JP2016055103A - Hood for endoscope and endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hood for endoscopes and endoscope system capable of reliably fixing a base end of a balloon for the endoscope provided at an insertion section of the endoscope, and allowing favorable endoscopic observation without any vignetting.SOLUTION: A hood 200 for endoscopes to be mounted on a distal end 44 of an insertion section 12 of an endoscope for fixing a base end 60A of a first balloon 60 provided on the insertion section 12, includes: a hood part 206 protruding from a distal surface 45 of the distal end 44 of the insertion section 12; and a cylindrical stationary part 208 provided at a base end side of the hood part 206 and mounted on the distal end 44 of the insertion section 12. The hood part 206 and the stationary part 208 are formed of an elastic material. The outer peripheral wall of the stationary part 208 has a fixed thickness along the axial direction and the stationary part 208 has an enlarged diameter part 210, the inside diameter of which is enlarged toward the hood part 206 side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope hood and an endoscope system that are attached to a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope.

  When inserting the insertion part of the endoscope into the deep digestive tract such as the small intestine, simply pushing the insertion part makes it difficult for force to be transmitted to the distal end of the insertion part due to the complicated bending of the intestinal tract. Have difficulty. For example, if excessive bending or bending occurs in the insertion portion, the insertion portion cannot be inserted further deeper. Therefore, a method has been proposed in which an insertion aid is put on the insertion portion of the endoscope and inserted into the body cavity, and the insertion portion is guided by this insertion aid to prevent excessive bending or bending of the insertion portion. Yes.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a double balloon type in which a first balloon is provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope and a second balloon is provided at a distal end portion of an insertion assisting tool (also referred to as an overtube or a sliding tube). An endoscopic device is described. In this endoscope apparatus, the insertion portion and the insertion aid can be fixed to the digestive tract by inflating the first balloon and the second balloon. Therefore, the insertion portion can be easily inserted into the deep portion of the digestive tract by alternately inserting the insertion portion of the endoscope and the insertion aid while repeatedly expanding and contracting the first balloon and the second balloon. .

  Endoscope balloons used in such applications are generally formed into a cylindrical shape with thin silicon rubber or latex, and after covering the insertion portion of the endoscope, for example, cylindrical rubber bands at both ends thereof Is fixed in the vicinity of the distal end of the insertion portion.

  In addition to the endoscope balloon described above, an endoscope hood may be attached to the insertion portion of the endoscope. The endoscope hood is used for the purpose of keeping the observation distance between the observation target and the endoscope distal end constant or suppressing the movement of the observation target due to the pulsation of the organ. Endoscope hoods used in such applications are generally formed in a cylindrical shape, are fitted on the distal end of the insertion portion, and are mounted with a predetermined length protruding from the distal end surface of the distal end. .

  However, when both the endoscope hood and the endoscope balloon are attached to the distal end portion of the insertion portion, the band for fixing the endoscope balloon and the endoscope hood overlap. There is a problem that the outer diameter becomes large and a problem that the fixing of the endoscope hood or the endoscope balloon becomes insufficient. Furthermore, since the endoscope hood and the band interfere with each other, there is a problem that it is difficult to attach the endoscope hood and the endoscope balloon.

  On the other hand, in the endoscope apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the distal end portion of the endoscope balloon can be fixed by the proximal end portion of the endoscope hood. According to this configuration, an endoscope balloon fixture (for example, a band) is not required, and the number of parts can be reduced. In addition, the attachment operation of the endoscope balloon and the endoscope hood can be performed in a short time, and the insertion portion of the endoscope after the attachment can be reduced in diameter.

JP 2007-61396 A

  By the way, the endoscope hood is formed in a cylindrical shape by an elastic material such as silicon in order to secure the insertion portion to the distal end portion, and has an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end portion of the insertion portion. Many are used.

  However, when such an endoscope hood is attached to the distal end portion of the insertion portion, a force to reduce the diameter is generated by the elastic restoring force of the endoscope hood itself. In the endoscope hood 900, a phenomenon occurs in which the hood portion 908 protruding forward from the distal end surface 906 of the distal end portion 904 of the insertion portion 902 is contracted radially inward. And when the diameter of the hood portion 908 of the endoscope hood 900 is large, so-called vignetting occurs in which a part of the endoscope hood 900 is reflected in the peripheral portion of the endoscope image. Therefore, there is a risk of hindering endoscopic observation.

  When the distal end of the endoscope hood is reduced in diameter, a resultant force having a component toward the distal end acts on the endoscope hood, and the endoscope hood is easily detached from the distal end of the insertion portion. There is also a problem that the distal end portion of the endoscope balloon cannot be sufficiently fixed.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can reliably fix the distal end portion of the endoscope balloon provided in the insertion portion of the endoscope with the endoscope hood, and An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope hood and an endoscope system capable of performing good endoscopic observation without causing vignetting.

  To achieve the above object, the endoscope hood according to the first aspect of the present invention is attached to the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope, and the distal end portion of the endoscope balloon provided in the insertion portion is provided. Endoscope hood to be fixed, the hood projecting from the distal end surface of the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and the cylindrical fixing portion provided on the proximal end side of the hood portion and attached to the distal end portion of the insertion portion The hood part and the fixed part are formed of an elastic material, the outer peripheral wall of the fixed part has a constant thickness along the axial direction, and the fixed part has an inner diameter that increases toward the hood part side. Has an enlarged diameter part.

  According to this aspect, in the endoscope hood, the hood portion and the fixed portion are formed of an elastic material, the outer peripheral wall of the fixed portion has a constant thickness along the axial direction, and the fixed portion is the hood portion. It has an enlarged-diameter portion whose inner diameter increases toward the side. As a result, the tightening force by the fixing portion of the endoscope hood becomes smaller toward the hood portion side, so that the diameter of the hood portion can be prevented and sufficient tightening force is provided on the proximal end side of the fixing portion. Can be obtained. Therefore, the distal end portion of the endoscope balloon provided in the insertion portion of the endoscope can be securely fixed with the endoscope hood, and good endoscopic observation can be performed without causing vignetting. It can be carried out.

  Note that the outer peripheral wall of the fixed portion only needs to be formed with a constant thickness as a whole.For example, when a minute unevenness is formed for manufacturing reasons or the like, the thickness is increased along the axial direction. The case where the thickness is not uniform is also included in the present invention.

  Further, the starting point of the enlarged diameter portion (the position where the diameter becomes the smallest in the enlarged diameter portion) may be any position in the axial direction of the fixed portion. For example, the diameter-enlarged portion may be formed starting from a position between the distal end (hood portion side end) and the base end (end opposite to the hood portion) in the axial direction of the fixed portion. The base end in the axial direction may be used as a starting point.

  Further, the enlarged diameter portion may be formed so that the inner diameter gradually increases to the tip in the axial direction of the fixed portion, or the inner diameter gradually increases to a position close to the tip in the axial direction of the fixed portion. May be formed.

  The endoscope hood according to a second aspect of the present invention is the endoscope hood according to the first aspect, wherein the fixing portion is provided on the proximal end side of the diameter-expanded portion, and has the same-diameter portion whose inner diameter is constant along the axial direction. .

  According to this aspect, since the tightening force is constant along the axial direction at the same diameter portion of the fixing portion, the distal end portion of the endoscope balloon can be fixed stably and reliably.

  In the endoscope hood according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the fixed portion is provided with an index portion indicating a boundary position between the enlarged diameter portion and the same diameter portion.

  According to this aspect, the distal end portion of the endoscope balloon can be securely fixed by attaching the endoscope hood while comparing the positions of the distal end portion and the index portion of the endoscope balloon. It becomes possible.

  In the endoscope hood according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the hood part and the fixing part are formed of a transparent elastic material.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to check the attachment state (for example, the presence or absence of a balloon cage) of the distal end portion of the endoscope balloon fixed by the endoscope hood.

  The endoscope hood according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the endoscope hood according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, wherein the fixed portion has a liquid discharge port communicating between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface. Is formed.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to discharge liquid such as filth that has entered from the body to the outside through the liquid discharge port.

  In the endoscope hood according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the liquid discharge port is provided in the enlarged diameter portion.

  According to this aspect, by providing the liquid discharge port in the enlarged diameter portion where the tightening force is smaller than that of the same diameter portion, it is possible to efficiently discharge the liquid such as filth that has entered from the body to the outside from the liquid discharge port. It becomes.

  An endoscope hood according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the endoscope hood according to any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect, provided on the proximal end side of the fixed portion, and a diameter expanding means for expanding the diameter of the fixed portion. It further includes a cylindrical locking portion in which a locking groove for locking is formed on the inner peripheral surface.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to efficiently perform the mounting operation of the endoscope hood.

  In the endoscope hood according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the position of the distal end surface of the distal end portion of the insertion portion is regulated on the proximal end side of the hood portion. A position restricting portion is provided.

  According to this aspect, the protrusion amount from the distal end surface of the insertion portion of the hood portion of the endoscope hood can be set to a specified value.

  The endoscope hood according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is the endoscope hood according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the fixing portion is closely fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the insertion portion. Have

  According to this aspect, the endoscope hood is inserted into the distal end of the insertion portion by the frictional force generated between the inner peripheral surface of the contact fixing portion of the fixing portion of the endoscope hood and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the insertion portion. It becomes possible to mount the unit stably and reliably.

  An endoscope system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention includes an endoscope including an insertion portion, an endoscope balloon provided in the insertion portion, a distal end portion of the insertion portion, and an endoscope balloon. An endoscope system including an endoscope hood for fixing a distal end portion, wherein the endoscope hood includes a hood portion protruding from a distal end surface of a distal end portion of an insertion portion, and a proximal end side of the hood portion A cylindrical fixing portion that is attached to the distal end portion of the insertion portion, the hood portion and the fixing portion are formed of an elastic material, and the outer peripheral wall of the fixing portion has a constant thickness along the axial direction. The fixing portion has an enlarged diameter portion whose inner diameter increases toward the hood portion side.

  According to this aspect, in the endoscope hood, the hood portion and the fixed portion are formed of an elastic material, the outer peripheral wall of the fixed portion has a constant thickness along the axial direction, and the fixed portion is the hood portion. It has an enlarged-diameter portion whose inner diameter increases toward the side. As a result, the tightening force by the fixing portion of the endoscope hood becomes smaller toward the hood portion side, so that the diameter of the hood portion can be prevented and sufficient tightening force is provided on the proximal end side of the fixing portion. Can be obtained. Therefore, the distal end portion of the endoscope balloon provided in the insertion portion of the endoscope can be securely fixed with the endoscope hood, and good endoscopic observation can be performed without causing vignetting. It can be carried out.

  In the endoscope system according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect, the opening diameter of the distal end opening provided in the hood portion is larger than the outer diameter of the distal end portion of the insertion portion.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to ensure a sufficient endoscope visual field.

  According to the present invention, the distal end portion of the endoscope balloon provided at the insertion portion of the endoscope can be securely fixed by the endoscope hood, and a good inner without causing vignetting. Endoscopic observation can be performed.

External perspective view of an endoscope system according to the first embodiment The perspective view which shows the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of an endoscope Explanatory drawing which shows the correspondence of the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of an endoscope, and the hood for endoscopes Explanatory drawing of a state where an endoscope hood is attached to the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope Explanatory drawing which shows the operation method of the endoscope system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the other structural example of the balloon for endoscopes Sectional drawing which shows the other structural example of the balloon for endoscopes Sectional drawing which shows the other structural example of the balloon for endoscopes Sectional drawing which shows the other structural example of the balloon for endoscopes Sectional drawing which shows the balloon for endoscopes which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the balloon for endoscopes concerning 3rd Embodiment Sectional drawing which shows the other structural example of the balloon for endoscopes which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the balloon for endoscopes concerning 4th Embodiment Explanatory drawing of a state in which a conventional endoscope hood is attached to the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 2 includes an endoscope 10, an insertion assisting tool 70, and a balloon control device 100.

  The endoscope 10 is connected to an insertion portion 12 to be inserted into a lumen (for example, the small intestine) of a subject and a proximal end side of the insertion portion 12, and is operated by an operator such as a doctor or an engineer. The operation unit 14 is provided. A universal cord 16 is connected to the operation unit 14, and a light source connector 18 is provided at the tip of the universal cord 16. The light source connector 18 is detachably connected to the light source device 20. A cable 22 is branched from the light source connector 18, and a processor connector 24 is provided at the tip of the cable 22. The processor connector 24 is detachably connected to the processor device 26.

  The operation unit 14 is provided with an air / water supply button 28, a suction button 30, a shutter button 32, and a function switching button 34, and a pair of angle knobs 36 and 36. A balloon air supply port 38 is formed at the base end portion of the operation unit 14 by a tube bent in an L shape. By supplying or sucking fluid such as air to the balloon air supply port 38, the first balloon 60 described later can be inflated or deflated. Further, a forceps port 46 through which a treatment tool such as forceps is inserted is provided on the insertion portion 12 side of the operation portion 14.

  The insertion portion 12 is provided at the distal end thereof, and includes a distal end portion 44 in which an imaging element for in-subject imaging is incorporated, a bendable bending portion 42 provided continuously to the proximal end of the distal end portion 44, and a bending portion. And a flexible portion 40 having flexibility, which is connected to the base end of 42. An insertion assisting tool 70 can be detachably attached to the insertion portion 12. The flexible portion 40 has a length of several meters in order to allow the distal end portion 44 to reach a target position in the body. The bending portion 42 bends vertically and horizontally in conjunction with the operation of the angle knob 36 of the operation unit 14. Thereby, the front-end | tip part 44 can be orient | assigned to the desired direction in a body.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end surface 45 of the distal end portion 44 is provided with an observation window 52, an illumination window 54, an air / water supply nozzle 56, and a forceps outlet 58. The observation window 52 is disposed at the center on one side of the distal end surface 45. Two illumination windows 54 are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the observation window 52.

  Behind the observation window 52 is an objective optical system for capturing an image of the site to be observed in the body, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor that captures the image of the site to be observed, and a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image. An image sensor such as a sensor is provided. The image sensor is connected to the processor device 26 by a signal cable that is inserted through the insertion section 12, the operation section 14, and the universal cord 16 and extends to the processor connector 24. The image of the observed region taken in from the observation window 52 is formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor and converted into an image signal. The processor device 26 performs various image processing on the image signal from the image sensor received via the signal cable to convert it into a video signal, and displays it as an observation image on the monitor 50 (see FIG. 1) connected to the cable. .

  An exit end of a light guide that guides illumination light from an irradiation light source of the light source device 20 is disposed behind the illumination window 54. The light guide is inserted into the insertion portion 12, the operation portion 14, and the universal cord 16 and extends to the light source connector 18, and an incident end is disposed in the light source connector 18. Illumination light guided by the light guide is irradiated toward an observation site in the body through the illumination window 54.

  The air / water supply nozzle 56 is connected to a valve (not shown) operated by the air / water supply button 28, and this valve is connected to an air / water supply connector 48 provided in the light source connector 18. An air / water supply means (not shown) is connected to the air / water connector 48 to supply air and water. Accordingly, by operating the air / water supply button 28, air or water is jetted from the air / water supply nozzle 56 toward the observation window 52.

  The forceps outlet 58 communicates with the forceps opening 46. Therefore, the treatment instrument can be led out from the forceps outlet 58 by inserting a treatment instrument such as a forceps from the forceps opening 46. The forceps outlet 58 communicates with a valve (not shown) operated by the suction button 30, and this valve is connected to the suction connector 49 of the light source connector 18. Therefore, a lesioned part or the like can be sucked from the forceps outlet 58 by connecting a suction means (not shown) to the suction connector 49 and operating with the suction button 30.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a first balloon 60 made of an elastic body such as rubber is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 12. The first balloon 60 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape in which both end portions 60A and 60B are narrowed, and is disposed at a predetermined position through the insertion portion 12. Then, the rear end portion 60B of the first balloon 60 is fixed by fitting a rubber fixing ring 62 into the rear end portion 60B of the first balloon 60. The distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60 is fixed by an endoscope hood 200 described later. The first balloon 60 is an example of an endoscope balloon.

  A vent hole 64 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 12 where the first balloon 60 is attached. The ventilation hole 64 communicates with a balloon air supply port 38 provided in the operation unit 14 of FIG. The balloon air supply port 38 is connected to the balloon control device 100 via the tube 110. Therefore, the first balloon 60 can be inflated and deflated by supplying and sucking air by the balloon control device 100. The first balloon 60 is inflated into a substantially spherical shape by supplying air, and sticks to the outer surface of the insertion portion 12 by sucking air.

  On the other hand, the insertion assisting tool 70 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a cylindrical and rigid gripping portion 72 provided on the proximal end side, and a main body tube 73 attached to the distal end of the gripping portion 72. The insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10 is inserted into the main body tube 73 from the grip portion 72.

  The main body tube 73 has a flexible resin tube made of urethane or the like as a base material, and an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface of the base material are coated with a hydrophilic coating material (lubricating coating material). As the hydrophilic coating material, for example, polyvinylpyrrolidone, acrylic resin, or silicon resin is used.

  A second balloon 80 is attached in the vicinity of the distal end of the main body tube 73. The second balloon 80 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose both ends are narrowed. The second balloon 80 is mounted in a state where the insertion assisting tool 70 is penetrated, and is fixed by winding a thread (not shown). A tube 74 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion assisting tool 70 is communicated with the second balloon 80, and a connector 76 is provided at the proximal end portion of the tube 74. A tube 120 is connected to the connector 76, and is connected to the balloon control device 100 via the tube 120. Therefore, the second balloon 80 can be inflated and deflated by supplying and sucking air with the balloon control device 100. The second balloon 80 is expanded into a substantially spherical shape by supplying air, and is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion assisting tool 70 by sucking air.

  An injection port 78 is provided on the proximal end side of the insertion assisting tool 70. The injection port 78 communicates with an opening (not shown) formed on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion assisting tool 70. Therefore, the lubricant can be supplied into the insertion aid 70 by injecting the lubricant (for example, water) from the injection port 78 with a syringe or the like. Therefore, when the insertion portion 12 is inserted into the insertion assisting tool 70, the friction between the inner peripheral surface of the insertion assisting tool 70 and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 12 can be reduced, and the relative relationship between the insertion portion 12 and the insertion assisting tool 70 can be reduced. Movement can be performed smoothly.

  The balloon control device 100 is a device that supplies and sucks fluid such as air to the first balloon 60 and supplies and sucks fluid such as air to the second balloon 80. The balloon control device 100 mainly includes a device main body 102 and a hand switch 104 for remote control.

  On the front surface of the apparatus main body 102, a power switch SW1, a stop switch SW2, a first pressure display unit 106, a second pressure display unit 108, a first function stop switch SW3, and a second function stop switch SW4 are provided. The first pressure display unit 106 and the second pressure display unit 108 are panels for displaying the pressure values of the first balloon 60 and the second balloon 80, respectively. When an abnormality such as balloon breakage occurs, the pressure display units 106 and 108 are displayed. An error code is displayed.

  The first function stop switch SW3 and the second function stop switch SW4 are switches for turning on / off the functions of the endoscope control system and the insertion assisting tool control system. When only one of the second balloons 80 is used, the function stop switches SW3 and SW4 that are not used are operated to turn the function OFF. In a control system whose function is turned off, air supply and suction are completely stopped, and the pressure display unit 106 or 108 of the system is also turned off. The function stop switches SW3 and SW4 can be set to an initial state by turning off both of them. For example, the calibration with respect to the atmospheric pressure is performed by turning off both function stop switches SW3 and SW4 and simultaneously pressing all the switches SW5 to SW9 of the hand switch 104.

  A tube 110 that supplies and sucks air to the first balloon 60 and a tube 120 that supplies and sucks air to the second balloon 80 are connected to the front surface of the apparatus main body 102. The connection portions between the tubes 110 and 120 and the apparatus main body 102 are provided with backflow prevention units 112 and 122 for preventing backflow of body fluid when the first balloon 60 or the second balloon 80 is torn. The backflow prevention units 112 and 122 are configured by incorporating a gas-liquid separation filter in a hollow disk-like case (not shown) that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 102. The filter prevents the liquid from flowing in.

  In addition, the pressure display units 106 and 108, the function stop switches SW3 and SW4, and the backflow prevention units 112 and 122 are always arranged in a constant manner for the endoscope 10 and the insertion assisting tool 70. That is, the pressure display unit 106, the function stop switch SW3, and the backflow prevention unit 112 for the endoscope 10 are respectively connected to the pressure display unit 108, the function stop switch SW4, and the backflow prevention unit 122 for the insertion assisting tool 70. Located on the right side.

  On the other hand, the hand switch 104 includes a stop switch SW5 similar to the stop switch SW2 on the apparatus main body 102 side, an ON / OFF switch SW6 for instructing pressurization / decompression of the first balloon 60, and the pressure of the first balloon 60. A pause switch SW7 for holding, an ON / OFF switch SW8 for instructing pressurization / depressurization of the second balloon 80, and a pause switch SW9 for holding the pressure of the second balloon 80 are provided. The hand switch 104 is electrically connected to the apparatus main body 102 via the cord 130. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the hand switch 104 is provided with a display unit that indicates an air supply state or an exhaust state of the first balloon 60 or the second balloon 80.

  The balloon control device 100 configured as described above supplies air to the balloons 60 and 80 to inflate them and controls the air pressure to a constant value to hold the balloons 60 and 80 in an inflated state. In addition, air is sucked from each balloon 60 and 80 and contracted, and the air pressure is controlled to a constant value to hold each balloon 60 and 80 in a contracted state.

  The balloon control device 100 is connected to the balloon dedicated monitor 82 and displays the pressure value and the inflated / deflated state of the balloons 60 and 80 on the balloon dedicated monitor 82 when the balloons 60 and 80 are inflated and deflated. . The pressure values and the inflated / deflated states of the balloons 60 and 80 may be superimposed on the observation image of the endoscope 10 and displayed on the monitor 50.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an endoscope hood 200 is detachably attached to the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12. In the state where the endoscope hood 200 is fixed to the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12, the observation window 52 and the illumination window 54 provided on the distal end surface 45 of the distal end portion 44 are in direct contact with the inner wall of the body cavity. This is to prevent the field of view, illumination, etc. of the endoscope 10 from being lost.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a correspondence relationship between the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope and the endoscope hood. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which an endoscope hood is attached to the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the endoscope hood 200 has a distal end opening 202 and a proximal end opening 204, and is integrally formed in a cylindrical shape with a transparent soft elastic material. As an elastic material constituting the endoscope hood 200, for example, silicon rubber or fluorine rubber is used.

  The endoscope hood 200 includes a hood portion 206 and a fixing portion 208 that is connected to the proximal end of the hood portion 206. As shown in FIG. 4, when the endoscope hood 200 is attached to the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12, the hood portion 206 is directed forward (distal side) from the distal end surface 45 of the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12. The fixing portion 208 protrudes and is fixed to the outer peripheral surface (side surface) of the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12. The endoscope hood 200 is an integrally molded product in which the hood portion 206 and the fixed portion 208 are continuously provided with the same material (soft elastic material).

  The hood portion 206 has a cylindrical shape having a tip opening 202. The distal end of the hood portion 206 protrudes from the distal end surface 45 of the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12 by a length h, and the length h is appropriately selected within a range of about 1 mm to 10 mm, for example. Further, in the illustrated example, the hood portion 206 has a shape in which the inner diameter increases toward the observation side (observed site side). With this shape, the hood portion 206 is configured not to obstruct the observation visual field by the endoscope 10. The opening diameter D3 of the distal end opening 202 of the hood portion 206 is configured to be larger than the outer diameter d of the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12.

  A position restricting portion 214 for restricting the position of the distal end surface 45 of the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the endoscope hood 200 so as to protrude. At this time, the position restricting portion 214 is brought into contact with the distal end surface 45 of the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12. Thereby, the protrusion amount h of the hood part 206 when the endoscope hood 200 is attached is set to a specified value.

  The fixing portion 208 is disposed on the proximal end side of the position restricting portion 214 and fixes the distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60 provided in the insertion portion 12.

  An outer peripheral wall 208a of the fixed portion 208 has a constant thickness (a radial thickness) along the axial direction, and an enlarged diameter portion 210 whose inner diameter gradually increases toward the hood portion 206 (tip side); The same diameter portion 212 is provided on the proximal end side of the enlarged diameter portion 210 and has an inner diameter that is constant along the axial direction. In other words, the fixing portion 208 is formed of a cylindrical body that is formed in a cylindrical shape with a constant thickness as a whole, and has a funnel shape that tapers toward the proximal end side.

  The fixing portion 208 has a proximal inner diameter (minimum inner diameter) D2 smaller than the outer diameter d of the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12, and a distal end inner diameter (maximum inner diameter) D1 of the outer diameter of the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12. It is formed approximately equal to or slightly smaller than d. In other words, the fixed portion 208 has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter d of the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12, and a hood attachment aid (not shown) is attached when being attached to the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12. The inner diameter of the fixing portion 208 is expanded to be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the distal end portion 44, and in the expanded state, the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12 is covered and elastically fixed.

  Therefore, when the endoscope hood 200 is attached to the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12, as shown by a solid arrow in FIG. 4, the fastening force of the fixing portion 208 against the distal end portion 44 (the elastic restoring force of the fixing portion 208). Therefore, the force toward the inner side in the radial direction becomes weaker toward the tip side. With such a configuration, the diameter of the hood portion 206 connected to the distal end side of the fixed portion 208 is prevented from being reduced, and good endoscopic observation is possible without causing vignetting. Further, by preventing the diameter of the hood portion 206 from being reduced, a resultant force having a component toward the front (front end direction) does not act on the endoscope hood 200, so that the endoscope hood 200 is inserted into the insertion portion 12. It is also possible to prevent the tip 44 from falling off.

  In addition, the endoscope hood 200 has a length L (the sum of the axial length L1 of the enlarged diameter portion 210 and the axial length L2 of the same diameter portion 212) on the proximal end side from the position restricting portion 214. The length is the same as the length M from the distal end surface 45 of the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12 to the proximal end position of the distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60. That is, since the fixing portion 208 of the endoscope hood 200 extends to the attachment position of the distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60, the fixing portion 208 of the first balloon 60 is attached when the endoscope hood 200 is attached. The distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60 is fastened and fixed by being fitted on the distal end portion 60A.

  In this embodiment, the length (axial direction length) L1 of the enlarged diameter portion 210 is the length from the distal end surface 45 of the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12 to the distal end portion 60A (the distal end position) of the first balloon 60. The length (axial direction length) L2 of the same diameter portion 212 is shorter than the length M1, and is longer than the length (axial direction length) M2 of the distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60. That is, when the endoscope hood 200 is mounted, the entire distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60 is externally fitted by the same diameter portion 212 as shown in FIG. As described above, the minimum inner diameter (inner diameter of the same diameter portion 212) D2 of the fixed portion 208 is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter d of the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12, so that the same diameter portion 212 is formed. Since the elastic restoring force of the elastic material acts uniformly on the entire distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60, the distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60 can be firmly fixed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the enlarged-diameter portion 210 has a tightly fixing portion 210 a that is tightly fixed to the outer peripheral surface (side surface) of the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12 when the endoscope hood 200 is attached. That is, the enlarged diameter portion 210 is fixed so as to be in direct contact with the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12 without interposing the distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60. The diameter-enlarged portion 210 is weaker than the same-diameter portion 212 in tightening force (fixing force; force directed radially inward due to elastic restoring force) of the fixing portion 208 with respect to the tip portion 44 as described above. With this configuration, the endoscope hood 200 can be stably and reliably fixed to the distal end portion 44 by the frictional force generated between the inner peripheral surface of the enlarged diameter portion 210 and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 44. It becomes.

  The endoscope hood 200 and the first balloon 60 configured as described above are attached to the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10 as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 2, the insertion portion 12 is inserted through the first balloon 60, and the first balloon 60 is disposed at a predetermined position near the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12. Then, the fixing ring 62 is fitted into the rear end portion 60B of the first balloon 60, and the rear end portion 60B of the first balloon 60 is fixed to the insertion portion 12. Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the endoscope hood 200 is externally fitted from the distal end surface 45 of the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12, and the fixing portion 208 of the endoscope hood 200 is fitted to the distal end portion of the first balloon 60. Fit to 60A. At this time, the inner diameter of the fixing portion 208 is expanded to be larger than the outer diameter of the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12 using a hood mounting aid (not shown), and the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12 is covered with the expanded diameter. And fix it elastically. Accordingly, the distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60 is fastened and fixed by the fixing portion 208 of the endoscope hood 200.

  Next, a method for inserting the insertion portion 12 into the body cavity in the endoscope system configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, although Fig.5 (a)-(j) is an example which inserts orally, you may make it insert transanally.

  First, with the first balloon 60 and the second balloon 80 being deflated, the insertion portion 12 is inserted through the insertion assisting tool 70, and then insertion of the insertion portion 12 is started. Then, as shown in FIG. 5A, the insertion section 12 is inserted until the distal end of the insertion section 12 reaches the inside of the stomach 90A. Next, the insertion assisting tool 70 is inserted along the insertion portion 12, and the distal end of the insertion assisting tool 70 reaches the stomach 90A as shown in FIG. 5 (b).

  Next, the insertion portion 12 is pushed into the insertion assisting tool 70 in a state where the insertion assisting tool 70 is gripped so as not to come out of the body cavity, and as shown in FIG. 5 (c), the distal end of the insertion portion 12 is pushed. Is inserted until it reaches the descending leg 90B of the duodenum (insertion operation). Then, the first balloon 60 is inflated, and the distal end of the insertion portion 12 is fixed to the duodenum descending leg 90B (fixing operation).

  Next, by inserting the insertion assisting tool 70, the insertion assisting tool 70 is inserted along the insertion portion 12 (pressing operation). Then, as shown in FIG. 5 (d), after the distal end portion of the insertion assisting tool 70 is brought near the first balloon 60, air is supplied to the second balloon 80 and inflated. As a result, the second balloon 80 is fixed to the descending leg 90B of the duodenum, and the descending leg 90B of the duodenum is held by the insertion assisting tool 70 via the second balloon 80 (holding operation).

  In this state, the insertion assisting tool 70 and the insertion portion 12 are brought together (hand feeding operation). Thereby, the excessive bending and bending of the digestive tract 90 to the descending limb 90B of the duodenum are removed.

  Next, after sucking air from the first balloon 60 to contract the first balloon 60, the insertion section 12 is advanced to the inside of the small intestine 90C as shown in FIG. 5 (e) (insertion operation). At this time, the extra bending of the digestive tract 90 up to the descending leg 90B of the duodenum is removed by the insertion assisting tool 70, so that the insertion portion 12 can be easily inserted.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (f), the first balloon 60 is inflated to fix the distal end of the insertion portion 12 to the digestive tract 90. After the second balloon 80 is deflated, as shown in FIG. 5G, the insertion assisting tool 70 is inserted along the insertion portion 12, and the distal end of the insertion assisting tool 70 is in the vicinity of the first balloon 60. The second balloon 80 is inflated in the state of being in close proximity to.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (h), the insertion assisting tool 70 and the insertion portion 12 are pulled together while the first balloon 60 and the second balloon 80 are inflated. Thereby, the excessive bending and bending of the digestive tract 90 are removed.

  By repeating the above-described operation, the digestive tract 90 that has been bent or bent in a complicated manner is simplified as shown in FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 (j), the insertion portion 12 can be inserted further into the digestive tract 90.

  Next, the function and effect of this embodiment will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60 can be fixed by the fixing portion 208 provided on the proximal end side of the endoscope hood 200. In the endoscope hood 200, a hood portion 206 and a fixing portion 208 are formed of an elastic material, and an outer peripheral wall 208a of the fixing portion 208 has a constant thickness along the axial direction. The diameter-increasing portion 210 whose inner diameter gradually increases toward the side) and the same-diameter portion 212 provided on the proximal end side of the diameter-increasing portion 210 and having a constant inner diameter along the axial direction. Therefore, when the endoscope hood 200 is mounted, the inner diameter of the fixing portion 208 is increased to be larger than the outer diameter of the distal end portion 44 using a hood mounting aid (not shown), and the insertion portion 12 is expanded in the expanded diameter state. When elastically fixed on the front end portion 44, the tightening force by the fixing portion 208 becomes smaller toward the hood portion 206 side (front end side), so that the diameter reduction of the hood portion 206 can be prevented. Therefore, the distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60 (endoscopic balloon) provided at the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10 is securely fixed by the fixing portion 208 of the endoscope hood 200. In addition, good endoscopic observation can be performed without causing vignetting. Further, by preventing the diameter of the hood portion 206 from being reduced, the resultant force toward the front (front end direction) does not act on the endoscope hood 200, and the endoscope hood 200 is moved to the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12. It can also be prevented from falling off.

  In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral wall 208a of the fixed portion 208 of the endoscope hood 200 has a constant thickness along the axial direction. For this reason, compared with the case where the thickness of a part of the fixing portion 208 is increased in order to increase the tightening force with respect to the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12, the fixing portion 208 is attached when the endoscope hood 200 is attached. The amount of work force for expanding the inner diameter of the endoscope can be reduced, and the attachment work of the endoscope hood 200 can be performed efficiently. In addition, it is possible to prevent the endoscope hood 200 from tearing and being damaged.

  In the present embodiment, the distal end portion 60 </ b> A of the first balloon 60 is fixed by the fixing portion 208 of the endoscope hood 200. For this reason, compared with the case where the distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60 is fixed by a dedicated fixing tool (for example, a band), the diameter of the insertion portion 12 after the endoscope hood 200 is mounted can be reduced. The insertion / extraction operation of the insertion portion 12 into the body cavity and the insertion / extraction operation of the insertion assisting tool 70 can be performed smoothly.

  In the present embodiment, since the distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60 can be fixed by mounting the endoscope hood 200, the mounting operation of the endoscope hood 200 and the first balloon 60 can be fixed. Fixing work can be performed simultaneously, and work efficiency can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the enlarged diameter portion 210 provided on the distal end side of the fixing portion 208 of the endoscope hood 200 is closely contacted and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12. Since 210a is provided, the endoscope hood 200 can be stably fixed by the frictional force generated between the inner peripheral surface of the enlarged diameter portion 210 and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 44.

  In this embodiment, since the endoscope hood 200 is formed of a transparent and soft elastic material, the hood mounting aid (not shown) is used to change the inner diameter of the fixed portion 208 to the tip portion as described above. The diameter can be increased beyond the outer diameter of 44, and can be elastically fixed over the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12 in the expanded state. In addition, since it is formed of a transparent material, when the endoscope hood 200 is attached to the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12, it is possible to confirm the attachment state of the distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60. It is. Thereby, after the endoscope hood 200 is mounted, it is possible to confirm the presence or absence of a balloon bag at the distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60, and to prevent problems such as air leaking from the bag. Become.

  The endoscope hood 200 is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above. In particular, the fixing portion 208 of the endoscope hood 200 only needs to have a configuration in which the tightening force decreases toward the hood portion 206 side (front end side). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the fixing portion 208 may be configured by a first enlarged diameter portion 210 </ b> A, a second enlarged diameter portion 210 </ b> B, and the same diameter portion 212 in order from the distal end side. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the inner circumferential surface of the first enlarged diameter portion 210A is configured to have a larger inclination angle with respect to the axial direction than the inner circumferential surface of the second enlarged diameter portion 210B. As a result, the tightening force gradually decreases toward the hood portion 206 and the diameter of the hood portion 206 can be prevented from being reduced.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, the fixing | fixed part 208 is good also as a structure which has the enlarged diameter part 216 formed in the curved surface shape (trumpet shape) in which an internal diameter becomes small gradually toward the base end side. Also in this case, since the fastening force of the fixing portion 208 gradually decreases toward the distal end side, the diameter of the hood portion 206 can be prevented.

  In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the starting point of the enlarged diameter portion 210 (the position where the diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 210 becomes the smallest) is the tip of the fixed portion 208 in the axial direction (the hood portion side end). Although it is formed from the position between the base end (the end opposite to the hood portion), it is not limited to this, and it may be formed from the base end in the axial direction of the fixed portion 208. Further, the enlarged diameter portion 210 is formed so that the inner diameter gradually increases to a position close to the distal end in the axial direction of the fixed portion 208, but not limited thereto, the inner diameter gradually increases to the distal end in the axial direction of the fixed portion 208. You may form so that it may become large.

  Further, the shape of the hood portion 206 of the endoscope hood 200 is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the hood portion 206 protrudes greatly toward the distal end side. You may make it make it. Also in this case, as described above, since the fastening force of the fixing portion 208 gradually decreases toward the distal end side, the diameter of the hood portion 206 can be prevented, so that the occurrence of vignetting can be prevented.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the diameter of the hood portion 206 may be increased toward the distal end side. Also in this case, it is possible to secure a sufficient endoscope visual field while preventing the hood portion 206 from being reduced in diameter.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the endoscope hood 200 is one in which the hood portion 206 and the fixing portion 208 are integrally formed of an elastic material (integrated molded product). 206 and the fixing portion 208 may be separately formed of an elastic material, and both may be connected.

  In the above-described embodiment, the hood portion 206 is formed in a cylindrical shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the hood portion 206 may have a shape other than the cylindrical shape. For example, the hood portion 206 may be formed in an arc shape (a bowl shape) constituted by a part of a cylindrical shape.

  Next, another embodiment of the endoscope hood according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram (partially broken sectional view) illustrating an endoscope hood according to a second embodiment. 10, elements common or similar to those in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the endoscope hood 300 according to the second embodiment has an index as an index part indicating the boundary position between the enlarged diameter part 210 and the same diameter part 212 on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed part 208. A line 220 is provided. The position where the index line 220 is provided is a portion where the fastening force by the fixing portion 208 changes. That is, a sufficient tightening force is obtained at the same diameter portion 212 at the proximal end side from the index line 220, whereas the tightening force gradually increases toward the distal end side at the diameter-enlarged portion 210 at the distal end side from the index line 220. become weak. Therefore, the endoscope is compared while comparing the positions of the distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60 and the index line 220 so that the distal end position of the distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60 is disposed on the distal end side of the index line 220. By attaching the hood 300, the distal end portion 60A of the first balloon 60 can be securely fixed.

  FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram (partially broken sectional view) showing an endoscope hood according to a third embodiment. In FIG. 11, the same or similar elements as in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the endoscope hood 310 according to the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, a liquid discharge port 222 is provided in the enlarged diameter portion 210 of the fixed portion 208. The liquid discharge port 222 includes a through hole that communicates between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the enlarged diameter portion 210. In the example shown in FIG. 11, four liquid discharge ports (only two are shown in FIG. 11) are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the enlarged diameter portion 210, but the number of liquid discharge ports 222 is particularly large. It is not limited. Since the tightening force of the enlarged-diameter portion 210 is weaker than that of the same-diameter portion 212, liquids such as filth from the body can easily enter the enlarged-diameter portion 210 through the tip opening 202. By providing the liquid discharge port 222, it becomes possible to discharge liquid such as filth from the liquid discharge port 222 to the outside.

  In addition, it is good also as a structure which provided the liquid discharge port 222 in the same diameter part 212 provided in the base end side of the fixing | fixed part 208 like the hood 320 for endoscopes shown in FIG. Although not shown, the liquid discharge port 222 may be provided in both the enlarged diameter portion 210 and the same diameter portion 212.

  FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram (partially broken sectional view) showing an endoscope hood according to a fourth embodiment. In FIG. 13, elements that are the same as or similar to those in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the endoscope hood 330 according to the fourth embodiment is provided with a locking portion 224 on the proximal end side of the fixing portion 208. The locking portion 224 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an elastic material integrally with the fixing portion 208. A locking groove 226 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the locking portion 224. The locking groove 226 is a groove portion for locking a diameter expanding means (not shown) provided in the hood mounting aid when the endoscope hood 200 is mounted on the distal end portion 44 of the insertion portion 12. It is formed by a semicircular arc shaped bottomed recess. In other words, the locking groove 226 is formed of a round concave portion having no edge portion, and when the diameter of the endoscope hood 320 is increased using the hood mounting aid, the shape is not torn and damaged from the edge portion as a starting point. It has become. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently perform the attaching operation of the endoscope hood 330 while preventing the position shift of the endoscope hood 320.

  As mentioned above, although the endoscope hood and the endoscope system according to the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course, deformation may be performed.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Endoscope, 12 ... Insertion part, 14 ... Operation part, 52 ... Observation window, 54 ... Illumination window, 60 ... 1st balloon, 70 ... Insertion aid, 80 ... 2nd balloon, 100 ... Balloon control apparatus, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 200 ... Endoscope hood, 202 ... End opening, 204 ... Base end opening, 206 ... Hood part, 208 ... Fixing part, 210 ... Diameter expansion part, 212 ... Same diameter part, 214 ... Position restriction part, 216 ... Expansion Diameter part, 220 ... Indicator part, 222 ... Liquid discharge port, 224 ... Locking part, 226 ... Locking groove

Claims (11)

An endoscope hood that is attached to a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope and fixes a distal end portion of an endoscope balloon provided in the insertion portion,
A hood that projects from the distal end surface of the distal end of the insertion portion;
A cylindrical fixing portion provided on a proximal end side of the hood portion and attached to a distal end portion of the insertion portion;
The hood part and the fixed part are formed of an elastic material,
The outer peripheral wall of the fixed part has a certain thickness along the axial direction,
The fixing hood is an endoscope hood having an enlarged diameter portion whose inner diameter increases toward the hood portion side.   The endoscope hood according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion has a same-diameter portion that is provided on a proximal end side of the diameter-expanded portion and has an inner diameter that is constant along the axial direction.   The endoscope hood according to claim 2, wherein the fixing portion is provided with an indicator portion that indicates a boundary position between the enlarged diameter portion and the same diameter portion.   The endoscope hood according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hood portion and the fixing portion are formed of a transparent elastic material.   The endoscope hood according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a liquid discharge port that communicates between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface is formed in the fixed portion.   The endoscope hood according to claim 5, wherein the liquid discharge port is provided in the enlarged diameter portion.   7. A cylindrical locking portion provided on a base end side of the fixing portion, and having a locking groove formed on an inner peripheral surface for locking with a diameter expanding means for expanding the fixing portion. The hood for endoscopes according to any one of the above.   The endoscope hood according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a position restricting portion that restricts a position of a distal end surface of the distal end portion of the insertion portion is provided on a proximal end side of the hood portion.   The hood for an endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fixing portion includes a close fixing portion that is closely fixed to an outer peripheral surface of a distal end portion of the insertion portion. An endoscope having an insertion portion;
An endoscope balloon provided in the insertion portion;
An endoscope system, comprising: an endoscope hood that is attached to a distal end portion of the insertion portion and fixes the distal end portion of the endoscope balloon;
The endoscope hood is
A hood that projects from the distal end surface of the distal end of the insertion portion;
A cylindrical fixing portion provided on a proximal end side of the hood portion and attached to a distal end portion of the insertion portion;
The hood part and the fixed part are formed of an elastic material,
The outer peripheral wall of the fixed part has a certain thickness along the axial direction,
The endoscope system is an endoscope system in which the fixed portion has an enlarged diameter portion whose inner diameter increases toward the hood portion side.   The endoscope system according to claim 10, wherein an opening diameter of a distal end opening provided in the hood portion is larger than an outer diameter of a distal end portion of the insertion portion.

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