の組が、先端部１４側から連続して複数設けられる場合に、出口部分２５が、先端部１４側に配置される一つ又は複数の駒５０の内側に及ぶ場合もある。
Whether or not the channel tube 43 is a straight tube can be evaluated based on the straightness of the longitudinal axis of the channel tube 43. When the straightness of the longitudinal axis of the portion to be evaluated is 10% or less of the inner diameter of the channel tube 43. In addition, it is assumed that the evaluation target portion is a straight tube. Further, when a plurality of sets of two pieces 50 having extremely small maximum rotation angles are provided continuously from the distal end portion 14 side, the outlet portion 25 is provided with one or a plurality of pieces arranged on the distal end portion 14 side. In some cases, it may extend to the inside of 50.

　管状部材１０１の先端部１０３は、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５の内周面に摺接する外周を有する。断面円形状である管状部材１０１において、先端部１０３の外周面が出口部分２５の内周面に摺接する。出口部分２５の内周面と先端部１０３の外周面とが摺接する場合において、出口部分２５の内径と先端部１０３の外径とは、所謂すきま嵌めの関係（出口部分２５の内径＞先端部１０３の外径）が望ましいが、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の材質が柔軟な場合は、しまり嵌めの関係（出口部分２５の内径＜先端部１０３の外径）としてもよい。管状部材１０１の先端部１０３の外周面と処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５の内周面とが摺接していることにより、出口部分２５における先端部１０３の配置が安定する。湾曲部１５の湾曲にかかわらず直管状に保たれる出口部分２５の内孔の中心軸と、先端部１０３の内孔の中心軸とは互いに平行となり、本例では一致している。
The distal end portion 103 of the tubular member 101 has an outer periphery that is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23. In the tubular member 101 having a circular cross section, the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 103 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion 25. When the inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion 25 and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 103 are in sliding contact with each other, the inner diameter of the outlet portion 25 and the outer diameter of the distal end portion 103 are in a so-called clearance fit relationship (the inner diameter of the outlet portion 25> the distal end portion). (The outer diameter of the distal portion 103) is desirable, but when the material of the treatment tool insertion channel 23 is flexible, the relationship of tight fitting (the inner diameter of the outlet portion 25 <the outer diameter of the distal end portion 103) may be adopted. Since the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 103 of the tubular member 101 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23, the arrangement of the distal end portion 103 at the outlet portion 25 is stabilized. The center axis of the inner hole of the outlet portion 25, which is maintained in a straight tubular shape regardless of the bending of the bending portion 15, and the center axis of the inner hole of the distal end portion 103 are parallel to each other, and coincide with each other in this example.

　以上の内視鏡補助具１００は、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の内径に対してサイズが小さい処置具ＴＩと組み合わせて使用される。処置具ＴＩは、例えば穿刺針、高周波はさみ鉗子、高周波ナイフ、バイポーラ止血鉗子、クリップ、回収ネット等である。まず、内視鏡補助具１００の管状部材１０１が処置具挿通チャンネル２３に挿入され、管状部材１０１の先端部１０３が処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５に配置される。次に、処置具ＴＩが、内視鏡補助具１００の口金１０２の開口を通して管状部材１０１に挿入される。
The above-described endoscope auxiliary tool 100 is used in combination with a treatment tool TI whose size is smaller than the inner diameter of the treatment tool insertion channel 23. The treatment tool TI is, for example, a puncture needle, a high-frequency scissors forceps, a high-frequency knife, a bipolar hemostat, a clip, a recovery net, and the like. First, the tubular member 101 of the endoscope assisting tool 100 is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel 23, and the distal end portion 103 of the tubular member 101 is disposed at the outlet 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23. Next, the treatment tool TI is inserted into the tubular member 101 through the opening of the base 102 of the endoscope assisting tool 100.

　管状部材１０１に挿入された処置具ＴＩは、管状部材１０１によって管状部材１０１の先端部１０３に案内され、先端部１０３の開口を通し、さらに処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５の開口を通して、挿入部１０の先端部１４から突出する。処置具ＴＩは先端部１０３の内孔の中心軸上に突出し、先端部１０３の内孔の中心軸と出口部分２５の内孔の中心軸とが互いに平行であることから、処置具ＴＩは出口部分２５の内孔の中心軸に沿って突出する。これにより、処置具ＴＩの配置が安定する。
The treatment tool TI inserted into the tubular member 101 is guided by the tubular member 101 to the distal end portion 103 of the tubular member 101, passes through the opening of the distal end portion 103, and further passes through the opening of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23. It protrudes from the tip 14 of the part 10. The treatment instrument TI protrudes on the central axis of the inner hole of the distal end portion 103, and since the central axis of the inner hole of the distal end portion 103 and the central axis of the inner hole of the outlet portion 25 are parallel to each other, the treatment instrument TI has an outlet. It projects along the central axis of the bore of the part 25. Thereby, the arrangement of the treatment tool TI is stabilized.

　なお、図５から図８にそれぞれ示した例では、管状部材１０１の先端部１０３が、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５の入口側端部２５Ａに配置されているが、先端部１０３は、例えば出口部分２５の開口に達していてもよく、出口部分２５の開口から突出していてもよい。
In each of the examples shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the distal end portion 103 of the tubular member 101 is disposed at the inlet side end portion 25A of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23. For example, it may reach the opening of the outlet part 25 or may protrude from the opening of the outlet part 25.

　内視鏡湾曲部１５及び軟性部１６（図１参照）に配置される管状部材１０１は全体として可撓である。そして、処置具ＴＩとの接触に起因する管状部材１０１の損傷を抑制する観点から、管状部材１０１の内周面は高硬度であることが望ましい。また、管状部材１０１が処置具挿通チャンネル２３に挿入される際の抵抗を低減する観点から、管状部材１０１の外周面は低摩擦であることが望ましい。
The tubular member 101 disposed on the endoscope bending portion 15 and the flexible portion 16 (see FIG. 1) is flexible as a whole. Then, from the viewpoint of suppressing damage to the tubular member 101 due to contact with the treatment tool TI, it is desirable that the inner peripheral surface of the tubular member 101 has high hardness. In addition, from the viewpoint of reducing the resistance when the tubular member 101 is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel 23, it is desirable that the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 101 has low friction.

　以上の要求に対し、図９に示すように、管状部材１０１は、管状部材１０１の内周面を形成する内層１１０と、内層１１０の外周側に配置される外層１１１とを有し、内層１１０の材料を外層１１１の材料よりも硬質な材料とし、外層１１１の材料を内層１１０の材料よりも柔軟な材料とすることができる。材料の硬度はＪＩＳ－Ｋ７２０２に規定されるロックウェル硬度とし、材料の柔軟性はＪＩＳ－Ｋ７１７１に規定される曲げ弾性率とする。
In response to the above requirements, as shown in FIG. 9, the tubular member 101 has an inner layer 110 forming the inner peripheral surface of the tubular member 101, and an outer layer 111 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner layer 110. Can be made harder than the material of the outer layer 111, and the material of the outer layer 111 can be made more flexible than the material of the inner layer 110. The hardness of the material is Rockwell hardness specified in JIS-K7202, and the flexibility of the material is bending elastic modulus specified in JIS-K7171.

　内層１１０の材料は、例えば非発泡ＰＴＦＥ（ポリテトラフルオロエチレン）、ＰＦＡ（パーフルオロアルコキシアルカン）、ＦＥＰ（パーフルオロエチレンプロペンコポリマー）等のフッ素系樹脂が好適である。外層１１１の材料は、ウレタン、発泡ＰＴＦＥ等が好適である。なお、ウレタンは摩擦係数が比較的高い材料であり、最も外周側に配置される外層１１１の材料にウレタンが用いられる場合に、フッ素系樹脂コーティング等の低摩擦なコーティングが外層１１１の外周に施されてもよい。
The material of the inner layer 110 is preferably a fluorine-based resin such as non-expanded PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane), and FEP (perfluoroethylene propene copolymer). The material of the outer layer 111 is preferably urethane or expanded PTFE. Urethane is a material having a relatively high friction coefficient. When urethane is used as the material of the outer layer 111 disposed on the outermost side, a low friction coating such as a fluororesin coating is applied to the outer periphery of the outer layer 111. May be done.

　なお、外層１１１は一つに限定されず、複数設けられてもよい。外層１１１が複数設けられる場合に、内層１１０の材料は、複数の外層１１１それぞれの材料よりも硬質であり、一つ以上の外層１１１の材料が、内層１１０の材料よりも柔軟であればよい。
The outer layer 111 is not limited to one, and a plurality of outer layers may be provided. When a plurality of outer layers 111 are provided, the material of the inner layer 110 may be harder than the material of each of the plurality of outer layers 111, and the material of one or more outer layers 111 may be more flexible than the material of the inner layer 110.

　また、管状部材１０１は、硬度及び柔軟性が内周面側から外周面側にかけて連続的に変化し、内周面側ほど硬質であり且つ外周面側ほど柔軟となるように形成されてもよい。例えば、ＰＴＦＥからなる管状部材１０１において、内周面側から外周面側にかけてＰＴＦＥの発泡度を次第に高めればよい。
Further, the tubular member 101 may be formed such that hardness and flexibility continuously change from the inner peripheral surface side to the outer peripheral surface side, and the inner peripheral surface side is harder and the outer peripheral surface side is more flexible. . For example, in the tubular member 101 made of PTFE, the degree of foaming of PTFE may be gradually increased from the inner peripheral surface side to the outer peripheral surface side.

　また、比較的長尺な処置具挿通チャンネル２３に挿入される管状部材１０１に対して適度な剛性（曲げ剛性及びねじり剛性）を与える観点から、管状部材１０１は、金属の細線が螺旋状に巻かれてなるバネ、多数の金属の細線が編組されてなるメッシュ等によって補強されてもよい。
In addition, from the viewpoint of providing appropriate rigidity (bending rigidity and torsional rigidity) to the tubular member 101 inserted into the relatively long treatment instrument insertion channel 23, the tubular member 101 is formed by winding a thin metal wire in a spiral shape. It may be reinforced by a spring formed or a mesh formed by braiding a large number of thin metal wires.

　ここまで、管状部材１０１は断面円形状であるものとして説明したが、管状部材１０１の断面形状は円形状に限定されない。図１０に示すように、管状部材１０１は、中心角度θが１８０°以上の断面円弧状に形成されてもよい。中心角度θが１８０°以上であることにより、管状部材１０１の先端部１０３の外周面と、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５の内周面との摺接が保たれ、出口部分２５における先端部１０３の配置が安定する。
So far, the tubular member 101 has been described as having a circular cross section, but the cross sectional shape of the tubular member 101 is not limited to a circular shape. As shown in FIG. 10, the tubular member 101 may be formed in a circular arc shape having a center angle θ of 180 ° or more. When the center angle θ is equal to or greater than 180 °, the sliding contact between the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 103 of the tubular member 101 and the inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is maintained. The arrangement of the portion 103 is stabilized.

　図１１は、本発明の実施形態を説明するための、内視鏡補助具の他の例を示す。
FIG. 11 shows another example of the endoscope aid for explaining the embodiment of the present invention.

　図１１に示す内視鏡補助具２００は、内視鏡２の処置具挿通チャンネル２３（図２参照）に着脱可能に取り付けられる。内視鏡補助具２００は、断面円形状の可撓な管状部材２０１と、管状部材２０１の基端部に連結された口金２０２とを有する。管状部材２０１は、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５の少なくとも入口側端部から入口部分２４の開口に及ぶ長さ以上の長さを有する。口金２０２が入口部分２４に装着されている状態で、管状部材２０１の先端部２０３は出口部分２５に達し、先端部２０３の外周面は出口部分２５の内周面に摺接している。
The endoscope auxiliary tool 200 shown in FIG. 11 is detachably attached to the treatment tool insertion channel 23 (see FIG. 2) of the endoscope 2. The endoscope assisting device 200 includes a flexible tubular member 201 having a circular cross section, and a base 202 connected to a base end of the tubular member 201. The tubular member 201 has a length that is equal to or longer than at least the length extending from at least the inlet end of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 to the opening of the inlet portion 24. With the base 202 attached to the inlet portion 24, the distal end portion 203 of the tubular member 201 reaches the outlet portion 25, and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 203 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion 25.

　そして、管状部材２０１は、湾曲部１５に配置される中間部２０４を有し、中間部２０４の可撓性は、中間部２０４を除いた管状部材２０１の他の部分の可撓性よりも高められている。これにより、湾曲部１５の湾曲における管状部材２０１の剛性の影響を軽減できる。管状部材２０１の各部の可撓性は、例えば三点曲げの反力を測定することによって評価される。具体的には、まず管状部材２０１の各部を一定長さ（例えば２００ｍｍ）切り出し、一定距離（例えば１５０ｍｍ）離して配置した２つの円筒形状をした支持体の上に配置する。次に、支持体の中間位置に配置した測定子を管状部材の鉛直上方から一定速度で下降させ、管状部材２０１を変形させる。この時の反力を測定する。測定される反力が小さいほど可撓性が高いと言える。
The tubular member 201 has an intermediate portion 204 disposed on the curved portion 15, and the flexibility of the intermediate portion 204 is higher than the flexibility of other portions of the tubular member 201 excluding the intermediate portion 204. Has been. Thereby, the influence of the rigidity of the tubular member 201 on the bending of the bending portion 15 can be reduced. The flexibility of each part of the tubular member 201 is evaluated, for example, by measuring the reaction force of three-point bending. Specifically, first, each part of the tubular member 201 is cut out by a fixed length (for example, 200 mm), and is placed on two cylindrical supports arranged at a fixed distance (for example, 150 mm). Next, the tracing stylus disposed at the intermediate position of the support is lowered at a constant speed from vertically above the tubular member to deform the tubular member 201. The reaction force at this time is measured. It can be said that the smaller the measured reaction force, the higher the flexibility.

　中間部２０４は、少なくとも湾曲部１５の一部に配置されていればよいが、好ましくは湾曲部１５の全長にわたって配置され、より好ましくは、湾曲部１５を越えて挿入部１０の軟性部１６の一部又は全部にわたって配置される。可撓性の高い中間部２０４が軟性部１６にも及ぶことにより、軟性部１６の撓みにおける管状部材２０１の剛性の影響を軽減できる。
The intermediate portion 204 only needs to be disposed at least in a part of the bending portion 15, but is preferably disposed over the entire length of the bending portion 15, and more preferably, the flexible portion 16 of the insertion portion 10 beyond the bending portion 15. It is arranged over part or all. Since the flexible intermediate portion 204 extends to the flexible portion 16, the influence of the rigidity of the tubular member 201 on the flexure of the flexible portion 16 can be reduced.

　中間部２０４は、周の一部にわたって延びる切欠き２１０を、中間部２０４の軸方向における複数箇所に有する。図１２に示す例では、切欠き２１０として、中間部２０４の長手軸を上下方向に挟む一対の切欠き２１０Ｘと、中間部２０４の長手軸を左右方向に挟む一対の切欠き２１０Ｙとが、中間部２０４の軸方向に適宜な間隔をあけて交互に設けられている。これら一対の切欠き２１０Ｘ及び一対の切欠き２１０Ｙによって中間部２０４の可撓性が高められている。そして、一対の切欠き２１０Ｘと、一対の切欠き２１０Ｙとが交互に設けられることにより、上下方向と左右方向とで略等しく可撓性が高められている。
The intermediate portion 204 has notches 210 extending over a part of the circumference at a plurality of locations in the axial direction of the intermediate portion 204. In the example shown in FIG. 12, as the notch 210, a pair of notches 210X sandwiching the longitudinal axis of the intermediate portion 204 in the up-down direction and a pair of notches 210Y sandwiching the longitudinal axis of the intermediate portion 204 in the left-right direction are formed as intermediate portions. The portions 204 are provided alternately at appropriate intervals in the axial direction. The flexibility of the intermediate portion 204 is enhanced by the pair of notches 210X and the pair of notches 210Y. The pair of cutouts 210X and the pair of cutouts 210Y are alternately provided, so that the flexibility is increased substantially equally in the up-down direction and the left-right direction.

　なお、上述したとおり、湾曲部１５の上下方向の最大湾曲角度と、湾曲部１５の左右方向の最大湾曲角度とは異なっていてもよく、例えば、上下方向の最大湾曲角度が相対的に大きい場合に、中間部２０４の上下方向の可撓性を高める一対の切欠き２１０Ｘが相対的に多く設けられ、又は一対の切欠き２１０Ｘだけが設けられてもよい。
As described above, the maximum bending angle of the bending portion 15 in the vertical direction may be different from the maximum bending angle of the bending portion 15 in the horizontal direction. For example, when the maximum bending angle in the vertical direction is relatively large. In addition, a relatively large number of notches 210X that increase the flexibility of the intermediate portion 204 in the vertical direction may be provided, or only a pair of notches 210X may be provided.

　挿入部１０の湾曲部１５の上下方向の最大湾曲角度が相対的に大きく、中間部２０４の上下方向の可撓性が相対的に高い場合に、湾曲部１５の上下方向と中間部２０４の上下方向とを一致させるための指標が、内視鏡２及び内視鏡補助具２００に設けられてもよい。指標は、例えば図形、記号等であり、例えば処置具挿通チャンネル２３の入口部分２４の外周及び内視鏡補助具２００の口金２０２の外周に印刷、刻印等によって形成される。
When the maximum bending angle in the vertical direction of the bending portion 15 of the insertion portion 10 is relatively large and the flexibility in the vertical direction of the intermediate portion 204 is relatively high, the vertical direction of the bending portion 15 and the vertical Indices for matching the directions may be provided on the endoscope 2 and the endoscope assisting device 200. The index is, for example, a figure, a symbol, or the like, and is formed, for example, by printing, engraving, or the like on the outer periphery of the entrance portion 24 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 and the outer periphery of the base 202 of the endoscope auxiliary tool 200.

　切欠き２１０は、中間部２０４の外周から内周にわたって中間部２０４を貫通して設けられてもよいし、中間部２０４の内周に設けられてもよいが、好ましくは、図１１に示すように、中間部２０４の外周に設けられる。切欠き２１０が中間部２０４の外周に設けられる場合に、切欠きに起因する凹部が中間部２０４の内周に形成されず、中間部２０４の内周面が平滑となる。これにより、処置具を管状部材２０１の先端部２０３まで円滑に挿入できる。
The notch 210 may be provided through the intermediate portion 204 from the outer periphery to the inner periphery of the intermediate portion 204, or may be provided on the inner periphery of the intermediate portion 204, but preferably, as shown in FIG. In addition, it is provided on the outer periphery of the intermediate portion 204. When the notch 210 is provided on the outer periphery of the intermediate portion 204, a concave portion caused by the notch is not formed on the inner periphery of the intermediate portion 204, and the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate portion 204 becomes smooth. Thereby, the treatment tool can be smoothly inserted to the distal end portion 203 of the tubular member 201.

　中間部２０４の可撓性を高めるための構成は、周の一部にわたって延びる切欠き２１０に限定されない。
The configuration for increasing the flexibility of the intermediate portion 204 is not limited to the notch 210 extending over a part of the circumference.

　図１２に示す例では、中間部２０４は、螺旋溝２１１を有し、蛇腹状に形成されている。なお、中間部２０４は、螺旋溝２１１に替えて、複数の環状溝を有し、蛇腹状に形成されてもよい。螺旋溝２１１又は複数の環状溝は、中間部２０４の内周に設けられてもよいが、好ましくは、図１２に示すように、中間部２０４の外周に設けられる。これにより、処置具を管状部材２０１の先端部２０３まで円滑に挿入できる。
In the example shown in FIG. 12, the intermediate portion 204 has a spiral groove 211 and is formed in a bellows shape. The intermediate portion 204 may have a plurality of annular grooves instead of the spiral grooves 211, and may be formed in a bellows shape. The spiral groove 211 or the plurality of annular grooves may be provided on the inner periphery of the intermediate portion 204, but is preferably provided on the outer periphery of the intermediate portion 204 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the treatment tool can be smoothly inserted to the distal end portion 203 of the tubular member 201.

　図１３に示す例では、中間部２０４は、中間部２０４を除いた管状部材２０１の他の部分よりも肉薄に形成されている。なお、中間部２０４の内径が他の部分の内径よりも大きくされることによって中間部２０４が相対的に肉薄に形成され、管状部材２０１の外径が一定とされてもよいが、好ましくは、図１３に示すように、中間部２０４の外径が他の部分の外径よりも小さくされることによって中間部２０４が相対的に肉薄に形成され、管状部材２０１の内径が一定とされる。これにより、管状部材２０１が処置具挿通チャンネル２３に挿入される際の抵抗を軽減できる。また、処置具を管状部材２０１の先端部２０３まで円滑に挿入できる。
In the example shown in FIG. 13, the intermediate portion 204 is formed to be thinner than other portions of the tubular member 201 excluding the intermediate portion 204. Note that the intermediate portion 204 may be formed relatively thin by making the inner diameter of the intermediate portion 204 larger than the inner diameters of the other portions, and the outer diameter of the tubular member 201 may be constant. As shown in FIG. 13, by making the outer diameter of the intermediate portion 204 smaller than the outer diameters of the other portions, the intermediate portion 204 is formed relatively thin, and the inner diameter of the tubular member 201 is kept constant. Thereby, resistance when the tubular member 201 is inserted into the treatment tool insertion channel 23 can be reduced. Further, the treatment tool can be smoothly inserted to the distal end portion 203 of the tubular member 201.

　また、中間部２０４の可撓性を高めるための他の構成として、中間部２０４の材料が、中間部２０４を除いた管状部材２０１の他の部分の材料と異なる材料を含み、この異なる材料が、他の部分の材料よりも高い柔軟性を有してもよい。例えば、ＰＴＦＥからなる管状部材２０１においてＰＴＦＥの発泡度を局所的に変え、中間部２０４では発泡ＰＴＦＥとし、他の部分では非発泡ＰＴＦＥとすればよい。
Further, as another configuration for increasing the flexibility of the intermediate portion 204, the material of the intermediate portion 204 includes a material different from the material of other portions of the tubular member 201 excluding the intermediate portion 204, and this different material is used. , May have higher flexibility than other parts of the material. For example, in the tubular member 201 made of PTFE, the degree of foaming of PTFE may be locally changed, the intermediate portion 204 may be made of expanded PTFE, and the other portions may be made of non-expanded PTFE.

　中間部２０４の可撓性を高めるための上記構成は、管状部材２０１の断面形状が円形状である場合に限定されず、図１０に示したように、中心角度が１８０°以上の断面円弧状である場合にも適用可能である。
The above configuration for enhancing the flexibility of the intermediate portion 204 is not limited to the case where the cross-sectional shape of the tubular member 201 is circular, and as shown in FIG. Is also applicable.

　図１４は、本発明の実施形態を説明するための、内視鏡補助具の他の例を示す。
FIG. 14 shows another example of the endoscope aid for explaining the embodiment of the present invention.

　図１４に示す内視鏡補助具３００は、内視鏡２の処置具挿通チャンネル２３に着脱可能に取り付けられる。内視鏡補助具３００は、断面円形状の可撓な管状部材３０１と、管状部材３０１の基端部に連結された口金とを有する。管状部材３０１は、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５の少なくとも入口側端部から入口部分２４の開口に及ぶ長さ以上の長さを有する。上記口金が入口部分２４に装着されている状態で、管状部材３０１の先端部３０３は出口部分２５に達し、先端部３０３の外周面は出口部分２５の内周面に摺接している。
The endoscope auxiliary tool 300 shown in FIG. 14 is detachably attached to the treatment tool insertion channel 23 of the endoscope 2. The endoscope assisting tool 300 has a flexible tubular member 301 having a circular cross section, and a base connected to a base end of the tubular member 301. The tubular member 301 has a length that is equal to or greater than a length that extends from at least the inlet-side end of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 to the opening of the inlet portion 24. In a state where the base is attached to the inlet portion 24, the distal end portion 303 of the tubular member 301 reaches the outlet portion 25, and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 303 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion 25.

　処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５の内孔の中心軸Ｃ１と、管状部材３０１の先端部３０３の内孔の中心軸Ｃ２とは互いに平行であるが、中心軸Ｃ２は中心軸Ｃ１に対して偏心している。この場合に、処置具が管状部材３０１に挿通されている状態で、管状部材３０１が長手軸まわりに回転されることにより、出口部分２５における処置具の配置を、中心軸Ｃ１を中心とする円周上において変更できる。
The central axis C1 of the inner hole of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 and the central axis C2 of the inner hole of the distal end portion 303 of the tubular member 301 are parallel to each other, but the central axis C2 is relative to the central axis C1. Eccentric. In this case, the tubular member 301 is rotated around the longitudinal axis in a state where the treatment tool is inserted through the tubular member 301, and thereby the arrangement of the treatment tool at the outlet portion 25 is changed to a circle centered on the central axis C1. Can be changed on the circumference.

　図１４に示す例では、管状部材３０１の内孔の中心軸Ｃ２が、管状部材３０１の長手軸Ｃ３に対して偏心しているが、図１５及び図１６に示す例では、中心軸Ｃ２と長手軸Ｃ３とが一致している。この場合に、管状部材３０１の外周面と、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の内周面との間に隙間が生じるが、この隙間を埋める凸部３１０が、管状部材３０１の先端部３０３の外周面に設けられている。凸部３１０は、管状部材３０１の軸方向に延びる柱状に形成されている。凸部３１０を含む先端部３０３の断面形状は円形状を呈し、凸部３１０を含む先端部３０３の外周面が、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５の内周面に摺接している。
In the example shown in FIG. 14, the central axis C2 of the inner hole of the tubular member 301 is eccentric with respect to the longitudinal axis C3 of the tubular member 301. However, in the examples shown in FIGS. C3 matches. In this case, a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 301 and the inner peripheral surface of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23, and the convex portion 310 filling the gap is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 303 of the tubular member 301. Is provided. The protrusion 310 is formed in a columnar shape extending in the axial direction of the tubular member 301. The cross-sectional shape of the distal end portion 303 including the convex portion 310 has a circular shape, and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 303 including the convex portion 310 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23.

　図１５及び図１６に示す例では、凸部３１０には、凸部３１０を軸方向に貫通する吸引孔３１１が形成されている。管状部材３０１が処置具挿通チャンネル２３に挿入されており、突起部３１０を含む先端部３０３の外周面が、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の出口部分２５の内周面に摺接している場合にも、吸引孔３１１を介して処置具挿通チャンネル２３が外部に通じる。これにより、吸引ポンプ５（図２参照）を用いた吸引が可能となる。
In the example shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the convex portion 310 is formed with a suction hole 311 penetrating the convex portion 310 in the axial direction. Even when the tubular member 301 is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 303 including the projection 310 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion 25 of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23, The treatment instrument insertion channel 23 communicates with the outside via the suction hole 311. This enables suction using the suction pump 5 (see FIG. 2).

　なお、図１７及び図１８に示すように、管状部材３０１の軸方向に延びる柱状の凸部３１０に替えて、突起状の複数の凸部３２０が先端部３０３の外周面に設けられてもよい。図１７及び図１８に示す例では、突起状の凸部３２０が、先端部３０３の軸方向における複数箇所に設けられており、管状部材３０１の外周面と、処置具挿通チャンネル２３の内周面との間に生じる隙間は、これらの凸部３２０によって部分的に埋められている。凸部３２０の周囲に残る隙間を介して、処置具挿通チャンネル２３が外部に通じ、吸引ポンプ５（図２参照）を用いた吸引が可能である。
Note that, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a plurality of protrusion-like protrusions 320 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 303 instead of the columnar protrusions 310 extending in the axial direction of the tubular member 301. . In the example shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the protruding convex portions 320 are provided at a plurality of positions in the axial direction of the distal end portion 303, and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 301 and the inner peripheral surface of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23. Is partially filled with these projections 320. The treatment instrument insertion channel 23 communicates with the outside through a gap remaining around the convex portion 320, and suction using the suction pump 5 (see FIG. 2) is possible.

　以上説明したとおり、本明細書に開示された内視鏡補助具は、内視鏡の処置具挿通チャンネルに着脱可能に取り付けられる内視鏡補助具であって、内視鏡湾曲部の湾曲にかかわらず直管状に保たれる上記処置具挿通チャンネルの出口部分の少なくとも入口側端部から上記処置具挿通チャンネルの入口に及ぶ長さ以上の長さを有する可撓な管状部材を備え、上記管状部材は、上記処置具挿通チャンネルの上記出口部分に配置される先端部を有し、上記先端部は、上記処置具挿通チャンネルの上記出口部分の内周面に摺接する外周を有する。
As described above, the endoscope assisting tool disclosed in the present specification is an endoscope assisting instrument that is detachably attached to the treatment instrument insertion channel of the endoscope, and is adapted to bend the endoscope bending portion. A flexible tubular member having a length that extends from at least the inlet-side end of the outlet portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel, which is maintained in a straight tubular shape, to the entrance of the treatment instrument insertion channel, The member has a distal end disposed at the outlet portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel, and the distal end has an outer periphery that is in sliding contact with an inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel.

　また、本明細書に開示された内視鏡補助具は、上記管状部材が、少なくとも上記内視鏡湾曲部に配置される中間部を有し、上記中間部は、この中間部を除いた上記管状部材の他の部分よりも可撓性が高い。
Further, the endoscope assisting tool disclosed in the present specification, the tubular member has at least an intermediate portion disposed in the endoscope bending portion, and the intermediate portion is the same except for the intermediate portion. It is more flexible than the rest of the tubular member.

　また、本明細書に開示された内視鏡補助具は、上記中間部が、周の一部にわたって延びる切欠きを、この中間部の軸方向における複数箇所に有する。
Further, in the endoscope assisting tool disclosed in the present specification, the intermediate portion has notches extending over a part of the circumference at a plurality of positions in the axial direction of the intermediate portion.

　また、本明細書に開示された内視鏡補助具は、上記切欠きが、上記中間部の外周に設けられている。
In the endoscope assisting tool disclosed in the present specification, the notch is provided on the outer periphery of the intermediate portion.

　また、本明細書に開示された内視鏡補助具は、上記中間部が、螺旋溝又は複数の環状溝を有する蛇腹状に形成されている。
In the endoscope assisting tool disclosed in this specification, the intermediate portion is formed in a bellows shape having a spiral groove or a plurality of annular grooves.

　また、本明細書に開示された内視鏡補助具は、上記螺旋溝又は上記複数の環状溝が、上記中間部の外周に設けられている。
In the endoscope assisting tool disclosed in the present specification, the spiral groove or the plurality of annular grooves is provided on an outer periphery of the intermediate portion.

　また、本明細書に開示された内視鏡補助具は、上記中間部が、この中間部を除いた上記管状部材の他の部分よりも肉薄に形成されている。
Further, in the endoscope assisting tool disclosed in this specification, the intermediate portion is formed to be thinner than other portions of the tubular member excluding the intermediate portion.

　また、本明細書に開示された内視鏡補助具は、上記中間部の外径が、この中間部を除いた上記管状部材の他の部分よりも小さく、上記管状部材の内径は一定である。
Further, in the endoscope assisting tool disclosed in the present specification, the outer diameter of the intermediate portion is smaller than other portions of the tubular member excluding the intermediate portion, and the inner diameter of the tubular member is constant. .

　また、本明細書に開示された内視鏡補助具は、上記中間部の材料が、この中間部を除いた上記管状部材の他の部分の材料と異なる材料を含み、上記異なる材料は、上記他の部分の材料よりも柔軟性が高い。
Further, in the endoscope assisting tool disclosed in the present specification, the material of the intermediate portion includes a material different from the material of the other portion of the tubular member excluding the intermediate portion, and the different material is More flexible than other parts of the material.

　また、本明細書に開示された内視鏡補助具は、上記管状部材が、この管状部材の内周面を形成する内層と、上記内層の外周側に配置される一つ又は複数の外層と、を有し、上記内層の材料は、上記外層の材料よりも硬質であり、一つ以上の上記外層の材料は、上記内層の材料よりも柔軟である。
Further, the endoscope assisting tool disclosed in the present specification, the tubular member, an inner layer forming the inner peripheral surface of the tubular member, and one or more outer layers disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner layer Wherein the material of the inner layer is harder than the material of the outer layer, and one or more of the materials of the outer layer is more flexible than the material of the inner layer.

　また、本明細書に開示された内視鏡補助具は、上記管状部材が、この管状部材の内周面側ほど硬質であり且つ外周面側ほど柔軟である。
Further, in the endoscope assisting tool disclosed in this specification, the tubular member is harder on the inner peripheral surface side of the tubular member and is more flexible on the outer peripheral surface side.

　また、本明細書に開示された内視鏡補助具は、上記管状部材の上記先端部の内孔の中心軸が、上記処置具挿通チャンネルの上記出口部分の内孔の中心軸に対して偏心している。
Further, in the endoscope assisting tool disclosed in the present specification, the central axis of the inner hole of the distal end portion of the tubular member is deviated from the central axis of the inner hole of the outlet portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel. I have a heart.

　また、本明細書に開示された内視鏡は、上記内視鏡補助具を取り付け可能な処置具挿通チャンネルを備える。
In addition, the endoscope disclosed in the present specification includes a treatment tool insertion channel to which the endoscope auxiliary tool can be attached.

１　内視鏡システム

２　内視鏡

３　光源装置

４　プロセッサユニット

５　吸引ポンプ

６　モニタ

１０　挿入部

１１　操作部

１２　ユニバーサルコード

１３　コネクタ

１４　挿入部の先端部

１５　内視鏡湾曲部

１６　挿入部の軟性部

１７　撮像部

１８Ａ、１８Ｃ　操作ボタン

１８Ｂ　操作ノブ

２０　ライトガイド

２１　電気ケーブル

２２，２２Ａ，２２Ｂ　操作ワイヤ

２３　処置具挿通チャンネル

２４　処置具挿通チャンネルの入口部分

２５　処置具挿通チャンネルの出口部分

２５Ａ　処置具挿通チャンネルの出口部分の入口側端部

２６　吸引管

２７　バルブ

２８、１０２、２０２　口金

２９　接続チューブ

３０　鉗子栓

４０　先端硬性部

４１　先端スリーブ

４２　貫通孔

４３　チャンネルチューブ

４３Ａ　チャンネルチューブの先端部

４４　嵌合穴

４５　環状凸部

４６　接続管

４６Ａ　接続管の先端部

４６Ｂ　接続管の基端部

５０　駒

５１　軸部材

１００、２００、３００　内視鏡補助具

１０１、２０１、３０１　管状部材

１０３、２０３、３０３　管状部材の先端部

１１０、１１１　管状部材の内層

２０４　管状部材の中間部

２１１　螺旋溝

３１０　突起部

３１０、３２０　凸部

３１１　吸引孔

Ｃ１、Ｃ２　中心軸

Ｃ３　長手軸

Ｇｘ、Ｇｙ　間隔

ＴＩ　処置具

Ｘ、Ｙ　回動軸

θ　中心角度
1 Endoscope system

2 Endoscope

3 Light source device

4 Processor unit

5 Suction pump

6 Monitor

10 Insertion section

11 Operation unit

12 Universal code

13 Connector

14 Tip of insertion part

15 Endoscope bending section

16 Flexible part of insertion part

17 Imaging unit

18A, 18C operation buttons

18B operation knob

20 Light Guide

21 Electric cable

22, 22A, 22B Operation wire

23 Treatment instrument insertion channel

24 Entrance of treatment instrument insertion channel

25 Exit of treatment instrument insertion channel

25A Inlet end of outlet of treatment instrument insertion channel

26 Suction tube

27 valve

28, 102, 202 base

29 Connecting tube

30 forceps stopper

40 Tip hard part

41 Tip Sleeve

42 Through hole

43 channel tube

43A Channel tube tip

44 Mating hole

45 annular projection

46 Connecting pipe

46A Tip of connecting pipe

46B Base end of connecting pipe

50 pieces

51 Shaft member

100, 200, 300 Endoscope aid

101, 201, 301 tubular member

103, 203, 303 Tip of tubular member

110, 111 Inner layer of tubular member

204 Middle part of tubular member

211 spiral groove

310 Projection

310, 320 convex

311 Suction hole

C1, C2 center axis

C3 longitudinal axis

Gx, Gy interval

TI treatment tool

X, Y rotation axis

θ center angle

Claims (13)


  1. 　内視鏡の処置具挿通チャンネルに着脱可能に取り付けられる内視鏡補助具であって、

    　内視鏡湾曲部の湾曲にかかわらず直管状に保たれる前記処置具挿通チャンネルの出口部分の少なくとも入口側端部から前記処置具挿通チャンネルの入口に及ぶ長さ以上の長さを有する可撓な管状部材を備え、

    　前記管状部材は、前記処置具挿通チャンネルの前記出口部分に配置される先端部を有し、

    　前記先端部は、前記処置具挿通チャンネルの前記出口部分の内周面に摺接する外周を有する内視鏡補助具。
    An endoscope auxiliary tool detachably attached to the treatment tool insertion channel of the endoscope,

    Flexible having a length equal to or longer than the length extending from at least the entrance side end of the outlet portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel to the entrance of the treatment instrument insertion channel, which is maintained in a straight tubular shape regardless of the bending of the endoscope bending portion. With a flexible tubular member,

    The tubular member has a distal end disposed at the outlet portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel,

    The endoscope assisting tool having an outer periphery in which the distal end portion slides on an inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel.

  2. 　請求項１記載の内視鏡補助具であって、

    　前記管状部材は、少なくとも前記内視鏡湾曲部に配置される中間部を有し、

    　前記中間部は、当該中間部を除いた前記管状部材の他の部分よりも可撓性が高い内視鏡補助具。
    The endoscope aid according to claim 1,

    The tubular member has an intermediate portion disposed at least in the endoscope bending portion,

    The endoscope assisting device having a higher flexibility than the other portion of the tubular member except the intermediate portion.

  3. 　請求項２記載の内視鏡補助具であって、

    　前記中間部は、周の一部にわたって延びる切欠きを、当該中間部の軸方向における複数箇所に有する内視鏡補助具。
    The endoscope assisting device according to claim 2,

    The endoscope assisting tool having the notch extending at a plurality of positions in the axial direction of the middle portion, the notch extending over a part of the circumference.

  4. 　請求項３記載の内視鏡補助具であって、

    　前記切欠きは、前記中間部の外周に設けられている内視鏡補助具。
    The endoscope assisting device according to claim 3,

    The endoscope assisting tool is provided on the outer periphery of the intermediate portion.

  5. 　請求項２記載の内視鏡補助具であって、

    　前記中間部は、螺旋溝又は複数の環状溝を有する蛇腹状に形成されている内視鏡補助具。
    The endoscope assisting device according to claim 2,

    The endoscope assisting tool, wherein the intermediate portion is formed in a bellows shape having a spiral groove or a plurality of annular grooves.

  6. 　請求項５記載の内視鏡補助具であって、

    　前記螺旋溝又は前記複数の環状溝は、前記中間部の外周に設けられている内視鏡補助具。
    The endoscope aid according to claim 5,

    The endoscope assisting tool provided on the outer periphery of the intermediate portion, wherein the spiral groove or the plurality of annular grooves is provided.

  7. 　請求項２記載の内視鏡補助具であって、

    　前記中間部は、当該中間部を除いた前記管状部材の他の部分よりも肉薄に形成されている内視鏡補助具。
    The endoscope assisting device according to claim 2,

    The endoscope assisting tool, wherein the intermediate portion is formed to be thinner than other portions of the tubular member excluding the intermediate portion.

  8. 　請求項７記載の内視鏡補助具であって、

    　前記中間部の外径は、当該中間部を除いた前記管状部材の他の部分よりも小さく、

    　前記管状部材の内径は一定である内視鏡補助具。
    An endoscope assisting device according to claim 7,

    The outer diameter of the intermediate portion is smaller than other portions of the tubular member excluding the intermediate portion,

    An endoscope auxiliary tool wherein the inner diameter of the tubular member is constant.

  9. 　請求項２記載の内視鏡補助具であって、

    　前記中間部の材料は、当該中間部を除いた前記管状部材の他の部分の材料と異なる材料

    を含み、

    　前記異なる材料は、前記他の部分の材料よりも柔軟性が高い内視鏡補助具。
    The endoscope assisting device according to claim 2,

    The material of the intermediate portion is different from the material of other portions of the tubular member except the intermediate portion.

    Including

    The endoscope assisting device in which the different material has higher flexibility than the material of the other portion.

  10. 　請求項１から９のいずれか一項記載の内視鏡補助具であって、

    　前記管状部材は、当該管状部材の内周面を形成する内層と、前記内層の外周側に配置される一つ又は複数の外層と、を有し、

    　前記内層の材料は、前記外層の材料よりも硬質であり、

    　一つ以上の前記外層の材料は、前記内層の材料よりも柔軟である内視鏡補助具。
    The endoscope assisting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 9,

    The tubular member has an inner layer forming an inner peripheral surface of the tubular member, and one or more outer layers disposed on an outer peripheral side of the inner layer,

    The material of the inner layer is harder than the material of the outer layer,

    An endoscope aid wherein one or more of the outer layer materials is more flexible than the inner layer material.

  11. 　請求項１から９のいずれか一項記載の内視鏡補助具であって、

    　前記管状部材は、当該管状部材の内周面側ほど硬質であり且つ外周面側ほど柔軟である内視鏡補助具。
    The endoscope assisting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 9,

    The endoscope assisting tool, wherein the tubular member is harder on the inner peripheral surface side of the tubular member and is more flexible on the outer peripheral surface side.

  12. 　請求項１から１１のいずれか一項記載の内視鏡補助具であって、

    　前記管状部材の前記先端部の内孔の中心軸は、前記処置具挿通チャンネルの前記出口部分の内孔の中心軸に対して偏心している内視鏡補助具。
    The endoscope aid according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

    An endoscope auxiliary tool wherein a central axis of an inner hole of the distal end portion of the tubular member is eccentric with respect to a central axis of an inner hole of the outlet portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel.

  13. 　請求項１から１２のいずれか一項記載の内視鏡補助具を取り付け可能な処置具挿通チャンネルを備える内視鏡。
    An endoscope comprising a treatment tool insertion channel to which the endoscope auxiliary tool according to claim 1 can be attached.
PCT/JP2019/023786 2018-07-09 2019-06-17 Endoscope adapter and endoscope WO2020012873A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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JP2018130283A JP2021166567A (en) 2018-07-09 2018-07-09 Endoscopic auxiliary tool and endoscope
JP2018-130283 2018-07-09

Publications (1)

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH06304131A (en) * 1993-04-23 1994-11-01 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Endoscope
JP2001231746A (en) * 2000-02-22 2001-08-28 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Implement insertion channel protector for endoscope

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH06304131A (en) * 1993-04-23 1994-11-01 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Endoscope
JP2001231746A (en) * 2000-02-22 2001-08-28 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Implement insertion channel protector for endoscope

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