JP3392906B2 - Electronic endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope apparatus used with a strong magnetic field generator of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus for obtaining a tomographic image based on a magnetic resonance signal from the inside of a patient.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (M) utilizing a magnetic resonance (MR) phenomenon has been used as a non-invasive method for diagnosing a human body.
RI) is being developed. This MRI apparatus obtains a tomographic image of a human body based on a time constant (relaxation time) when magnetization is relaxed, which is observed by a magnetic resonance phenomenon. that time,
Since the relaxation time varies depending on the shape and property of the body tissue, the difference between the normal tissue in the body and the abnormal tissue such as cancer and edema can be diagnosed on the image.

[0003]

By the way, a fine image is required when diagnosing a lesion of a digestive organ, particularly a luminal organ, for example, a depth of penetration diagnosis. However, in the conventional MRI apparatus, since the MR signal receiving coil is installed outside the patient's body, it is difficult to obtain a fine image of the deep inside of the patient such as a luminal organ with the MR signal receiving coil outside the body. Is. For example, a surface coil for receiving an MR signal is placed on the surface of the abdomen of a patient to receive an MR signal for the diagnosis of the stomach wall, but in this case, the SN ratio of the received signal is poor and the diagnosis There is a problem that a sufficiently fine image cannot be obtained.

In order to deal with this, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5174 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-277440, an M is inserted at the distal end of the insertion portion to be inserted into the patient's body.
An insertion tool such as an endoscope or a probe provided with a high frequency coil for receiving an MR signal for detecting an R signal has been proposed.
According to these, since the MR signal is received by the coil inserted into the body, it is possible to obtain a fine image with a good SN ratio, which is effective for the diagnosis of the depth of invasion of a lesion in a luminal organ as described above. A fine image can be obtained.

When an image pickup device is provided with a high frequency coil for MR signal reception in an electronic endoscope provided at the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope, the image signal from the image pickup device is processed. An electronic endoscope control unit such as a video processor will be installed near the strong magnetic field generator of the MRI apparatus.

Therefore, the strong static magnetic field of the strong magnetic field generator of the MRI apparatus may affect the control unit, and the endoscopic image formed by the control unit may be disturbed. Furthermore, the radiation noise from the control unit may affect the MRI apparatus and deteriorate the MRI image.

Therefore, in order to reduce the influence of the control unit and the MRI apparatus on each other, the strong magnetic field generator of the MRI apparatus is housed inside the shield room for blocking the influence of the magnetic force, and is placed outside the shield room. It is possible to install an electronic endoscope control unit.

However, in this case, since the distance between the electronic endoscope main body and the electronic endoscope control unit for controlling the operation of the electronic endoscope main body becomes large, the endoscope image is transmitted. The length of the image signal line also becomes long, and there is a problem that image deterioration of the electronic endoscope occurs.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, the object, the electronic endoscope apparatus as possible out to successfully use the electronic endoscope in the vicinity of the strong magnetic field generator of the MRI apparatus To provide.

[0010]

According to the invention of claim 1, the insertion
Magnetic shield wall that has a built-in image sensor at the tip of the unit and shields the magnetism from the strong magnetic field generator of the magnetic resonance imaging system
In contrast to the electric field used on the same side as the strong magnetic field generator,
The main body of the child endoscope is connected to the image pickup device, and
A signal cable extending from the operation unit connected to the base end,
Arranged on the electronic endoscope body side with respect to the magnetic shield
Connected to the base end of the signal cable,
A circuit for the imaging device for shaping or amplifying the signals of the child, the
The side opposite to the electronic endoscope main body with respect to the magnetic shield wall
Is connected to the image pickup device circuit, and is connected to the image pickup element circuit.
And a electronic endoscope control unit for controlling the child
The electronic endoscope apparatus is characterized in that. Claim 2
According to another aspect of the present invention, the magnetic resonance imaging device is provided in the insertion portion.
Magnetic resonance signal receiving means for receiving the magnetic resonance signal of
It is connected to this magnetic resonance signal receiving means and extends from the operating section.
Magnetic resonance signal cable to be installed, and the magnetic shield wall
Is disposed on the electronic endoscope main body side with respect to
Connected to the base end of the ringing signal cable, the magnetic resonance image
Magnetic resonance imaging device circuit for amplifying magnetic resonance signal of device
And the electronic endoscope body with respect to the magnetic shield wall
Is installed on the opposite side and is connected to the signal cable for magnetic resonance.
A continuous magnetic resonance signal input section, the image pickup element circuit, and
A relay unit incorporating the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus circuit;
The electronic endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising:
It is a device.

[0011]

In the invention of claim 1, the magnetic shield wall is
The electronic endoscope used on the same side as the strong magnetic field generator
Connected to the proximal end of the signal cable extending from the body operation part.
The captured image pickup circuit is electronically viewed against the magnetic shield.
The electronic endoscope controller is installed on the same side as the mirror body.
The electronic unit to the magnetic shield wall
By installing on the opposite side, the magnetic shield wall
Prevents image deterioration of the electronic endoscope control unit
It Furthermore, the circuit for the image sensor is placed inside the magnetic shield wall.
By arranging the image pickup device circuit,
Control unit by shaping or amplifying the signal of
Since it can output to the side, the signal cable is long
However, the signal from the image sensor does not deteriorate. Therefore, MRI
Use the electronic endoscope main body near the strong magnetic field generator of the device.
The electronic endoscope main body can be used normally during operation . In the invention of claim 2, with respect to the magnetic shield wall
The electronic endoscope used on the same side as the strong magnetic field generator
The magnetic resonance from the magnetic resonance signal receiving means provided in the insertion part of the body
Magnetic seal for ringing signal via signal cable for magnetic resonance
Relay unit installed on the electronic endoscope body side with respect to the
The magnetic resonance imager circuit in the
The magnetic resonance signal of the magnetic resonance imaging device is controlled by the imaging device circuit.
Signal is amplified and an electronic view is taken against the magnetic shield wall.
The magnetic resonance signal input section located on the opposite side of the mirror body
Transmission via a signal cable for air resonance
Is.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the entire electronic endoscope apparatus. Reference numeral 1 is an MRI apparatus (magnetic resonance imaging apparatus) arranged in a shield room that shields magnetism, and 2 is used together with the MRI apparatus 1. It is the body of the electronic endoscope. Here, the MRI apparatus 1 is provided with a strong magnetic field generator 3 and a bed 4 for placing a patient.

Further, in the electronic endoscope main body 2, an insertion portion 5 to be inserted into the patient's body on the bed 4, an operation portion 6 on the hand side connected to the proximal end portion of the insertion portion 5 and this operation portion. Universal cords 7 each having a base end connected to 6 are provided. Here, an imaging device (not shown) and MR signal receiving means such as a coil for receiving MR signals are provided at the tip of the insertion portion 5.

Further, a light source device 9 is connected to the tip of the universal cord 7 via a connector 8. Further, another branch connector 11 connected to one end of the first relay cable (signal cable) 10 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the connector 8.

Further, the other end of the first relay cable 10 is connected to the relay unit 13 via the connector 12. Inside the relay unit 13, as shown in FIG. 2, a signal shaping / boost circuit (circuit for image sensor) 14 for shaping / amplifying an optical image signal and an amplifier circuit (circuit for magnetic resonance imaging apparatus) for amplifying an MR signal. 15 are provided respectively.

Further, one end of each of a second relay cable (signal cable) 16 and a third relay cable (signal cable) 17 is connected to the relay unit 13. Here, one end of the second relay cable 16 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the signal shaping / boost circuit 14 in the relay unit 13 is connected via the connector 18. Further, the connector 1 at the other end of the second relay cable 16
Reference numeral 9 is connected to an electronic endoscope control unit 23 such as a video processor arranged outside the magnetic shield wall 22.

Further, one end of the third relay cable 17 is connected to the amplifier circuit 1 in the relay unit 13 via the connector 20.
Connected to 5. Further, the connector 21 at the other end of the second relay cable 16 is connected to an MR signal input section (not shown) arranged outside the magnetic shield wall 22.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
First, when the electronic endoscope main body 2 is used together with the MRI apparatus 1 for the patient on the bed 4, the insertion portion 5 of the electronic endoscope main body 2 is placed inside the patient inside the strong magnetic field generator 3 of the MRI apparatus 1. Inserted in.

The optical image signal obtained by the image pickup device at the distal end of the insertion section 5 and the MR signal obtained by the MR signal receiving means are signal lines in the electronic endoscope body 2 and universal signals. Cord 7, connector 8, branch connector 11, first
It is input to the relay unit 13 via the relay cable 10 of.

Further, the optical image signal input to the relay unit 13 is shaped or amplified by the signal shaping / boost circuit 14. Then, this optical image signal output is input to the electronic endoscope control unit 23 outside the magnetic shield wall 22 through the connector 18, the second relay cable 16, and the connector 19 in order, and is displayed on the screen of a monitor or the like not shown. The endoscopic image is projected.

Further, the MR input to the relay unit 13
The signal is amplified by the amplifier circuit 15. The MR signal output is output to the connector 20 and the third relay cable 1.
7. The MR signal is input to the MR signal input section outside the magnetic shield wall 22 through the connector 21 in order, and the MRI is displayed on the screen of the monitor or the like.
The image is displayed.

Therefore, in the above configuration, the control unit 23 of the electronic endoscope main body 2 is arranged outside the magnetic shield wall 22, so that it is clear without being affected by the strong magnetic field generated by the MRI apparatus 1. It is possible to obtain a clear electronic endoscopic image, and at the same time, obtain a clear MR image that is not affected by radiation noise from peripheral devices of the endoscope main body 2.

Further, the optical image signal obtained by the image pickup device at the tip of the insertion portion 5 is converted into a signal in the relay unit 13 in the middle of the signal cable between the electronic endoscope body 2 and the control unit 23. The shaping / boost circuit 14 can shape or amplify the waveform and output it to the control unit 23 side, so that the signal does not deteriorate even if the optical image signal is transmitted by a long relay cable. for that reason,
This is a case where the control unit 23 is arranged outside the magnetic shield wall 22 away from the electronic endoscope body 2 when the electronic endoscope body 2 is used for a patient in the strong magnetic field generator 3 of the MRI apparatus 1. However, a clear electronic endoscopic image can be obtained.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. This is because the relay unit 13 is provided with an infrared ray receiving element 31 and a control unit control circuit (not shown), and a remote controller 32 which is separate from the relay unit 13 is provided.
2 selects various settings of the control unit 23, and transmits the selection signal by infrared light to the relay unit 13
The control unit is configured to input to the control unit control circuit via the light receiving element 31 of.

Therefore, in the above configuration, when the operator of the electronic endoscope main body 2 changes the setting of the control unit 23, it is not affected by the MRI apparatus 1 and the MRI apparatus 1 is affected at the same time. Infrared light that has no effect,
The control unit control circuit inside the relay unit 13 can be operated.

The output of the control unit control circuit is input to the control unit 23 through a control signal line (not shown) arranged in the second relay cable 16, and the control unit 23 outputs the control signal based on the control signal. Various settings are controlled.

Therefore, when the electronic endoscope main body 2 is used near the MRI apparatus 1, the control unit 23
Even when is disposed outside the magnetic shield wall 22 of the MRI apparatus 1, the operator of the electronic endoscope main body 2 and a person who assists it can easily set the control unit 23. Therefore, even when the electronic endoscope body 2 is used in the vicinity of the MRI apparatus 1, the user who operates the electronic endoscope body 2 inside the shield room goes out of the shield room and controls the control unit 23. Since it is possible to eliminate unnecessary work, it is possible to prevent deterioration in operability of the electronic endoscope control unit 23.

[0028]

[0029]

[0030]

[0031]

[0032]

[0033]

[0034]

Electronic endoscope in the vicinity of the strong magnetic field generator of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the present invention may and Turkey use successfully.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire electronic endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a relay unit.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main part configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... MRI apparatus (magnetic resonance imaging apparatus), 2 ... Electron endoscope main body, 3 ... Strong magnetic field generator, 10 ... First relay cable (signal cable), 13 ... Relay unit, 14 ... Signal shaping / boost circuit (Imaging device circuit), 15 ... Amplifier circuit (magnetic resonance imaging device circuit), 16 ... Second relay cable (signal cable), 17 ... Third relay cable (signal cable), 23 ... Control unit.

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. An imaging device is built in a tip portion of an insertion portion to shield magnetism from a strong magnetic field generator of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.
For the magnetic shield wall,
The main body of the electronic endoscope used on the same side is connected to the image pickup device and is connected to the base end of the insertion section.
Arranged on the side of the electronic endoscope main body with respect to the magnetic shield and the signal cable extending from the operation unit
Connected to the base end of the signal cable,
The image pickup device circuit that shapes or amplifies the signal of the child and the electronic endoscope main body is opposite to the magnetic shield wall.
It is arranged on the opposite side and connected to the circuit for the image sensor to
An electronic endoscope control unit for controlling the image element
Electronic endoscope apparatus characterized by comprising. 2. The magnetic resonance image provided on the insertion portion.
Magnetic resonance signal receiving means for receiving the magnetic resonance signal of the imaging device
If, connected to the magnetic resonance signal receiving means, extending from the operating portion
The magnetic resonance signal cable to be installed and the magnetic shield wall on the electronic endoscope main body side.
Is installed and connected to the base end side of the magnetic resonance signal cable.
The magnetic resonance signal of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.
The circuit for the air resonance imaging device and the main body of the electronic endoscope are opposed to the magnetic shield wall.
It is installed on the opposite side and connected to the signal cable for magnetic resonance.
A magnetic resonance signal input unit, a circuit for the image sensor, and a circuit for the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.
A contractor having a built-in relay unit
The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1.