JP4475725B2

JP4475725B2 - Endoscope cell collection tool

Info

Publication number: JP4475725B2
Application number: JP2000083084A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 輝雄大内
Original assignee: Hoya Corp
Current assignee: Hoya Corp
Priority date: 2000-03-24
Filing date: 2000-03-24
Publication date: 2010-06-09
Anticipated expiration: 2020-03-24
Also published as: JP2001269345A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、内視鏡の鉗子チャンネルに通して使用され、体腔内の細胞を採取するために用いられる内視鏡用細胞採取具に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
内視鏡に設けられた鉗子チャネル内を通して体腔内の細胞を採取する内視鏡用細胞採取具がある。
このような内視鏡用細胞採取具は、ワイヤと、該ワイヤの先端部分に取着されその毛足がワイヤの径方向に延在し毛足の先端がワイヤよりも大きな外径を形成する細胞採取用のブラシ毛とを有する操作部材と、ワイヤおよびブラシ毛が内部において進退可能に挿通される挿通孔を有する外套管とを備えて構成され、ブラシ毛が外套管の先端から出し入れ可能となるように構成されている。外套管は、内視鏡の鉗子チャネルに挿入されるため可撓性を有する材料で形成されている。
ブラシ毛に付着させる細胞の量は多いほど好ましく、そのためには、ブラシ毛の表面積を増やす必要がある。したがって、ブラシ毛の毛足をなるべく長くするため、ブラシ毛が挿通収容される外套管の挿通孔の内径もできるだけ大きくすることが必要である。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところが、外套管は、これを鉗子チャンネル内へ押し込むために可撓性を有するとともに、腰の強さ（硬さ）が必要であり、外套管の肉厚をある程度確保しなくてはならない。これに加えて、外套管が挿通される内視鏡の鉗子チャネルの内径は例えば２ｍｍ乃至２．８ｍｍ程度であるため、外套管は、その外径が鉗子チャネルに挿通可能な範囲にならざるを得ない。
したがって、外套管の内径を大きくするにも限界があり、このため、ブラシ毛の毛足長を長くするにも限度があった。
本発明は前記事情に鑑み案出されたものであって、本発明の課題は、ブラシ毛を収容するブラシ収容部の内径を大きくすることによって、多くの細胞を採取することが可能な内視鏡用細胞採取具を提供することにある。
【０００４】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記課題を解決するため、本発明は、ワイヤと、該ワイヤの先端部分に取着されその毛足がワイヤの径方向に延在し前記毛足の先端が前記ワイヤよりも大きな外径を形成するとともに、前記ワイヤの長さ方向に沿って配列された細胞採取用のブラシ毛とを有する操作部材と、前記ワイヤが進退可能に挿通される挿通孔が形成された外套管と、前記外套管の先端に設けられ、円筒壁とこの円筒壁の内側に形成された収容空間から構成されたブラシ収容部とを有し、前記収容空間は、前記ブラシ毛の毛足長に対応した内径および前記ブラシ毛の配列長に対応した長さを有してブラシ毛全体が出し入れ可能となるように構成された内視鏡用細胞採取具において、少なくとも前記円筒壁は内視鏡の湾曲したチャネル内を挿通されても塑性変形しない強度を有するように形成されていることを特徴とする。
そのため、円筒壁が内視鏡の湾曲したチャネル内を挿通されても塑性変形しない強度を有する範囲で円筒壁の肉厚を薄くすることによって、外套管の外径を変えずに円筒壁の内径を従来におけるブラシ毛が出し入れされる外套管の挿通孔の内径よりも大きくすることができる。したがって、ブラシ毛の毛足長を従来よりも長くすることができ、多くの細胞を採取することが可能となる。
【０００５】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施形態を図面を参照して説明する。
図１は第１の実施の形態における内視鏡用細胞採取具の構成を示す縦断面図である。
内視鏡用細胞採取具１００は、ワイヤ１０およびブラシ毛２０を有する操作部材３０と、外套管４０、収容部材５０などから構成され、外套管４０の先端にブラシ毛２０が位置するように操作部材３０が外套管４０の挿通孔４２に挿通される。
ワイヤ１０は、例えば複数のステンレス鋼細線を撚り合わせて形成した可撓性ワイヤから構成され、その外径が、外套管４０の挿通孔４２の内径よりも小さくなるように形成されている。
【０００６】
前記ブラシ毛２０はワイヤ１０の先端部分１０Ａに取着されている。
前記ブラシ毛２０は細胞採取用で、ワイヤ１０の外周に螺旋状に取着されて構成されている。すなわち、ブラシ毛２０の毛足はワイヤ１０の径方向に延在している。そして、ブラシ毛２０の毛足の先端がワイヤ１０の径よりも大きな外径Ｄ１（以下ブラシ毛２０の外径Ｄ１という）を形成している。また、ブラシ毛２０は、ワイヤ１０の長さに沿って配列長Ｌ１（以下ブラシ毛２０の配列長Ｌ１という）で配列され、ブラシ毛２０の外径はその配列長Ｌ１方向全長にわたって均一に形成されている。
ワイヤ１０の後端部分１０Ｂはワイヤ１０を外套管４０の挿通孔４２内で進退方向に移動させる際に操作者によって把持される。
【０００７】
外套管４０は、従来と同様の材料、すなわちフッ素樹脂やポリエチレン樹脂などのように可撓性を有する材料から形成されたチューブであり、外套管４０の挿通孔４２は、ワイヤ１０が挿通可能な均一の内径で形成され、ワイヤ１０がワイヤ１０の長さ方向に進退可能に挿通されるように構成されている。
【０００８】
前記外套管４０の先端に収容部材５０が取着され、この収容部材５０によってブラシ収容部６０が設けられている。
収容部材５０は全体として円筒壁状に形成されており、収容部材５０は大径部５２と、大径部５２の後端側に接続され前記大径部５２よりも小さな外径で形成された小径部５４とから構成されている。大径部５２は特許請求の範囲の外套管の先端に設けられた円筒壁に相当する。
【０００９】
小径部５４は、外套管４０の挿通孔４２の内径とほぼ同じ内径を有し、ワイヤ１０が挿通孔４２内で進退可能に挿通されるように形成されている。
小径部５４の外周面５４Ａには、複数のくさび状部５４Ａ１が形成されており、小径部５４が外套管４０の前端部４０Ａの挿通孔４２Ａに挿入されくさび状部５４Ａ１が挿通孔４２Ａに係合することによって外套管４０に脱落不能に嵌合保持されるように構成されている
【００１０】
大径部５２は、その内周面５２Ａがブラシ毛２０の外径Ｄ１よりも大きい寸法の内径Ｄ２で形成され、また、内周面５２Ａの長さはブラシ毛２０の配列長Ｌ１よりも大きい寸法の長さＬ２で形成され、内周面５２Ａの内径Ｄ２は前記長さＬ２の全長にわたって均一の寸法で形成されている。この内周面５２Ａにより大径部５２の内部にブラシ毛２０を収容するブラシ収容部６０が構成されている。
【００１１】
また、大径部の外周面５２Ｂは、小径部５４が外套管４０の前端部４０Ａに挿入された状態で、ブラシ収容部６０の大径部５２と外套管４０の挿通孔４２とがほぼ同軸上に位置し、かつ、大径部５２の外周面と外套管４０の外周面とが面一となるように形成されている。
【００１２】
また、収容部材５０は、外套管４０よりも大きな強度を有するように形成されている。収容部材５０を形成する材料は、内視鏡の湾曲した鉗子チャネル内を挿通されても塑性変形されない強度を有し、かつ、内視鏡の湾曲した鉗子チャネル内を挿通可能な程度の弾性を有する材料、例えば硬質プラスチックまたは金属である。すなわち、この第１の実施の形態では、外套管４０と、ブラシ収容部６０を構成する収容部材５０が異なる部材で形成されている。
上記硬質プラスチックとしては、例えばポリイミド樹脂を採用することができる。
また、上記金属としては、例えばステンレス、あるいは極めて高い弾性を有するＮｉ−Ｔｉ合金などの超弾性合金を採用することができる。
また、収容部材５０が上記条件、すなわち内視鏡の湾曲した鉗子チャネル内を挿通されても塑性変形されない強度を有し、かつ、内視鏡の湾曲した鉗子チャネル内を挿通可能な程度の弾性を有するという条件を満たす材料から形成されているため、収容部材５０を内視鏡の鉗子チャネルの端部に設けられている鉗子口から曲げ癖なく真っ直ぐに突出することができる。
【００１３】
また、外套管４０の操作側端部４６には、後端に向かうに従って外径と内径が拡張されるテーパ部４８が設けられている。
テーパ部４８の手前側には、外套管４０の外径と内径の寸法が他の部分よりも狭窄された狭窄部４９が形成され、この狭窄部４９の内径はワイヤ１０の外周面に当接することで摩擦力が発生するように構成されている。
この摩擦力によってワイヤ１０が進退方向へ不用意に移動することを防いでいる。上記摩擦力は、狭窄部４９の長さＬ３や狭窄部４９の数によって調整することができる。
また、狭窄部４９は、外套管４０を径方向内側に向かってつぶすなどして変形させることによって形成してもよいし、外套管４０を形成する際に予め狭窄部４９を設けるようにしてもよい。
【００１４】
操作部材３０は、ワイヤ１０の後端部分１０Ｂを収容部材５０に対して挿入して、外套管４０の操作側端部４６のテーパ部４８の開口から導出することによって外套管４０への挿入が行なわれ、ワイヤ１０の先端部分１０Ａを収容部材５０から抜去することによって外套管４０から取り外すことができる。
【００１５】
また、外套管４０の操作側端部４６にテーパ部４８が設けられているため、操作部材３０を外套管４０から取り外し外套管４０単独にした状態で、テーパ部４８に不図示の注射器を装着して洗浄液を注入することによって、外套管４０の挿通孔４２内を洗浄することができるようになっている。
【００１６】
次に作用について説明する。
内視鏡細胞採取具１００は、外套管４０に操作部材３０が挿入され、かつ、ブラシ毛２０がブラシ収容部６０に収容された状態で内視鏡の鉗子チャネル内に挿入され、外套管４０が鉗子チャネルと共に体内に挿入される。
この状態で、ブラシ毛２０をブラシ収容部６０、すなわち収容部材５０の大径部５２の開口から突出させて体腔内の粘膜に押し付け、ワイヤ１０の後端部分１０Ｂを把持してワイヤ１０の長さ方向に進退移動させ、これによりブラシ毛２０によって粘膜細胞が擦過され採取される。
ここで採取された細胞は、その一部がブラシ毛２０の隙間に入り込み、一部はブラシ毛２０の表面に盛り上がるようにしてブラシ毛２０に付着する。
【００１７】
ついで、ワイヤ１０の後端部分１０Ｂを後端側に引き寄せると、ブラシ毛２０が外套管４０のブラシ収容部６０へ向けて引き寄せられ、ブラシ毛２０がブラシ収容部６０に収容される。
この際、ブラシ収容部６０の大径部５２と外套管４０の挿通孔４２とはほぼ同軸上に設けられ、挿通孔４２の内径はワイヤ１０が挿通可能に細径部として形成されていることから、ワイヤ１０の軸心が大径部５２の軸心とほぼ一致した位置に規制される。すなわち、本例では、ワイヤ１０の挿通孔４２が外套管４０の大径部５２より後端側の箇所にワイヤ１０を大径部５２の軸心と同一軸線上に案内規制する規制手段を構成している。また、収容部材５０の大径部５２の内径Ｄ２がブラシ毛２０の外径Ｄ１よりも大きい。
これら２つの構成によって、ブラシ毛２０の先端が外径部５２の縁部に無理に係合するしごき現象が発生せず、ブラシ毛２０に付着した細胞の脱落が防止されるとともに、ブラシ毛２０のブラシ収容部６０への円滑な収納が可能となる。
【００１８】
このようにして、ブラシ収容部６０の収容空間内にブラシ毛２０が収納された後に、操作部材３０が外套管４０とともに内視鏡の鉗子チャネル内へ引き込まれるように移動される。
内視鏡の鉗子チャネル内に外套管４０が収納されると、ブラシ収容部６０にブラシ毛２０が収容された状態で、外套管４０が内視鏡から引き出される。
【００１９】
上述したように構成された内視鏡用細胞採取具１００によれば、ブラシ収容部６０の大径部５２が内視鏡の湾曲したチャネル内を挿通されても塑性変形しない強度を有する範囲で大径部５２の肉厚を薄くすることが可能となる。
このため、従来の外套管の外径を変えずに大径部５２の内径Ｄ２を従来よりも大きくすることができる。したがって、ブラシ毛２０の外径Ｄ１、すなわちブラシ毛２０の毛足長を従来よりも大きくして多くの細胞を採取することが可能となる。
【００２０】
また、外套管４０は、その挿通孔４２をワイヤ１０が進退可能な内径とすれば、従来の外套管よりも細い外径で済み、ブラシ収容部６０の大径部５２とワイヤ１０の軸心をほぼ一致させてブラシ毛２０を進退方向に移動させることができ、採取する細胞の脱落を防ぐことができる。
【００２１】
次に、本発明の第２の実施の形態について説明する。
図２は第２の実施の形態における内視鏡用細胞採取具の構成を示す縦断面図、図３は第２の実施の形態の内視鏡用細胞採取具の説明図であり、図３（Ａ）はワイヤ毛が外套管の先端部分から突出された状態を示す動作説明図、図３（Ｂ）はワイヤ毛が外套管の先端部分へ収容される状態を示す動作説明図である。図４は位置規制部材が設けられていない場合の動作を説明する動作説明図である。
なお、図２、図３において第１の実施の形態を示す図１と同一または対応する箇所には同一の符号を付してその説明を省略する。
【００２２】
内視鏡細胞採取具２００は、ワイヤ１０およびブラシ毛２０を有する操作部材１３０と、外套管１４０、口金部材１５０などから構成され、外套管１４０の先端にブラシ毛２０が位置するように操作部材１３０が外套管１４０に挿通され、この第２の実施の形態では、外套管とその挿通孔がブラシ収容部を兼ねている点が第１の実施の形態と異なっている。すなわち、外套管とブラシ収容部が同一の部材で形成されている。
【００２３】
すなわち、外套管１４０は、可撓性を有し、その挿通孔１４２がブラシ毛２０の外径Ｄ１よりも大きな均一の内径Ｄ２で形成される共に、外套管１４０が湾曲した鉗子チャネル内を挿通されても塑性変形しない強度を有し、かつ、湾曲した鉗子チャネル内を挿通可能な程度の弾性が保たれる範囲でその肉厚がなるべく薄くなるように構成されている。
外套管１４０の材料は、従来の材料、すなわちフッ素樹脂やポリエチレン樹脂などよりも強い耐塑性変形性を有する材料、例えば硬質プラスチックまたは金属である。
上記硬質プラスチックとしては、例えばポリイミド樹脂を採用することができる。
また、上記金属としては、例えばステンレス、あるいは極めて高い弾性を有するＮｉ−Ｔｉ合金などの超弾性合金を採用することができる。超弾性合金を採用した場合には外套管１４０全長にわたり曲がり癖がつきにくくなる利点がある。
【００２４】
外套管１４０の後端部である操作側端部１４４には、円筒壁状に形成された口金部材１５０が設けられている。
口金部材１５０は、外套管１４０の外径とほぼ同一内径である第１内径部１５２と、第１内径部１５２と同軸上に設けられた第２内径部１５４とを有している。
第１内径部１５２は、外套管１４０の操作側端部１４４が挿通された状態でこの操作側端部１４４に固定される。
第２内径部１５４は、口金部材１５０の第１内径部１５２が外套管１４０の後端部１４４に固定された状態で外套管１４０の挿通孔１４２の内周面と接続される内周面を形成しており、この内周面は口金部材１５０の後端部に向かうに従って径が拡大するテーパ形状を呈している。
【００２５】
操作部材１３０は、ワイヤ１０、ブラシ毛２０、ツマミ部１３２、補強パイプ１３４などを有している。
ワイヤ１０の後端部分１０Ｂにはワイヤ１０を外套管４０の挿通孔１４２内で進退方向に移動させる際に操作者によって把持される円柱状のツマミ部１３２がワイヤ１０と同軸上に位置するように設けられている。
このツマミ部１３２は、外套管１４０の挿通孔１４２の内径よりも小さな外径Ｄ３となるように形成されている。
また、ワイヤ１０の後端は補強パイプ１３４に挿通固定されており、補強パイプ１３４の後端はツマミ部１３２に一体的に固定されている。この補強パイプ１３４は、ワイヤ１０の長さ方向に沿って所定距離延在して設けられている。
【００２６】
また、ワイヤ１０の長さ方向に間隔をおいた２箇所に位置規制部材１３４Ａ、１３４Ｂ（特許請求の範囲の規制手段に相当）が一体的に取着されている。
一方の位置規制部材１３４Ａは、ワイヤ１０のブラシ毛２０の後端側近傍に設けられ、外套管１４０内においてワイヤ１０が外套管１４０の挿通孔１４２とほぼ同軸上に位置するように、ワイヤ１０の表面と外套管１４０の挿通孔１４２の内周面との間の環状の隙間を閉塞するように設けられている。
また、他方の位置規制部材１３４Ｂは、ワイヤ１０の操作端部１４４の先端側近傍に間隔をおいた箇所に設けられ、外套管１４０内においてワイヤ１０および補強パイプ１３４が外套管１４０の挿通孔１４２とほぼ同軸上に位置するように、補強パイプ１３４の外周面と外套管１４０の挿通孔１４２の内周面との間の環状の隙間を閉塞するように設けられている。
すなわち、位置規制部材１３４Ａ、１３４Ｂは、ワイヤ１３０の外周面に太径部として形成されている。
位置規制部材１３４Ａ、１３４Ｂは、例えばゴムなどの弾性体から構成され、外套管１４０の挿通孔１４２の内周面に接触して摩擦力が発生するように構成されている。この摩擦力によってワイヤ１０が進退方向へ不用意に移動することを防いでいる。
【００２７】
操作部材１３０は、ワイヤ１０の先端部分１０Ａに取着されたブラシ毛２０を外套管１４０の操作側端部１４４に設けられた口金部材１５０の第２内径部１５４から挿入することによって外套管４０へ操作部材１３０を挿入し、ワイヤ１０の先端部分１０Ａに取着されたブラシ毛２０を外套管１４０の先端部１４１から抜去することによって外套管４０から操作部材１３０を取り外すことができる。
また、これとは逆に、操作部材１３０のツマミ部１３２を外套管１４０の先端部１４１から挿入することによって外套管４０へ操作部材１３０を挿入し、操作部材１３０のツマミ部１３２を口金部材１５０の第２内径部１５４から抜去することによって外套管４０から操作部材１３０を取り外すこともできる。
【００２８】
また、外套管１４０の操作側端部１４４に設けた口金部材１５０の第２内径部１５４がテーパ形状を呈しているため、操作部材１３０を外套管１４０から取り外し外套管１４０単独にした状態で、口金部材１５０の第２内径部１５４に不図示の注射器を装着して洗浄液を注入することで、外套管１４０の挿通孔１４２内を容易に洗浄することができるようになっている。
【００２９】
次に図３を参照して作用について説明する。
内視鏡細胞採取具２００は、外套管１４０に操作部材１３０が挿入され、かつ、ブラシ毛２０が外套管１４０の先端部１４１の内部１４１Ａに収容された状態で内視鏡の鉗子チャネル内に挿入され、外套管１４０が鉗子チャネルと共に体内に挿入される。
図３（Ａ）に示されている状態で、ブラシ毛２０を外套管１４０の先端部１４１から突出させて体腔内の粘膜に押し付け、ワイヤ１０の後端部分１０Ｂに設けられているツマミ部１３２を把持してワイヤ１０の長さ方向に進退移動させ、これによりブラシ毛２０によって粘膜細胞が擦過され採取される。
ここで採取された細胞Ｔは、その一部がブラシ毛２０の隙間に入り込み、一部はブラシ毛２０の表面に盛り上がるようにしてブラシ毛２０に付着する。
【００３０】
ついで、図３（Ｂ）に示されているように、ツマミ部１３２を後端側に引き寄せると、ブラシ毛２０が外套管４０の先端部１４１へ向けて引き寄せられ、ブラシ毛２０が先端部１４１の内部に収容される。この際、位置規制部材１３４Ａ、１３４Ｂの作用によって、操作部材１３０、すなわちワイヤ１０とブラシ毛２０は外套管１４０とほぼ同軸上に案内されるから、ブラシ毛２０が外套管１４０の先端部１４１に円滑に収納される。
【００３１】
また、外套管１４０の内径Ｄ２は、ブラシ毛２０の外径Ｄ１よりも大きいため、ブラシ毛２０と外套管１４０の間に無理な係合はなく、円滑な収納が行われ、外套管１４０の先端部１４１によるブラシ毛２０のしごき現象がなく、ブラシ毛２０に付着した細胞の脱落が防止される。
図４には、図３（Ｂ）に対する比較例が示されており、位置規制部材１３４Ａ、１３４Ｂが設けられていない状態が示している。
この場合、ワイヤ１０とブラシ毛２０は外套管１４０と同軸上に位置せず、ワイヤ１０とブラシ毛１４０が外套管１４０の軸線に対して傾いているため、ブラシ毛２０が外套管１４０の先端部１４１に無理に係合され、円滑な収納が行われず、外套管１４０の先端部１４１によるブラシ毛２０のしごき現象が生じて、ブラシ毛２０に付着した細胞の脱落が生じてしまう。
【００３２】
このようにして、外套管１４０の先端部１４１にブラシ毛２０が収納された後に、操作部材１３０が外套管１４０とともに内視鏡の鉗子チャネル内へ引き込まれるように移動される。
内視鏡の鉗子チャネル内に外套管１４０が収納されると、外套管１４０の先端部１４１にブラシ毛２０が収容された状態で、外套管１４０が内視鏡から引き出される。
【００３３】
上述したように構成された内視鏡用細胞採取具２００によれば、可撓性を有し、外套管１４０が湾曲した鉗子チャネル内を挿通されても塑性変形しない強度を有し、かつ、内視鏡の鉗子チャネル内を挿通可能な範囲でその外径がなるべく大きく、かつ、外套管１４０が湾曲した鉗子チャネル内を挿通可能な程度の弾性が保たれる範囲で外套管１４０の肉厚がなるべく薄くなるように構成されているため、内視鏡の鉗子口から外套管１４０を曲げ癖なく真っ直ぐに突出させることができ、外套管１４０の外径を変えずに外套管１４０の挿通孔１４２の内径を従来の外套管の挿通孔の内径よりも大きくすることができる。したがって、ブラシ毛２０の外径Ｄ１を従来よりも大きくすることができ、多くの細胞を採取することが可能となる。
【００３４】
例えば、内視鏡の鉗子チャネルの内径が２ｍｍ乃至２．８ｍｍ程度であった場合、この鉗子チャネルに挿通される外套管の外径は１．８ｍｍ乃至２．６ｍｍ程度とすることができる。この程度の外径であれば、外套管が内視鏡の鉗子チャネル内を挿通可能な範囲でその外径がなるべく大きく、かつ、外套管１４０が湾曲した鉗子チャネル内を挿通されても塑性変形しない強度を有し、かつ、外套管が湾曲した鉗子チャネル内を挿通可能な程度の弾性が保たれる範囲で外套管の肉厚がなるべく薄くなるように構成しても可撓性を得ることが可能である。
【００３５】
第２の実施の形態では、ブラシ毛２０が収容される外套管１４０が特許請求の範囲の円筒部に相当している。
また、第２の実施の形態では、規制手段としての位置規制部材１３４Ａ、１３４Ｂをワイヤ１３０の外周面に太径部として形成したが、これら位置規制部材１３４Ａ、１３４Ｂを外套管１４０の挿通孔１４２の内周面に固定することで挿通孔１４２の内周面に細径部として形成することもできる。
また、図１における外套管１４０の狭窄部４９のように、外套管４０の外径と内径の寸法を他の部分よりも狭窄した狭窄部を形成し、この狭窄部の挿通孔の内周面によって規制手段を実現することもできる。
【００３６】
なお、第２の実施の形態では、外套管１４０の操作側端部１４４にテーパ形状を呈する口金部材１５０を設けたが、この口金部材の代わりに、外套管１４０の後端部をテーパ形状となるように形成してもよい。
【００３７】
【発明の効果】
本発明は、ワイヤと、該ワイヤの先端部分に取着されその毛足がワイヤの径方向に延在し前記毛足の先端が前記ワイヤよりも大きな外径を形成するとともに、前記ワイヤの長さ方向に沿って配列された細胞採取用のブラシ毛とを有する操作部材と、前記ワイヤが進退可能に挿通される挿通孔が形成された外套管と、前記外套管の先端に設けられ、円筒壁とこの円筒壁の内側に形成された収容空間から構成されたブラシ収容部とを有し、前記収容空間は、前記ブラシ毛の毛足長に対応した内径および前記ブラシ毛の配列長に対応した長さを有してブラシ毛全体が出し入れ可能となるように構成された内視鏡用細胞採取具において、少なくとも前記円筒壁は内視鏡の湾曲したチャネル内を挿通されても塑性変形しない強度を有するように形成されている。
そのため、円筒壁が内視鏡の湾曲したチャネル内を挿通されても塑性変形しない強度を有する範囲で円筒壁の肉厚を薄くすることによって、外套管の外径を変えずに円筒壁の内径を従来におけるブラシ毛が出し入れされる外套管の挿通孔の内径よりも大きくすることができる。したがって、ブラシ毛の毛足長を従来よりも長くすることができ、多くの細胞を採取することが可能となる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】第１の実施の形態における内視鏡用細胞採取具の構成を示す縦断面図である。
【図２】第２の実施の形態における内視鏡用細胞採取具の構成を示す縦断面図である。
【図３】第２の実施の形態の内視鏡用細胞採取具の説明図であり、図３（Ａ）はワイヤ毛が外套管の先端部分から突出された状態を示す動作説明図、図３（Ｂ）はワイヤ毛が外套管の先端部分へ収容される状態を示す動作説明図である。
【図４】位置規制部材が設けられていない場合の動作を説明する動作説明図である。
【符号の説明】
１００、２００内視鏡細胞採取具
１０ワイヤ
２０ブラシ毛
３０、１３０操作部材
４０、１４０外套管
５０収容部材
６０ブラシ収容部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endoscopic cell collection tool used for collecting cells in a body cavity, which is used through a forceps channel of an endoscope.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There is an endoscopic cell collection tool for collecting cells in a body cavity through a forceps channel provided in an endoscope.
Such an endoscopic cell collection tool is attached to a wire and a tip portion of the wire, and the hair foot extends in the radial direction of the wire, and the hair foot tip forms an outer diameter larger than the wire. An operation member having brush bristles for cell collection, and a mantle tube having an insertion hole through which the wire and the brush bristles are inserted so as to be able to advance and retreat inside, and the bristles can be taken in and out from the tip of the mantle tube It is comprised so that it may become. The outer tube is made of a flexible material so as to be inserted into the forceps channel of the endoscope.
The greater the amount of cells attached to the brush hair, the better. For this purpose, it is necessary to increase the surface area of the brush hair. Therefore, in order to make the bristle of the bristle as long as possible, it is necessary to make the inner diameter of the insertion hole of the outer tube through which the bristle is inserted and received as large as possible.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the outer tube is flexible in order to push it into the forceps channel, and requires strength (hardness) of the waist, so that the thickness of the outer tube must be secured to some extent. In addition, since the inner diameter of the forceps channel of the endoscope through which the outer tube is inserted is, for example, about 2 mm to 2.8 mm, the outer diameter of the outer tube must be within a range that can be inserted into the forceps channel. I don't get it.
Therefore, there is a limit to increasing the inner diameter of the mantle tube, and thus there is a limit to increasing the length of the bristle length of the brush hair.
The present invention has been devised in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is an endoscope that can collect a large number of cells by increasing the inner diameter of a brush housing portion that houses brush hairs. It is to provide a cell collecting tool for a mirror.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a wire and a hair foot attached to the tip portion of the wire and extending in the radial direction of the wire so that the hair foot tip has a larger outer diameter than the wire. In addition, an operation member having cell-collecting brush bristles arranged along the length direction of the wire, an outer tube formed with an insertion hole through which the wire can be advanced and retracted, and the outer tube A brush housing portion formed of a cylindrical wall and a housing space formed inside the cylindrical wall, the housing space having an inner diameter corresponding to a bristle length of the bristle and the In the endoscopic cell collection tool having a length corresponding to the arrangement length of the bristle and configured so that the entire bristle can be taken in and out, at least the cylindrical wall extends in the curved channel of the endoscope. Strong that does not deform plastically when inserted Characterized in that it is formed to have a.
Therefore, by reducing the wall thickness of the cylindrical wall within the range that does not cause plastic deformation even when the cylindrical wall is inserted through the curved channel of the endoscope, the inner diameter of the cylindrical wall can be changed without changing the outer diameter of the outer tube. Can be made larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole of the outer tube where the bristles are put in and out. Accordingly, the length of the bristle of the brush hair can be made longer than before, and a large number of cells can be collected.
[0005]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of an endoscopic cell collection tool in the first embodiment.
The endoscopic cell collection tool 100 includes an operation member 30 having a wire 10 and brush hairs 20, an outer tube 40, a housing member 50, and the like, and is operated so that the brush hairs 20 are positioned at the distal end of the outer tube 40. The member 30 is inserted through the insertion hole 42 of the outer tube 40.
The wire 10 is made of a flexible wire formed by twisting a plurality of fine stainless steel wires, for example, and has an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the insertion hole 42 of the outer tube 40.
[0006]
The bristles 20 are attached to the tip portion 10 A of the wire 10.
The brush bristles 20 are for cell collection and are configured to be spirally attached to the outer periphery of the wire 10. That is, the bristles of the brush bristles 20 extend in the radial direction of the wire 10. The tips of the bristle legs of the bristles 20 form an outer diameter D1 that is larger than the diameter of the wire 10 (hereinafter referred to as the outer diameter D1 of the brush bristles 20). Further, the brush bristles 20 are arranged with an arrangement length L1 (hereinafter referred to as arrangement length L1 of the bristles 20) along the length of the wire 10, and the outer diameter of the bristles 20 is formed uniformly over the entire length in the arrangement length L1. Has been.
The rear end portion 10B of the wire 10 is gripped by the operator when the wire 10 is moved in the forward / backward direction within the insertion hole 42 of the outer tube 40.
[0007]
The outer tube 40 is a tube formed of a material similar to the conventional material, that is, a flexible material such as a fluororesin or a polyethylene resin. The insertion hole 42 of the outer tube 40 can be inserted with the wire 10. It is formed with a uniform inner diameter, and is configured such that the wire 10 is inserted so as to be able to advance and retract in the length direction of the wire 10.
[0008]
A housing member 50 is attached to the distal end of the outer tube 40, and a brush housing portion 60 is provided by the housing member 50.
The housing member 50 is formed in a cylindrical wall shape as a whole, and the housing member 50 is connected to the large diameter portion 52 and the rear end side of the large diameter portion 52 and has an outer diameter smaller than the large diameter portion 52. The small-diameter portion 54 is configured. The large diameter portion 52 corresponds to a cylindrical wall provided at the tip of the outer tube in the claims.
[0009]
The small-diameter portion 54 has an inner diameter that is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the insertion hole 42 of the outer tube 40, and is formed so that the wire 10 is inserted in the insertion hole 42 so as to be able to advance and retract.
A plurality of wedge-shaped portions 54A1 are formed on the outer peripheral surface 54A of the small-diameter portion 54, the small-diameter portion 54 is inserted into the insertion hole 42A of the front end portion 40A of the outer tube 40, and the wedge-shaped portion 54A1 is engaged with the insertion hole 42A. By being joined, the outer tube 40 is configured to be fitted and held so as not to fall off.
The large diameter portion 52 is formed with an inner diameter D2 whose inner peripheral surface 52A is larger than the outer diameter D1 of the bristles 20, and the length of the inner peripheral surface 52A is larger than the arrangement length L1 of the brush bristles 20. The inner diameter D2 of the inner peripheral surface 52A is formed with a uniform dimension over the entire length L2. The inner circumferential surface 52A constitutes a brush accommodating portion 60 that accommodates the brush hair 20 inside the large diameter portion 52.
[0011]
Further, the outer peripheral surface 52B of the large diameter portion is substantially coaxial with the large diameter portion 52 of the brush accommodating portion 60 and the insertion hole 42 of the outer tube 40 in a state where the small diameter portion 54 is inserted into the front end portion 40A of the outer tube 40. The outer circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 52 and the outer circumferential surface of the outer tube 40 are formed so as to be flush with each other.
[0012]
The housing member 50 is formed to have a strength greater than that of the outer tube 40. The material forming the housing member 50 has a strength that is not plastically deformed even if it is inserted through the curved forceps channel of the endoscope, and is elastic enough to be inserted through the curved forceps channel of the endoscope. It has a material such as hard plastic or metal. That is, in the first embodiment, the outer tube 40 and the housing member 50 constituting the brush housing portion 60 are formed of different members.
As said hard plastic, a polyimide resin is employable, for example.
As the metal, for example, stainless steel or a superelastic alloy such as Ni-Ti alloy having extremely high elasticity can be adopted.
In addition, the housing member 50 has such a strength that it is not plastically deformed even if it is inserted through the curved forceps channel of the endoscope, and is elastic enough to be inserted through the curved forceps channel of the endoscope. Therefore, the housing member 50 can be projected straight from the forceps opening provided at the end of the forceps channel of the endoscope without bending folds.
[0013]
In addition, the operation side end portion 46 of the outer tube 40 is provided with a tapered portion 48 whose outer diameter and inner diameter are expanded toward the rear end.
A narrowed portion 49 in which the outer diameter and inner diameter of the outer tube 40 are narrower than other portions is formed on the front side of the tapered portion 48, and the inner diameter of the narrowed portion 49 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the wire 10. Thus, a frictional force is generated.
This frictional force prevents the wire 10 from inadvertently moving in the forward / backward direction. The frictional force can be adjusted by the length L3 of the narrowed portion 49 and the number of narrowed portions 49.
Further, the narrowed portion 49 may be formed by crushing the outer tube 40 toward the inner side in the radial direction or the like, or may be formed in advance when the outer tube 40 is formed. Good.
[0014]
The operation member 30 is inserted into the outer tube 40 by inserting the rear end portion 10B of the wire 10 into the housing member 50 and leading out from the opening of the tapered portion 48 of the operation side end 46 of the outer tube 40. This is done, and the distal end portion 10A of the wire 10 can be removed from the outer tube 40 by removing it from the housing member 50.
[0015]
In addition, since the operation side end 46 of the outer tube 40 is provided with a tapered portion 48, a syringe (not shown) is attached to the tapered portion 48 with the operation member 30 removed from the outer tube 40 and the outer tube 40 alone. Then, the inside of the insertion hole 42 of the outer tube 40 can be cleaned by injecting the cleaning liquid.
[0016]
Next, the operation will be described.
The endoscope cell collection tool 100 is inserted into the forceps channel of the endoscope in a state where the operation member 30 is inserted into the outer tube 40 and the bristles 20 are housed in the brush housing portion 60. Is inserted into the body along with the forceps channel.
In this state, the brush bristles 20 are protruded from the opening of the brush accommodating portion 60, that is, the large diameter portion 52 of the accommodating member 50 and pressed against the mucous membrane in the body cavity to grasp the rear end portion 10B of the wire 10 and By moving forward and backward in the vertical direction, the mucosal cells are scraped by the bristles 20 and collected.
Some of the cells collected here enter the gaps between the brush hairs 20, and some of the cells adhere to the brush hairs 20 so as to rise on the surface of the brush hairs 20.
[0017]
Next, when the rear end portion 10 B of the wire 10 is pulled toward the rear end side, the brush bristles 20 are drawn toward the brush accommodating portion 60 of the outer tube 40, and the brush bristles 20 are accommodated in the brush accommodating portion 60.
At this time, the large diameter portion 52 of the brush accommodating portion 60 and the insertion hole 42 of the outer tube 40 are provided substantially coaxially, and the inner diameter of the insertion hole 42 is formed as a small diameter portion through which the wire 10 can be inserted. Thus, the axial center of the wire 10 is regulated to a position substantially coincident with the axial center of the large diameter portion 52. That is, in this example, the insertion hole 42 of the wire 10 constitutes a restricting means for guiding and restricting the wire 10 on the same axis as the axis of the large diameter portion 52 at a position on the rear end side of the large diameter portion 52 of the outer tube 40. is doing. Further, the inner diameter D 2 of the large diameter portion 52 of the housing member 50 is larger than the outer diameter D 1 of the brush bristles 20.
With these two configurations, the squeezing phenomenon in which the tip of the brush hair 20 is forcibly engaged with the edge of the outer diameter portion 52 does not occur, and the cells attached to the brush hair 20 are prevented from falling off, and the brush hair 20 Can be smoothly housed in the brush housing 60.
[0018]
In this manner, after the bristles 20 are stored in the storage space of the brush storage unit 60, the operation member 30 is moved together with the outer tube 40 so as to be drawn into the forceps channel of the endoscope.
When the mantle tube 40 is accommodated in the forceps channel of the endoscope, the mantle tube 40 is pulled out from the endoscope in a state where the brush bristles 20 are accommodated in the brush accommodating portion 60.
[0019]
According to the endoscope cell collection tool 100 configured as described above, the large-diameter portion 52 of the brush accommodating portion 60 has a strength that does not cause plastic deformation even when it is inserted through the curved channel of the endoscope. It is possible to reduce the thickness of the large diameter portion 52.
For this reason, the internal diameter D2 of the large diameter part 52 can be made larger than before without changing the outer diameter of the conventional mantle tube. Therefore, it becomes possible to collect many cells by making the outer diameter D1 of the bristle 20, that is, the length of the bristle leg of the bristle 20 larger than before.
[0020]
Further, the outer tube 40 has an outer diameter smaller than that of the conventional outer tube if the insertion hole 42 has an inner diameter through which the wire 10 can advance and retract, and the large diameter portion 52 of the brush housing 60 and the axial center of the wire 10 are sufficient. The bristles 20 can be moved in the advancing and retreating direction so that the collected cells can be prevented from falling off.
[0021]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the endoscope cell collecting tool in the second embodiment, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the endoscope cell collecting tool in the second embodiment. (A) is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows the state in which the wire hair protruded from the front-end | tip part of a mantle tube, FIG.3 (B) is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows the state in which wire bristles are accommodated in the front-end | tip part of a mantle tube. FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory view for explaining the operation when the position restricting member is not provided.
2 and 3, the same or corresponding portions as those in FIG. 1 showing the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0022]
The endoscopic cell collection tool 200 includes an operation member 130 having the wire 10 and the brush bristles 20, an outer tube 140, a base member 150, and the like, and the operation member so that the brush bristles 20 are positioned at the distal end of the outer tube 140. 130 is inserted into the mantle tube 140, and the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the mantle tube and its insertion hole also serve as a brush accommodating portion. That is, the outer tube and the brush housing part are formed of the same member.
[0023]
That is, the outer tube 140 is flexible, and the insertion hole 142 is formed with a uniform inner diameter D2 larger than the outer diameter D1 of the bristles 20, and the outer tube 140 is inserted through the curved forceps channel. However, the thickness of the wall is as thin as possible within a range that is strong enough not to be plastically deformed and is elastic enough to be inserted through the curved forceps channel.
The material of the outer tube 140 is a conventional material, that is, a material having a stronger plastic deformation resistance than a fluororesin or a polyethylene resin, for example, a hard plastic or a metal.
As said hard plastic, a polyimide resin is employable, for example.
As the metal, for example, stainless steel or a superelastic alloy such as Ni-Ti alloy having extremely high elasticity can be adopted. When a super elastic alloy is employed, there is an advantage that the outer tube 140 is not bent and wrinkled easily.
[0024]
A cap member 150 formed in the shape of a cylindrical wall is provided at the operation side end portion 144 which is the rear end portion of the outer tube 140.
The base member 150 has a first inner diameter portion 152 that is substantially the same inner diameter as the outer diameter of the outer tube 140, and a second inner diameter portion 154 that is provided coaxially with the first inner diameter portion 152.
The first inner diameter portion 152 is fixed to the operation side end portion 144 in a state where the operation side end portion 144 of the outer tube 140 is inserted.
The second inner diameter portion 154 has an inner peripheral surface connected to the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 142 of the outer tube 140 in a state where the first inner diameter portion 152 of the base member 150 is fixed to the rear end portion 144 of the outer tube 140. The inner peripheral surface has a tapered shape whose diameter increases toward the rear end of the base member 150.
[0025]
The operation member 130 includes the wire 10, the brush hair 20, the knob portion 132, the reinforcing pipe 134, and the like.
At the rear end portion 10 B of the wire 10, a columnar knob portion 132 that is gripped by the operator when the wire 10 is moved in the forward / backward direction within the insertion hole 142 of the outer tube 40 is positioned coaxially with the wire 10. Is provided.
The knob 132 is formed to have an outer diameter D3 that is smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 142 of the outer tube 140.
Further, the rear end of the wire 10 is inserted and fixed to the reinforcing pipe 134, and the rear end of the reinforcing pipe 134 is fixed to the knob portion 132 integrally. The reinforcing pipe 134 is provided to extend a predetermined distance along the length direction of the wire 10.
[0026]
In addition, position restricting members 134A and 134B (corresponding to the restricting means in the claims) are integrally attached at two positions spaced in the length direction of the wire 10.
One position regulating member 134A is provided in the vicinity of the rear end side of the bristles 20 of the wire 10, and the wire 10 is positioned so as to be substantially coaxial with the insertion hole 142 of the outer tube 140 in the outer tube 140. And an annular gap between the outer surface of the outer tube 140 and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 142 of the outer tube 140 is provided.
The other position regulating member 134 B is provided at a position in the vicinity of the distal end side of the operation end portion 144 of the wire 10, and the wire 10 and the reinforcing pipe 134 are inserted into the insertion hole 142 of the outer tube 140 in the outer tube 140. Is provided so as to close an annular gap between the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing pipe 134 and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 142 of the outer tube 140.
That is, the position regulating members 134 A and 134 B are formed as large diameter portions on the outer peripheral surface of the wire 130.
The position restricting members 134A and 134B are made of an elastic body such as rubber, for example, and are configured to come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 142 of the outer tube 140 and generate a frictional force. This frictional force prevents the wire 10 from inadvertently moving in the forward / backward direction.
[0027]
The operation member 130 is inserted into the outer tube 40 by inserting the bristles 20 attached to the distal end portion 10 A of the wire 10 from the second inner diameter portion 154 of the base member 150 provided at the operation side end 144 of the outer tube 140. The operating member 130 can be removed from the mantle tube 40 by inserting the manipulating member 130 and removing the bristles 20 attached to the tip portion 10 A of the wire 10 from the tip portion 141 of the mantle tube 140.
Conversely, the operation member 130 is inserted into the outer tube 40 by inserting the knob portion 132 of the operation member 130 from the distal end portion 141 of the outer tube 140, and the knob portion 132 of the operation member 130 is inserted into the cap member 150. The operation member 130 can also be removed from the outer tube 40 by being removed from the second inner diameter portion 154.
[0028]
In addition, since the second inner diameter portion 154 of the cap member 150 provided on the operation side end 144 of the outer tube 140 has a tapered shape, the operation member 130 is removed from the outer tube 140 and the outer tube 140 is used alone. By attaching a syringe (not shown) to the second inner diameter portion 154 of the base member 150 and injecting the cleaning liquid, the inside of the insertion hole 142 of the outer tube 140 can be easily cleaned.
[0029]
Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIG.
The endoscope cell collection tool 200 is inserted into the forceps channel of the endoscope in a state where the operation member 130 is inserted into the outer tube 140 and the bristles 20 are accommodated in the inside 141A of the distal end portion 141 of the outer tube 140. Once inserted, the mantle tube 140 is inserted into the body along with the forceps channel.
In the state shown in FIG. 3A, the bristles 20 are projected from the distal end portion 141 of the outer tube 140 and pressed against the mucous membrane in the body cavity, and the knob portion 132 provided on the rear end portion 10B of the wire 10 is pressed. Is gripped and moved forward and backward in the length direction of the wire 10, whereby the mucosal cells are abraded by the bristles 20 and collected.
A part of the cells T collected here enter the gaps of the brush hairs 20 and a part of the cells T adheres to the brush hairs 20 so as to rise on the surface of the brush hairs 20.
[0030]
Next, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the knob portion 132 is pulled toward the rear end side, the brush hair 20 is pulled toward the distal end portion 141 of the outer tube 40, and the brush bristle 20 is pulled toward the distal end portion 141. Housed inside. At this time, the operation member 130, that is, the wire 10 and the bristles 20 are guided almost coaxially with the outer tube 140 by the action of the position regulating members 134A and 134B. It is stored smoothly.
[0031]
Further, since the inner diameter D2 of the outer tube 140 is larger than the outer diameter D1 of the brush bristles 20, there is no excessive engagement between the brush bristles 20 and the outer tube 140, and smooth housing is performed. There is no squeezing phenomenon of the brush hair 20 by the tip portion 141, and the cells attached to the brush hair 20 are prevented from falling off.
FIG. 4 shows a comparative example with respect to FIG. 3B and shows a state where the position regulating members 134A and 134B are not provided.
In this case, the wire 10 and the bristles 20 are not positioned coaxially with the outer tube 140, and the wire 10 and the bristles 140 are inclined with respect to the axis of the outer tube 140. Forcibly engaged with the portion 141, the smooth storage is not performed, and the brush hair 20 is squeezed by the distal end portion 141 of the outer tube 140, and the cells attached to the brush hair 20 fall off.
[0032]
In this way, after the bristles 20 are stored in the distal end portion 141 of the outer tube 140, the operation member 130 is moved together with the outer tube 140 so as to be drawn into the forceps channel of the endoscope.
When the outer tube 140 is housed in the forceps channel of the endoscope, the outer tube 140 is pulled out from the endoscope in a state where the bristles 20 are housed in the distal end portion 141 of the outer tube 140.
[0033]
According to the endoscope cell collection device 200 configured as described above, the endoscope has flexibility, has a strength that does not cause plastic deformation even when the outer tube 140 is inserted through a curved forceps channel, and The outer diameter of the outer tube 140 is as large as possible within a range in which it can be inserted through the forceps channel of the endoscope, and the thickness of the outer tube 140 is within a range in which the outer tube 140 is elastic enough to be inserted through the curved forceps channel. Since the outer tube 140 is configured to be as thin as possible, the outer tube 140 can be projected straight without bending from the forceps opening of the endoscope, and the insertion hole of the outer tube 140 can be changed without changing the outer diameter of the outer tube 140. The inner diameter of 142 can be made larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole of the conventional mantle tube. Therefore, the outer diameter D1 of the bristles 20 can be made larger than before, and a large number of cells can be collected.
[0034]
For example, when the inner diameter of the forceps channel of the endoscope is about 2 mm to 2.8 mm, the outer diameter of the outer tube inserted through the forceps channel can be about 1.8 mm to 2.6 mm. If the outer diameter is such an extent, the outer diameter of the outer tube is as large as possible within a range in which the outer tube can be inserted into the forceps channel of the endoscope, and the outer tube 140 is plastically deformed even if it is inserted through the curved forceps channel. Even if the outer tube is designed to be as thin as possible within a range that has sufficient strength so that it can be inserted through the forceps channel where the outer tube is curved, the flexibility can be obtained. Is possible.
[0035]
In the second embodiment, the outer tube 140 in which the brush bristles 20 are accommodated corresponds to the cylindrical portion of the claims.
In the second embodiment, the position restricting members 134A and 134B as restricting means are formed as large diameter portions on the outer peripheral surface of the wire 130. However, these position restricting members 134A and 134B are inserted into the insertion holes 142 of the outer tube 140. It can also be formed as a small diameter portion on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 142 by being fixed to the inner peripheral surface.
Further, like the narrowed portion 49 of the outer tube 140 in FIG. 1, a narrowed portion in which the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the outer tube 40 are narrower than other portions is formed, and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole of the narrowed portion It is also possible to realize a regulation means.
[0036]
In the second embodiment, the base member 150 having a tapered shape is provided at the operation side end 144 of the outer tube 140, but instead of this base member, the rear end portion of the outer tube 140 has a tapered shape. You may form so that it may become.
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention provides a wire and a hair foot attached to the tip of the wire and extending in the radial direction of the wire so that the tip of the hair foot has a larger outer diameter than the wire, and the length of the wire An operation member having cell-collecting brush bristles arranged in the vertical direction, an outer tube formed with an insertion hole through which the wire can be advanced and retracted, and a cylindrical tube provided at the distal end of the outer tube A brush housing portion formed of a wall and a housing space formed inside the cylindrical wall, the housing space corresponding to an inner diameter corresponding to a bristle length of the brush hair and an arrangement length of the brush hair In the endoscopic cell collection tool constructed so that the entire bristles can be inserted and removed with at least the length, at least the cylindrical wall is not plastically deformed even if it is inserted through the curved channel of the endoscope. Formed to have strength There.
Therefore, by reducing the wall thickness of the cylindrical wall within the range that does not cause plastic deformation even when the cylindrical wall is inserted through the curved channel of the endoscope, the inner diameter of the cylindrical wall can be changed without changing the outer diameter of the outer tube. Can be made larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole of the outer tube where the bristles are put in and out. Accordingly, the length of the bristle of the brush hair can be made longer than before, and a large number of cells can be collected.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of an endoscopic cell collection tool according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of an endoscopic cell collection tool in a second embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of an endoscopic cell collection tool according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 3 (A) is an operation explanatory view showing a state in which the wire bristles protrude from the distal end portion of the mantle tube; 3 (B) is an operation explanatory view showing a state in which the wire hair is housed in the distal end portion of the outer tube.
FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating an operation when a position restricting member is not provided.
[Explanation of symbols]
100, 200 Endoscope cell collection tool 10 Wire 20 Brush hair 30, 130 Operating member 40, 140 Mantle tube 50 Housing member 60 Brush housing part

Claims

A wire and a bristles attached to the tip portion of the wire extend in the radial direction of the wire, the tip of the bristles forms a larger outer diameter than the wire, and along the length direction of the wire An operation member having brush hairs for collecting cells arranged in a line;
An outer tube formed with an insertion hole through which the wire is inserted so as to be able to advance and retreat;
A brush housing portion provided at a tip of the outer tube, and having a cylindrical wall and a housing space formed inside the cylindrical wall;
Endoscopic cell configured such that the accommodation space has an inner diameter corresponding to the bristle length of the bristle and a length corresponding to the arrangement length of the bristle, and the entire bristle can be taken in and out. In the collection tool,
At least the cylindrical wall is formed to have a strength that does not cause plastic deformation even when inserted through a curved channel of an endoscope.
An endoscopic cell collection tool characterized by the above.

The endoscopic cell collection tool according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical wall of the brush housing portion and the insertion hole of the outer tube are provided substantially coaxially.

3. The endoscope for an endoscope according to claim 2, wherein a restriction means for guiding and restricting the wire on the same axis as the axis of the cylindrical wall is provided at a position on the rear end side of the cylindrical wall of the outer tube. Cell collection tool.

The endoscopic cell according to claim 3, wherein the restricting means is formed as a large diameter portion on the outer peripheral surface of the wire or as a small diameter portion on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole of the outer tube. Collection tool.

The cell collection for an endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the material forming the cylindrical wall is elastic enough to be inserted through a curved channel of the endoscope. Ingredients.

The brush bristles are formed to have a uniform outer diameter over the entire length of the arrangement length, and the receiving space has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter formed by the ends of the bristle legs of the brush hairs over the entire length. The endoscopic cell collection tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the endoscopic cell collection tool is formed of a cylindrical space having a uniform size.

The endoscopic cell collection tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a thickness of the cylindrical wall is smaller than a thickness of the outer tube.

The endoscopic cell collection tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the material forming the cylindrical wall is hard plastic or metal.

The endoscopic cell collection tool according to claim 8, wherein the metal is a superelastic alloy.

The endoscopic cell collection tool according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cylindrical wall and the outer tube are formed of the same material.

The endoscopic cell collection tool according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cylindrical wall and the outer tube are formed of different materials.