JPH0329634A - Endoscope sheath - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Industrial Application Field] The present invention covers the insertion tube of an endoscope so that the part that comes into contact with dirt in the patient's body cavity, the inner wall of the body cavity, etc. This invention relates to a disposable endoscope sheath.

[Prior art] In order to prevent infection from being transmitted from patient to patient undergoing endoscopy, the portion of the endoscope that comes into contact with dirt or the inner wall of the patient's body cavity must be disposed of after each use. The most complete solution is to do so.

During endoscopy, the outer surface of the insertion section, the forceps suction channel,
Channels such as air channels and water channels. Therefore, an endoscope sheath generally includes a sheath portion that covers an insertion tube of an endoscope and a channel portion, and is made to be disposable as a set.

However, in general, operation valves that control air and water supply, etc.
It is provided in the operation section of the endoscope. Therefore, it is necessary to connect and disconnect the air and water channels and the operation valve of the endoscope each time the endoscope is used.

Conventionally, in such an endoscope sheath, each channel of the endoscope sheath was directly connected to the operating valve of the endoscope, so it was difficult to remove the endoscope sheath from the endoscope. In this case, each channel was removed one by one from each operating valve (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 179128/1983).

[Problems to be solved by the invention] In conventional endoscope sheaths, each channel was connected to the operating valve on the endoscope side one by one, so it was difficult to attach and detach each channel and sheath. It was complicated and extremely difficult to handle. Therefore, it takes time to remove the channel after use, and the endoscope may even become contaminated during the removal process.

Furthermore, since the channel must be made removable for each operating valve, it is difficult to use a conventional general valve mechanism, and the device becomes a special device.

This invention eliminates such conventional drawbacks, allows the channel attached to the sheath to be easily attached to and detached from the conduit on the endoscope side, and also allows for easy attachment and detachment of the channel attached to the sheath to the conduit on the endoscope side. In contrast, an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope sheath that can be easily connected.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the endoscopic sheath of the present invention has the following features:
A sheath part that is detachably coated on an insertion tube of an endoscope and insulates the insertion tube from the external environment; and a sheath part that is inserted into the sheath part and has one end opened to the outside at the distal end of the sheath part. , a channel part having at least one channel for passing fluid, the other end of which extends from the proximal end side of the sheath part, and a part or part of the channel provided at the extending end of the channel part; It is characterized by having a channel connecting means that can connect all of them together to a conduit on the endoscope side in a detachable manner.

The channel section includes an air supply channel for passing air and a water supply channel for passing water, and both channels are connected to the conduit on the endoscope side by the channel connection means. good.

Further, the channel portion includes a suction channel for suctioning from the distal opening of the sheath portion, and the suction channel is not connected to the conduit on the endoscope side in the channel connecting means, and the suction channel is not connected to the conduit on the endoscope side in the channel connecting means. It may extend to a position away from the connection part.

Further, a forceps insertion port for inserting biopsy forceps may be provided near the proximal end of the sheath portion and communicates with the suction channel, and the mouth of the forceps insertion port is normally closed. An automatic forceps plug that is pushed open by the forceps insertion operation may be provided.

[Function] The sheath portion is removably attached to the outer surface of the insertion tube, and by covering the insertion tube with the sheath portion, the insertion tube is insulated from the external environment. Further, the channel portion is inserted into the sheath portion and extends from the proximal end side of the sheath portion. The channels included in the channel portion can be removably connected together to the conduit on the endoscope side by means of the channel connecting means provided at the extending end portion.

[Example] Examples will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 shows an endoscope sheath, and FIG. 3 shows an endoscope used by being inserted through the sheath.

In FIG. 3, l is an insertion tube formed by an elongated flexible tube. A curved portion 2 that can be bent freely by remote control is formed at the tip of the insertion tube 1. An objective lens 4 is disposed inside a tip 3 provided at the tip, and an image guide fiber is placed at the imaging position. 5 incident end faces are arranged.

On the outer circumferential surfaces of the insertion tube l1 curved portion 2 and the distal tip 3, a U-shaped concave ala as shown in FIG. It is formed. Returning to FIG. 3, reference numeral 6 denotes an operation unit connected to the proximal end of the insertion tube l, including an air and water supply operation valve 7 for controlling air and water supply, and a suction operation for controlling suction. A bending operation device (not shown) for remotely bending the valve 8 and the bending portion 2 is provided. Note that the arrangement of the air/water supply operation valve 7 and the suction operation valve 8 may be interchanged.

9 is a water supply channel into which water is sent, and lO is an air supply channel into which air is sent.

The outer ends of these channels 9,10 are connected to a conventional air and water tank (not shown) or the like for receiving air and water supplies. These channels 9 and IG pass through the operating section 6, and their tips are connected to a connector receptacle l3 provided exposed in the operating section 6.

Reference numeral 20 in FIG. 2 is a sheath portion, which is removably covered with the insertion tube l of the endoscope and can insulate the insertion tube l from the external environment. This sheath part 20 has a cylindrical body 2
1, a tip support 22, and a mouth support 23.

FIG. 1 shows a state in which the insertion tube 1 of the endoscope is inserted into the sheath portion 20. As shown in FIG.

The cylindrical body 2l of the sheath portion 20 is made of a stretchable material such as silicone rubber and has a thin cylindrical shape, and has a tip support formed of a transparent material such as transparent styrene resin at its tip. The bodies 22 are hermetically connected. A cylindrical body 2l is attached to the tip of the mouth support 23.
The rear end portions of the tubes are tightly joined to connect the cylindrical body 2l and the mouth support 23 in an airtight manner.

Reference numeral 24 denotes a channel portion made of, for example, tetrafluoroethylene resin, and is inserted into the sheath portion 20 over its entire length. As shown in FIG. 5, the channel portion 24 includes a suction channel 24s that also serves as a forceps channel.
It has an air supply channel 24a and a water supply channel 24w, and is arranged along the concave groove 1a of the insertion tube 1 of the endoscope. In addition, in FIG. 5, illustration of the details of the cross section of the insertion tube 1 is omitted.

The rear end side of the channel portion 24 extends rearward from the mouth support 23, and a channel connector 26 is connected to the extending end, and is detachably connected to the connector receptacle l3 shown in FIG. can do.

30 is a suction channel provided to further extend from the channel connector 26 to a position away from the operating section 6.

The inside of the tip support 22 is formed in a size such that the tip 3 of the endoscope can be loosely inserted into it, and a nozzle piece 25 is provided protruding from the surface side of the tip support 22. As shown in FIG. 4, when the distal end tip 3 of the endoscope is fitted into the distal end support 22, the nozzle piece 25 has a direction toward the part where the observation window formed in the distal tip 3 is located. ,
An air supply nozzle 25a and a water supply nozzle 25w are formed as openings.

The nozzle piece 25 also has a suction port 25s that also serves as a forceps port.
is formed with an opening toward the front.

And suction channel 24s, air supply channel 24a
and the water supply channel 24w are connected to the suction port 25s, the air supply nozzle 25a, and the water supply nozzle 25w, respectively.

Reference numeral 28 denotes a forceps insertion hole protruding from the mouth support 23, into which a disk-shaped forceps stopper 36 made of rubber and having a minus-shaped slit 36a formed in the center, for example, is fitted. 3l is a cap detachably attached to the mouth support 23 so as to press the forceps plug 36.

On the other hand, a hole 29 is bored in the side wall of the channel portion 24, as shown in FIG. 7, through which the suction channel 24s and the forceps insertion hole 28 are communicated.

Therefore, a treatment instrument such as forceps can be airtightly inserted into the forceps insertion hole 28 through the slit 36a of the forceps plug 36, and inserted into the suction channel 24s.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VI-Vl in FIG.
The insertion tube l of the endoscope is not shown in the drawings and FIG. 7.

The leading end of the extending portion of the channel portion 24 is removably fitted into a channel portion guide groove l4 formed on the side wall of the operating portion 6, and the channel connector 2 connected to the extending end portion
6 is detachably connected to the connector socket l3.

In addition, the suction channel 30 is removably fitted into a suction channel guiding groove l5 formed on the side wall of the operating section 6, which is also shown in FIG.
1 (not shown), etc. In Figure 3, 17
is a suction control pin, which opens and closes the suction channel 30 in conjunction with the suction operation valve 8 via a control arm l6 that rotates around a pin support pongee l8.

Next, the channel connector 26 and the connector receptacle l3 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

The channel connector 26 is made of elastic rubber, synthetic resin, or the like, and has air and water supply conduits 26a. 2
6w is bent at a right angle. And pipe 2
A water supply channel 24w and an air supply channel 2 are connected to the outer ends of 6w and 26a through connection pipes 40 and 41, respectively.
4a is connected. Moreover, a cylindrical portion 27 for connection is provided protrudingly from the outlet portion on the inner end side of the water supply pipe 26w.

26c is a click protrusion that prevents the connector from coming off when connected to the connector receptacle l3.

A straight through hole 45 is formed in the channel connector 26, and a connecting pipe 42 inserted therein connects the suction channel 24s on the channel portion 24 side and the side connected to an external suction device. A suction channel 30 is connected thereto.

As shown in FIG. 9, the connector socket l3 is constructed by screwing together a socket base 50 and a bottom base 51 made of stainless steel or the like.

The socket cap 50 is supported by a support tube 60 fixed between a frame 61 of the operating section 6 and a cover of the operating section 6, and is open outward, with a click on the inner wall of the opening. A recess 50c is formed for this purpose.

The bottom cap 51 has a double internal and external conduit 51w separated by a connecting pipe 59. 51a is formed. The connecting pipe 59 has
The cylindrical portion 27 of the channel connector 26 is connected. Then, the conduits 51w and 51a are bent at right angles, and the connecting pipe 5
2.53 to the water supply channel 9 and the air supply channel IO, respectively. In this way, the end portions of the water and air supply channels 9 and 10 of the endoscope and the water and air supply channels 24w and 24a on the sheath side are arranged approximately parallel to each other, and in order to connect them. A pipe line is formed in a direction perpendicular to that direction.

In addition, 54, 55, 56, 57 and 58 are O for sealing.
It's a ring.

FIG. 10 shows the channel connector 26 and the connector socket l3.
This shows the state in which they are connected. This connection connects the channel connector 26 in the direction of arrow Y, that is, in the air supply channel 24a.
This is done by pushing the connector into the connector socket 13 in a direction perpendicular to the water supply channel 24w, the air supply channel IO, and the water supply channel 9. Since the channel connector 26 has elasticity, its convex portion 26c and the concave portion 50 of the socket holder 50
C is click-coupled, and the channel connector 26 and the connector receptacle 13 can be detachably connected.

In the connected state, the water supply pipes 51w and 26w are watertightly connected by the O-rings 56, 57, and the water supply channel 9 and the water supply channel 24w are connected.

Further, the air supply pipes 51a and 26a are connected in an airtight manner, and the air supply channel IO and the air supply channel 24a are connected.

Returning to FIG. 1, the structure for inserting the insertion tube l of the endoscope into the mouth support 23 will be described.

Reference numeral 32 denotes an operation section insertion hole that opens at the proximal end side of the mouth support 23, and when the insertion tube 1 of the endoscope is completely inserted into the sheath section 20, the end of the operation section 6 of the endoscope is inserted. The parts fit together loosely. Reference numeral 33 denotes a packing section disposed at the back of the operation section insertion hole 32, and is used to prevent air from leaking from inside the sheath section 20 when the insertion tube l is inserted into and removed from the sheath section 20. be.

34 is an insertion tube insertion hole that communicates with the operating section insertion hole 32, and communicates straight with the cylindrical portion 2l. Reference numeral 35 denotes an air supply port for introducing air into the sheath portion from the outside to inflate the cylindrical body.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view of the packing part 33, and the first
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the packing part 33.

In the figure, 70 is a packing made of a highly airtight, flexible, and highly elastic material, such as a closed-cell sponge having a large number of independent microbubbles or silicone rubber. The packing 70 is provided with a hole 70a whose size is slightly smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the insertion tube 1, so that the outer periphery of the insertion tube 1 of the endoscope can be sealed without any gaps.
The insertion tube 1 can be inserted and removed smoothly without getting caught.

7l is a packing holder, 72 is a packing receiver,
Both are made of a hard material, and holes 7la and 72a, which are slightly larger than the holes in the packing 70, are formed in each of them. The packing retainer 71 is formed into a lid shape, and the packing receiver 72 is formed into a cylindrical shape.
is sandwiched and fixed from both sides. Also, the packing receiver 7
A small protrusion 72b is provided on the back surface of 2.

73 is a holding ring, 74 is a holder, and each has a hole 7.
1a, 72a and a circular hole 73a. 74a
is drilled. A protrusion 74 protruding from the holder 74
c is fitted into the hole 37 of the mouth support 23 for positioning and rotation prevention.

The holder 74 is formed into a cylindrical shape, houses the packing 70, the packing presser 7l, and the packing receiver 72 together, and is covered with a presser ring 73. The holding ring 73 is bonded and fixed to the operating section insertion hole 32.

Further, a guide groove 74b is formed in the holder 74, and a protrusion of the packing receiver 72? 2b is movable within this guide groove 74b. Therefore, within the range of movement, the packing 70 moves between the packing presser 7l and the packing receiver 72.
It is freely movable in the radial direction and rotatable around the tube axis.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line x--xn in FIG. When the insertion tube l is rotated from this state, it rotates until the groove 1a of the insertion tube l of the endoscope comes into contact with the U-shaped protrusion of the insertion tube insertion hole 34, as shown in FIG. It is possible.

Next, use of the above embodiment will be explained.

When the insertion tube 1 of the endoscope is passed through the packing part 33 of the sheath part 20 and slightly inserted into the insertion tube insertion hole 34, the outer periphery of the insertion tube 1 is sealed with no gap by the packing 70, making it airtight. Become. Therefore, from the air supply port 35 to the sheath part 2
Inflate the cylindrical body 2L by blowing air into the tank. Cylindrical body 2l
When the insertion tube 1 is inflated, the insertion tube 1 is further inserted into the sheath portion 20.

At this time, even if the insertion tube l is bent and inserted, as shown in FIG. No air leaks from the Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16, even if the insertion tube l is twisted from the state in which it is inserted straight into the packing 70, the packing 70 rotates in accordance with the twisting as shown in FIG. There is no gap between 70 and the insertion tube l, and no air leaks.

Once the insertion tube is fully inserted, channel fitting 26
By connecting to the connector socket l3, the air supply channel 24a is connected to the air supply channel IO, and the water supply channel 24w is connected to the water supply channel 9. Further, the suction channel 30 located rearward of the channel connector 26 is fitted into the suction channel guiding groove l5. By operating the air and water supply operating valve 7, air and water can be sprayed onto the surface of the distal end support 22, and by operating the suction operating valve 8, suction can be performed from the distal end of the sheath portion 20. I can do it. In addition, if a treatment tool such as forceps is inserted through the forceps insertion hole 28, the suction channel 24s
Treatments such as biopsies can be performed through this system.

When the use of the endoscope is finished, the suction channel 30 is removed from the suction channel guiding groove l5, and the channel connector 26 is further removed from the connector receptacle 13. and,
Air is again supplied from the air supply port 35 to inflate the cylindrical body 2l, and the insertion tube l of the endoscope is removed from the sheath portion 20.

Note that the shape of the hole 70a of the packing 70 is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be any shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the insertion portion of the endoscope.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the endoscope sheath of the present invention, the channels included in the channel portion can be connected together and detachably to the conduit on the endoscope side by the channel connecting means, so that the sheath The channel attached to the can be easily connected to the conduit on the endoscope side. As a result, the endoscope is not contaminated when the used sheath is removed from the endoscope.

Furthermore, since the channels can be attached and detached all at once, it has excellent effects such as being able to use a valve mechanism for an endoscope that has been commonly used in the past.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a partial sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an external view of the sheath part, Fig. 3 is an external view of the endoscope, Fig. 4 is an enlarged front view of the sheath part, and Fig. 5 is an external view of the sheath part. 1. Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 1. Figure 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 1.
Figure 8 is a bottom view with part of the channel connector cut away, Figure 9 is an enlarged side sectional view of the channel connector and connector socket, Figure 1O is the channel Fig. 11 is a partially enlarged sectional view of the sheath portion, Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the
14 is an exploded perspective view of the packing section, FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged sectional view of the sheath section in use, FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI, and FIG. It is a sectional view taken along the line XVI-XVI in a used state. 1... Insertion tube, 9... Water supply channel, lO... One air supply channel, l3... Connector socket, 20...
Sheath part, 2l...Cylindrical body, 24...Channel part, 24a...Air supply channel, 24w...Water supply channel, 24s, 30...Suction channel, 26...
・Channel connector, 28...forceps insertion hole, 33...
・Packing part.

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) A sheath part that detachably covers the insertion tube of the endoscope and insulates the insertion tube from the external environment; a channel portion having at least one channel for passing fluid, the other end of which is open to the base end of the sheath portion and extends from the proximal end side of the sheath portion; 1. A sheath for an endoscope, comprising a channel connecting means that can be connected in part or in whole to a conduit on the endoscope side in a detachable manner. (2) The channel portion includes an air supply channel for passing air and a water supply channel for passing water, and both channels are connected to the conduit on the endoscope side by the channel connecting means. The endoscope sheath according to claim 1. (3) the channel portion includes a suction channel for suctioning from the distal opening of the sheath portion, and the suction channel is not connected to the conduit on the endoscope side in the channel connecting means; The endoscope sheath according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the endoscope sheath extends to a position away from the connecting portion. (4) The endoscope sheath according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a forceps insertion port for passing biopsy forceps is provided near the proximal end of the sheath portion so as to communicate with the suction channel. . (5) The endoscope sheath according to claim 4, wherein an automatic forceps plug, which is normally closed and is pushed open by the operation of inserting the forceps, is provided at the mouth of the forceps insertion port.