JPH10309259A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope which can be easily inserted deep into the colon through the anus. SOLUTION: The top surface X of the top part 20 of the inserting part of this endoscope is in the shape of an oval 21, and the section of the top Y of the curving part 19 formed at the rear end of the top part 20 is in the shape of a circle 22. And the outer surface of the top part 20 is a curved surface 23 smoothly changing from the oval 21 to the circle 22. Therefore, the shape of the top surface X is similar to that of the opening of the anus, so the endoscope can be easily inserted into the anus for an examination of the colon. And since the rear end is smoothly shaped into a circle, the rear of the top part 20 can be smoothly passed through the anus by pushing. So pains given to a patient can be reduced and a deep part in the colon can be examined more easily.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, endoscopes have been widely used in the medical and industrial fields. For example, in the medical field, it is possible to observe a deep part in a body cavity without performing an incision, and to perform a therapeutic treatment with a treatment tool as needed.

[0003] For this reason, it is desired that the patient can be easily inserted into a body cavity because pain given to a patient can be reduced. For example, as a prior art, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 64-36816 discloses a technique in which a distal end section of an insertion portion is made substantially circular.

[0004]

In order to improve the insertability of the endoscope, a substantially spherical convex curved surface protrudes from the distal end surface of the distal end portion of the insertion portion in the insertion direction of the insertion portion. I have.
That is, the cross section of the tip portion perpendicular to the insertion direction is formed in a circle.

[0005] Here, when performing an endoscopic examination of the large intestine, the patient turns sideways on the left side. In other words, the anus is sandwiched between the buttocks and shaped like a flat ellipse instead of a circle, or
It has a flattened shape.

As described above, despite the fact that the anus has a flat shape, the endoscope according to the prior art has a substantially circular cross-section at the distal end, so that the insertability into the anus is poor.

(Object of the Invention) The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope having an excellent insertability into the deep part of the large intestine through the anus.

[0008]

The distal end of the insertion portion has a substantially elliptical shape, the distal end of the curved portion has a circular shape, and the distal end has a substantially elliptical shape from the distal end of the insertion portion to the distal end of the curved portion. By making it a smooth curved surface that transitions to a circle,
The distal end portion of the insertion portion has a shape similar to the shape of the opening of the anus serving as the insertion port for the intra-large intestine examination, and can be inserted through the anus deep into the large intestine.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 and 2 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an electronic endoscope system having the first embodiment. Reference numeral 2 denotes a configuration on the distal end side of the insertion section of the electronic endoscope according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an entire electronic endoscope system (video endoscope system) 1 including an electronic endoscope (video endoscope) according to a first embodiment. ,
The present embodiment is not limited to an electronic endoscope, but is also applicable to a fiber endoscope (fiberscope) in which an image guide is formed by a fiber bundle.

An electronic endoscope system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an electronic endoscope 2 having built-in image pickup means, a light source device 3 for supplying illumination light to a light guide of the electronic endoscope 2, and a signal for the image pickup means. A video processor 4 for processing, a color monitor 5 for displaying a video signal output from the video processor 4, a VTR deck 6 and a video disk 7 for recording the video signal, and a corresponding endoscope image from the video signal And a video printer 8 that prints the image.

The electronic endoscope 2 is provided with an elongated insertion section 9 to be inserted into a patient's body, and an operation section 10 on the proximal side connected to a base end of the insertion section 9. One end of a universal cord 11 is connected to the operation unit 10 on the hand side, and a connector 12 is connected to the other end of the universal cord 11.

Further, one end of a signal cable 13 is connected to the connector section 12, and a second connector section 14 is connected to the other end of the signal cable 13. The connector 12 of the universal cord 11 is detachably connected to the source device 3 for generating illumination light, and the second connector 14 of the signal cable 13 is detachably connected to the video processor 4 for generating a video signal.

The illumination light emitted from the light source lamp 15 in the light source device 3 passes through the condenser lens 16 and is incident on the incident end face of the light guide 17 of the electronic endoscope 2. Further, the illumination light transmitted through the light guide 17 is radiated from the distal end side of the insertion section 9 to the outside.

The second connector 14 of the signal cable 13 is detachably connected to the video processor 4. The video processor 4 is connected to a monitor 5, a VTR deck 6, a video disk 7, and a video printer 8, respectively.

An endoscope image picked up by the electronic endoscope 2 is converted into an electric signal by an image pickup device such as a charge-coupled device (abbreviated as CCD) or the like, which is not shown in the figure. The video signal is input to the video processor 4 and processed in the video processor 4. The endoscope image is displayed on the color monitor 5 and output to the VTR deck 6, video disk 7, and video printer 8 as necessary. It is supposed to be.

The insertion section 9 of the electronic endoscope 2 is provided with an elongated and flexible flexible tube section 18 whose base end is connected to the proximal operation section 10. A rigid distal end portion 20 provided with an observation optical system and the like is connected to a distal end side of the flexible tube portion 18 via a bendable portion 19 that can freely bend. By operating a bending operation means (not shown) of the operation unit 10 on the hand side, the bending unit 19 can be remotely controlled in bending, and can be inserted along a bent body cavity or inserted into the insertion unit 9.
The observation direction of the observation optical system provided at the distal end portion 20 can be directed to a desired direction.

In this embodiment, the insertion section 9 of the electronic endoscope 2
2 has an outer shape as shown in FIG. 2 to realize an endoscope for colon examination in which the colon is easily inserted from the anus when examining the colon.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the distal end portion 20 of the insertion portion 9, FIG. 2B is a front view of the distal end portion 20 as viewed from the distal end side, and FIG. 2C is FIG. 2) is a right side view as viewed from the right side, and FIG. 2 (D) is a lower side view as viewed from below the front view of FIG. 2 (B).

The distal end surface X of the distal end portion 20 of the insertion portion 9 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (B), it is formed in a flat ellipse 21 shape. In this manner, when the inside of the large intestine is inspected by making the distal end surface X of the distal end portion 20 into an ellipse 21 and having a shape similar to the shape of the anal opening serving as an insertion port, a shape that can be inserted smoothly. I have to.

The outer shape of the boundary between the front end portion Y of the bending portion 19 or the rear end of the front end portion 20 and the front end of the bending portion 19 (or the cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 9) is a circle 22. Is formed.

A smooth curved surface 23 is formed on the outer surface of the distal end portion 20 such that the ellipse 21 smoothly transitions to a circle 22 from the distal end surface X to the curved portion distal end portion Y. In this case, the diameter of the circle 22 is slightly larger than the major axis of the ellipse 21 on the tip end surface X and is almost the same size.
Is much smaller than the diameter of the circle 22, the outer surface on the short axis side is a smooth curved surface 23 having a particularly small radius of curvature. In the present embodiment, the center of the tip end surface X is provided so as to coincide with the center axis of the circle 22.

The distal end surface X is provided with an illumination window 25 for emitting illumination light and an observation window 24 for observation of an illuminated diseased part or the like. More specifically, two illumination windows 25 are arranged at two positions separated from each other along the major axis of the ellipse 21, and an observation window 24 is arranged near the center of the two illumination windows 25. .

An observation lens system and an illumination lens system (not shown) are arranged in the observation window 24 and the illumination window 25, respectively, and each lens system is composed of a plurality of lenses.

Further, a plurality of structural units such as a cleaning nozzle 26, a treatment instrument channel 27, and the like, as well as an observation window 24 and an illumination window 25, are arranged on the distal end surface X in close proximity to each other as appropriate as possible. I have.

As shown in FIG. 2 (A) or FIG. 2 (B), the cleaning nozzle 26 and the treatment instrument channel 27 are provided so that a part thereof covers the curved surface 23. Here, the proximal end of the treatment instrument channel 27 communicates with a treatment section insertion opening 28 provided on the operation section 10 on the hand side of the electronic endoscope 2 shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the distal end surface X of the insertion portion distal end portion 20 is formed into a substantially elliptical shape with respect to the curved portion distal end portion Y having a substantially circular cross section, and the bending portion distal end portion Y is inserted into the insertion portion. It is characterized in that a smooth curved surface 23 that transitions from a substantially circular shape to a substantially elliptical shape is provided before reaching the distal end surface X of the distal end portion 20.

In other words, the distal end portion 20 of the insertion portion 9 has a shape similar to the shape of a non-circular opening serving as an insertion port in a body cavity.
And the shape of the distal end 20 is adjusted so that the cross section of the rear end side of the distal end 20 is circular.
It is characterized by forming a curved surface that smoothly transitions or connects the outer surface of the zero.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. FIG.
When the front view of (B) is viewed from the right side, a curved surface having a large radius is formed at the tip end portion 20 as shown in FIG. 2 (C). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2 (D) of the lower side view, the lower side surface is a shape of a cylinder viewed from the side surface. That is, the tip 20
Has a cross-section that is elliptical (flat), similar to the shape of the patient's anal opening during colonoscopy, and has a size that can be inserted, making it easier to insert than a circular tip. It has become.

For this reason, according to the present embodiment, when performing a large intestine examination, the elliptical shape of the distal end surface X of the distal end portion 20 of the electronic endoscope 2 must be pushed into the anal oval opening. Thereby, it can be easily inserted.

Further, since the distal end portion 20 has a smooth curved surface 23 extending from the distal end surface X to the rear end curved portion distal end portion Y, the rear end side of the distal end portion 20 can also smoothly pass through the anus. The insertion part 9 can be inserted into the deep part of the large intestine by reducing the pain given to the patient, and the deep part and the like in the large intestine can be inspected.

Therefore, the present embodiment has the following effects. By forming the distal end surface X of the insertion portion 9 into an elliptical 21 shape, the distal end surface has a shape closer to the shape of the patient's anus at the time of colonoscopy, so that the passage to the anus is improved.
In addition, since the distal end portion 20 is formed of a smooth curved surface from an ellipse to a circle, the rear end side of the distal end portion 20 can also smoothly pass through the anus, and when examining the deep side in the large intestine,
The pain given to the patient can be reduced and the insertability can be improved.

Further, since the insertion section 9 can be smoothly inserted, the burden on the operator can be reduced, and the colon examination can be completed in a short time.

It is desirable that the bending portion 19 has a substantially circular shape so that the bending portion 19 can be bent to a desired position. If the bending portion 19 is flat, the bending shape is different from that of a conventional endoscope, and there are drawbacks in that the amount of bending force is heavy, and that the manufacture of a bending tube is troublesome.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 3A is a front view of the distal end portion 20 viewed from the distal end side, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a right side view of the front view of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the distal end surface X of the distal end portion 20 of the insertion portion 9 is formed in a flat ellipse 29 shape as in the first embodiment. The cross-sectional shape of the distal end portion Y of the curved portion 19 is formed as a circle 30. And FIG.
As shown in (B), the ellipse 29 is a circle 30 extending from the distal end surface X to the curved end portion Y as in the first embodiment.
, A smooth curved surface 31 is formed.

In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the center axis O 1 of the ellipse 29 is disposed at an eccentric position eccentric from the center axis O of the tip 20. The two illumination windows 25 are arranged along the major axis direction of the ellipse 21, and the observation window 24 is arranged near the center of the two illumination windows 25 at a position eccentric in the short axis direction. Note that other components not described here are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The operation of the present embodiment can be smoothly inserted into the anus when performing a large intestine examination, as in the first embodiment. Further, according to the present embodiment, since the observation window 24 is eccentric from the center axis O of the distal end portion 20, it is suitable for, for example, magnifying observation of the wall of the large intestine.

That is, by bringing the side on which the observation window 24 is provided close to the wall surface, it is possible to perform enlarged observation in close proximity to the wall surface. On the other hand, in the case of the first embodiment, the observation window portion 24 is arranged substantially in the vicinity of the center, so that it is suitable for observing the entire wall surface.

The effects of the present embodiment are as follows.
In addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the endoscope insertion portion 9 and the distal end portion 20 are designed to make their outer diameters as small as possible.
The components such as the observation window 24, the illumination window 25, the cleaning nozzle 26, the treatment instrument channel 27, and the like are appropriately and closely arranged in a state as close as possible.

Therefore, the center axis O1 of the ellipse 29 is
By eccentricity from the center axis O of 0, the layout of each component of the distal end portion 20 can be freely determined, and the outer diameter of the distal end portion 20 can be reduced.

Further, it is easy to arrange the observation window portion 24 at a more eccentric position, so that near point observation and the like can be easily performed.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the distal end portion, FIG. 4B is a front view of the distal end portion 20 viewed from the distal end side, and FIG. 4C is a right side view of the front view of FIG. 4D is a lower side view of the front view of FIG. 4B viewed from below.

The distal end surface X of the distal end portion 20 of the insertion portion 9 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (B), a part 32 of a circle having a radius R1 and a radius R2
Is formed in a substantially elliptical shape by combining a part 33 of the circle with a circle 34 and a part 34 of a circle with a radius R3.

The cross-sectional shape of the distal end portion Y of the curved portion 19 is formed in a circle 35 shape. As in the first embodiment, a smooth curved surface 36 is formed so that the substantially ellipse changes to a circle 35 from the distal end surface X to the curved portion distal end Y.

Other components not described here are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Next, the operation will be described. As in the first embodiment, when the front view of FIG. 4B is viewed from the right side, FIG.
As shown in (C), a curved surface having a large radius of radius is formed at the tip end portion 20. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4 (D) of the lower side view, the lower side surface is a shape of a cylinder viewed from the side surface. That is, the cross section of the distal end portion 20 has a substantially elliptical shape, which is substantially the same as the shape (ellipse) of the patient's anus during colonoscopy.

The effect of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

(Fourth Embodiment) Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, an endoscope with excellent insertability is realized by providing a large curved surface of the distal end portion 20 over a wide range. Further, the same optical system as that of the conventional endoscope is used so as not to impair the optical performance.

FIG. 5A is a front view of the front end portion 20 as viewed from the front end side, and is a right side view of the front view of FIG. 5B as viewed from the right side. The distal end plane 37 of the distal end portion 20 of the insertion section 9 is a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the insertion section 9. The observation window 24 and the illumination window 25 are arranged on the vertical tip plane 37.

The tip plane 37 on which the observation window 24 and the illumination window 25 are arranged has a flat shape.
The portion other than 7 extends over a wide range and has a curved surface 38 formed thereon.

Specifically, the surface on which the treatment instrument channel 27 and the cleaning nozzle 26 are arranged is formed as a curved surface 38. As long as the optically effective area of the observation window 24 and the illumination window 25 is on the tip plane 37, a part of the non-effective area of the observation window 24 and the illumination window 25 may be arranged on the curved surface 38. .

The cross section of the distal end portion Y of the curved portion 19 is a circle 3
It has nine shapes. Other than this, the operation of the present embodiment, which has the same configuration as the first embodiment, is as follows.

By providing the opening of the treatment instrument channel 27 and the cleaning nozzle 26 on the distal end curved surface 38, the distal end flat surface becomes flat, and the distal end 20 extends over a wide area (the satin portion in FIG. 5A). A rounded curved surface 38 having a large radius can be provided.

Therefore, the present embodiment has the following effects. A rounded curved surface having a large radius can be provided over a wide range of the distal end portion 20, and the endoscope can be easily inserted.

Since the observation window 24 and the illumination window 25 are arranged on a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the tip, the observation and illumination lenses can use axially symmetric lenses, which is the same as the conventional one. Optical systems can be used. Furthermore, the distortion of the image and the deterioration of the light distribution do not occur, and the same optical performance as that of the conventional endoscope can be obtained.

In order to make the tip rounder, the illumination window 25
May be disposed behind the observation window 24, but it is not preferable because the illumination light is blocked by the step between the observation window 24 and the illumination window 25.

Further, the observation window 24 and the illumination window 2
5 can be arranged parallel to the insertion direction, so that the outer diameter of the distal end portion of the insertion portion does not increase. Here, even if the opening of the treatment instrument channel 27 and the cleaning nozzle 26 are provided on a curved surface, there is no problem in using the endoscope, so that a curved surface 38 having a large curvature can be provided.

Here, the treatment instrument channel 2 in FIG.
Although a part of the opening 7 is opened in the vertical tip plane 37, it may be opened entirely in the curved surface 38.

(Fifth Embodiment) A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 shows a main part of an endoscope system 41 having the present embodiment,
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of the operation. The endoscope system 41 shown in FIG. 6 includes the electronic endoscope 2, a suction tank 42, and a suction pump 43. A treatment instrument channel 27 is provided in the insertion section 9, and the proximal end of the treatment instrument channel 27 is connected to a treatment instrument insertion opening 28.

The distal end of the treatment instrument channel 27 is open at the distal end 20 of the insertion section 9. Endoscope 2
A suction conduit 44 is provided inside the operation unit 10 and the universal cord 11 over both of them.

The suction pipe 44 passes through the universal cord 11 and passes through a suction base 45 provided on the connector 12.
The suction tank 45 is connected to a suction tank 42 and a suction pump 43 via a tube.

The other end of the suction conduit 44 is connected to the proximal end of the treatment instrument channel 27, and the distal end of the treatment instrument channel 27 is also used as the distal end of the suction conduit 44. . Further, a suction switching valve 46 is inserted in the middle of the suction pipe line 44 in the electronic endoscope 2, and the suction operation is performed or the suction is stopped by operating the suction switching valve 46. ing.

For example, an opening 47 that opens to the outside is formed in the flexible tube portion 18 of the insertion portion 9. This opening 47
Is connected to one end of a connection pipe 48 bent in an L-shape.

The other end of the connecting pipe 48 is connected to the tip of a flexible degassing tube 49 forming a fluid conduit. A T-shaped connection pipe 50 is connected as a pipe connection member between the suction base 45 and the suction switching valve 46 of the suction pipe 44, and the hand side of the degassing tube 49 is operated from the insertion section 9. The inside of the part 10 is connected to a T-shaped connection pipe 50.

In the area of the operation unit 10, the degassing tube 4
An adjusting valve 51 for adjusting the opening and closing of the fluid conduit and the suction pressure of the flow path system is provided in the middle of 9. This regulating valve 5
1 may be provided anywhere in the degassing tube 49, but if provided in the operation section 10, the operator can easily operate the adjustment valve 51 and the valve operation is simple.

The structure of the distal end portion 20 is the same as, for example, the first embodiment. Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. Next, referring to FIG.
The operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to a technique of inserting the first embodiment. FIG. 7A shows the original shape of the intestine.
2. The insertion portion 9 of the electronic endoscope 2 is inserted along the sigmoid colon 63, the descending colon 64, and the spleen curved portion 65.

During the insertion process, when the distal end portion 20 is inserted into the anus 67 as described above, since the distal end of the distal end portion 20 has an elliptical shape similar to the shape of the opening of the anus, the insertion is easy and the patient suffers. Can be inserted smoothly without giving

At the time of insertion, air is supplied from a cleaning nozzle (not shown in FIG. 6) provided at the distal end portion 20 of the insertion portion 9 to inflate the inside of the intestine to which the insertion portion 9 is to be guided. The distal end of the insertion section 9 is guided from the splenic flexure 65 to the transverse colon 66 while securing the observation field of view by 2.

During the insertion process, the anus 67 is closed, so if air is continuously supplied for securing the visual field, air accumulates in the intestine and the pressure in the intestine increases. When the pressure in the intestine becomes excessive, the large intestine 61 attempts to return to the original shape of the intestine shown in FIG.

Here, the suction pump 42 is always operating at the time of inspection, and when the suction switching valve 46 is at the position where suction is stopped, outside air is sucked through the gap between the suction pipe line 44 and the suction switching valve 46, and Further, air is sucked through the deaeration tube 49 and the opening 47 branched from the suction pipe 44.

When the suction switching valve 46 is at the suction position, dirt and air are sucked through the opening of the distal end of the treatment instrument channel 27, and the deaeration tube 49 branched from the suction pipe 44. And the air is sucked through the opening 47. That is, the deaeration tube 49 and the opening 4
7 is always in a suction state by the suction pump 43.

This embodiment has the following effects. With a view to smoothly inserting and observing the colonoscope, a large amount of liquid is taken and defecation is performed as a pretreatment procedure in order to clean the inside of the colon of a patient. Here, all of this liquid is left in the large intestine without defecation.

Excess air is forcibly removed by the suction pump 43 from the opening 47 in the middle of the insertion portion 9 through the degassing tube 49 and the suction line 44. Further, even if the liquid remaining in the intestine enters the degassing tube 49, the liquid is forcibly removed by the suction pump 43, so that the air can be efficiently removed thereafter.

Then, excessive pressure in the intestine is reduced to prevent extension of the intestinal portion closer to the distal end of the insertion portion 9 due to over-inflation, and particularly from the rectum 62 as shown in FIG. S
Since the intestinal wall covering the sigmoid colon 63, the descending colon 64, and the splenic curvature 65 is easily contracted, the insertability of the insertion section 9 is not impaired, and the observation field of view by the electronic endoscope 2 can be secured. In addition, since the intestinal hyperextension is prevented, the pain of the patient can be reduced.

The insertion section 9 of the electronic endoscope 2 is inserted into the large intestine 61.
In the process of inserting into the intestine, the inside of the intestine, which is to guide the insertion portion 9 by air supply from the cleaning nozzle, is inflated to secure the observation field of view by the electronic endoscope 2. Degassing occurs immediately, resulting in excessive degassing, and it may be impossible to secure a visual field. In this case, the control valve 51 is closed to block deaeration, or the opening amount is reduced, and the deaeration amount is adjusted to an extent that a visual field can be secured in the intestine,
Secure the field of view. The other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the number of the openings 47 is one.
However, a plurality of openings 47 may be provided at intervals around the insertion portion 9. These openings 47 may be connected to a common deaeration tube 49 or individual deaeration tubes 49 via a connection pipe 50.

(Sixth Embodiment) A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A shows an external view of the endoscope insertion section 9, and the insertion section 9 has an insertion section 9.
A first opening 68 that opens in the circumferential direction is formed. FIG. 8B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the opening 68.

The second opening 6 is formed at the bottom of the first opening 68.
The opening 69 is connected to one end of an L-shaped bent connection pipe 48. Other configurations are the same as those of the fifth embodiment, for example.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. Excess air is supplied to the first opening 68 and the second opening 68 in the middle of the insertion section.
Is forcibly removed through the opening 69. Also, the second
Is located at the bottom of the first opening 68, so that the concave portion of the first opening 68 allows the mucous membrane of the intestinal wall to pass through the second opening 69.
Will not be adsorbed to

Further, even if a part of the first opening 68 is blocked by the intestinal wall, the first opening 68 is formed on the entire circumference of the insertion portion 9 so that excess air can always be removed. it can. This embodiment has the following effects in addition to the effects of the first embodiment.

Since the mucous membrane of the intestinal wall is not adsorbed and the opening is formed on the entire circumference of the insertion section 9, excess air can be always removed. Also, there is no possibility of damaging the intestinal wall.

In the sixth embodiment, the shape of the first opening 68 is concave. However, without departing from the gist of the present invention, FIGS. As shown, it is needless to say that the first opening 68A having a triangular shape or the first opening 68B having a semicircular shape can be variously modified.

In the first embodiment, for example, the cross-sectional shape of the distal end Y of the curved portion 19 in the insertion portion 9 is a circle 22.
Thus, the distal end surface X of the distal end portion 20 is an ellipse 21 and the shape of the outer surface of the distal end portion 20 is formed as a curved surface 23 that smoothly transitions from the circle 22 to the ellipse 21, but is not limited thereto. From the flat tip shape such as the ellipse of the tip portion 20 to the tip portion 20
The curved surface 23 which smoothly transitions to a substantially circular cross-sectional shape on the rear end side or the base end side may be formed. In this case, the substantially circular cross-sectional shape portion includes a case where it is slightly forward of the position of the rear end of the distal end portion 20. It should be noted that embodiments and the like configured by combining the above-described embodiments and the like in a partial manner also belong to the present invention.

[Supplementary Notes] Endoscope having a distal end of an insertion portion in which an observation optical system or the like is formed at the distal end of an insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity, and a bendable portion formed adjacent to a rear end of the distal end of the insertion portion and capable of bending. In, for the distal end portion of the curved portion having a substantially circular cross section, the distal end surface of the distal end portion of the insertion portion is formed in a substantially elliptical shape, during the time from the distal end portion of the curved portion to the distal end surface of the distal end portion of the insertion portion An endoscope provided with a smooth curved surface at a distal end which transitions from a substantially circular shape to a substantially elliptical shape.

2. The endoscope, an insertion portion to be inserted into the body cavity, an observation window for observing the inside of the body cavity at the tip of the insertion portion,
An illumination window from which illumination light is emitted, a treatment instrument channel through which the treatment instrument is inserted, and a washing nozzle for washing the observation window, wherein an effective area of both the observation window and the illumination window is provided. Wherein the at least a part of both the treatment instrument channel and the cleaning nozzle is arranged on a surface other than the vertical tip plane. Endoscope. 3. 3. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein a surface other than the distal end plane perpendicular to the insertion direction is formed as a curved surface.

4. An insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity, a suction pipe for sucking dirt and the like in the body cavity, a suction switching valve for operating a suction operation through the suction pipe, and suction connected to the suction pipe and connected to a suction tank. In an endoscope having a base, an opening provided in the middle of the insertion portion, a pipe connecting member provided between the suction switching valve and the suction base in the middle of the suction pipe, and the opening. An endoscope provided with a fluid conduit connected at one end to the portion and the other end connected to the conduit connection member.

5. 6. The endoscope according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of the openings are provided. 6. The endoscope according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of openings are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction or the axial direction of the insertion portion. 7. The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein a suction pressure adjusting valve is provided in the middle of the fluid conduit.

(Background of Supplementary Notes 4 to 7) (Prior Art to Supplementary Notes 4 to 7) In general, an endoscope has a built-in conduit system for performing air supply, water supply, suction, and the like into a body cavity. When inspecting the inside, air is supplied to inflate the body cavity by a certain amount. Further, air supply, water supply, and suction for cleaning the inside of the body cavity and the observation window are also performed.

(Problem to Supplementary Notes 4 to 7) When a colonoscope was used, the rectum was wound to the vicinity of the cecum or beyond through the sigmoid colon, descending colon, splenic flexure, transverse colon, ascending colon. The insertion part must be inserted by pushing it into place. In this case, air is supplied from the cleaning nozzle provided at the distal end of the insertion section, and the inside of the intestine to be guided to the insertion section is inflated to guide the distal end of the insertion section while securing an observation field of view by the endoscope.

However, when air is supplied from the cleaning nozzle provided at the distal end of the insertion portion and the distal end of the insertion portion is guided, the anus is closed. Air continues to accumulate in the intestine, increasing pressure in the intestine. Then, the intestine tends to be in its original shape. If this tendency becomes stronger, it becomes difficult to insert the insertion portion by shortening (straightening) the sigmoid colon and the descending colon, thereby impairing the insertability of the endoscope.

In such a case, the suction is performed through the treatment instrument channel provided in the endoscope. However, since the distal end of this channel is open to the distal end of the insertion portion, when the suction is performed, the distal end of the insertion portion is removed. Aspirate nearby air preferentially. Therefore, the observation field of view of the endoscope is impaired, and the insertability of the endoscope is impaired.

Further, the air near the front of the distal end of the insertion portion is excessively evacuated, and the intestinal wall immediately after the distal end of the insertion portion is contracted. Then, the contracted intestinal wall portion closely adheres to the peripheral wall immediately after the distal end of the insertion portion, thereby shutting off the intestine to the distal side and the proximal side, and the intestinal air accumulated at the proximal side even when suction is applied is difficult to escape. .

As described above, since it is difficult to remove excess air from the intestine, the pressure in the intestine is increased, the tendency of the intestine to tend to its original shape is maintained, and the intestine is contracted to insert the insertion portion. It becomes difficult and impairs its insertability. further,
If the excess air in the intestine remains, there is a drawback that the intestine is overextended.

(Objects of Supplementary Notes 4 to 7) The object of the present invention has been made by paying attention to the above-mentioned problem. The object of the present invention is to efficiently remove air accumulated in the middle of the insertion portion. It is to provide an endoscope which can do it.

(Means and Actions of Supplementary Notes 4 to 7) By connecting an opening provided in the middle of the insertion section and a fluid pipe having one end communicating with this opening to the suction pipe, the middle of the insertion section is provided. It is intended to efficiently remove the air accumulated in the air.

(Effects of Supplementary Notes 4 to 7) An opening is provided in the middle of the insertion section of the endoscope, and a fluid pipe having one end communicating with the opening is connected to the suction pipe, so that the end of the insertion section is provided. It is possible to efficiently remove excess air accumulated in the air.
For this reason, excessive extension of the large intestine can be prevented, the insertability of the insertion portion can be improved, and the patient's pain can be reduced.

8. In an endoscope having an insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity, an opening provided in the middle of the insertion portion, and a fluid conduit communicating with the opening, the opening is opened in a circumferential direction of the insertion portion. An endoscope characterized in that: 9. 9. The endoscope according to claim 8, wherein the opening is inclined toward the operation unit. (Background to Supplementary Notes 8 and 9) (Prior Art to Supplementary Notes 8 and 9) Same as the related art to Supplementary Notes 4 to 7.

(Problems for Supplementary Notes 8 and 9) Here, the intestinal wall is a very soft mucous membrane. Therefore, since the opening of the fluid conduit is arranged on the surface of the insertion section, when removing air near the intestinal wall, the mucous membrane is immediately adsorbed to the opening of the fluid conduit, and the air cannot be removed. was there.

(Objects of Supplementary Notes 8 and 9) The object of the present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problem. The object of the present invention is to reliably and safely remove air accumulated around the insertion section. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope that can be used for the operation.

(Means and Actions of Supplementary Notes 8 and 9) By opening an opening provided in the middle of the insertion portion in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion, mucous membrane adsorption to the intestinal wall is prevented, and the intestinal wall is accumulated around the middle of the insertion portion. The air is reliably and safely removed.

(Effects of Supplementary Notes 8 and 9) By opening the opening provided in the middle of the insertion portion in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion, it is possible to reliably and safely remove air accumulated around the insertion portion. To prevent excessive extension of the large intestine and enhance the insertability of the insertion portion.

[0103]

As described above, according to the present invention, the distal end of the insertion section having an observation optical system or the like formed at the distal end of the insertion section to be inserted into the body cavity, and the rear end of the distal end of the insertion section are adjacent And an endoscope having a bendable portion having a bendable shape, wherein the tip of the insertion portion has a substantially elliptical shape with respect to the bend having a substantially circular cross section. Since a smooth distal end curved surface that transitions from a substantially circular shape to a substantially elliptical shape is provided between the portion and the distal end surface of the insertion portion distal end portion, the distal end surface of the distal end portion can easily pass through the anus. In addition, the distal end can smoothly pass through the anus at the rear end, and an endoscope with good insertability into the deep part of the large intestine can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an electronic endoscope system including a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a shape and the like of a distal end side of an insertion portion of the electronic endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a shape and the like of a distal end side of an insertion portion of an electronic endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a shape and the like of a distal end side of an insertion portion of an electronic endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a shape and the like of a distal end side of an insertion portion of an electronic endoscope according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a main part of an electronic endoscope system including a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the operation of the fifth embodiment when inserted into the large intestine.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a structure and the like of an insertion portion according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic endoscope system 2 ... Electronic endoscope 3 ... Light source device 4 ... Video processor 5 ... Color monitor 9 ... Insertion part 18 ... Flexible tube part 19 ... Bending part 20 ... Tip part 21 ... Ellipse 22 ... Circle 23 ... Curved surface 24 ... Observation window 25 ... Illumination window 26 ... Cleaning nozzle 27 ... Treatment instrument channel X ... (tip) tip end surface Y ... (curved portion) tip end

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An insertion section having an observation optical system or the like formed at the tip of an insertion section to be inserted into a body cavity, and a bending section formed adjacent to a rear end of the insertion section tip and capable of bending. In the endoscope having a substantially circular cross section, a distal end surface of an insertion portion distal end is formed in a substantially elliptical shape with respect to a curved portion distal end having a substantially circular cross section, and a distal end surface of the insertion portion distal end is formed from the curved portion distal end. An endoscope provided with a smooth curved surface at a leading end that transitions from a substantially circular shape to a substantially elliptical shape before reaching the end.