JP2001212070A - Fluorescent observation endoscope equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fluorescent observation endoscope equipment capable of preventing an unintended operation in which an operator accidently irradiates an ultraviolet exciting light, and improving operability. SOLUTION: The fluorescent observation endoscope equipment 1 is constituted of an endoscope 10, a light source device 20 selectively supplying the ultraviolet exciting light or white lighting light to the endoscope 10 and a control center 40 for controlling the switching of observation modes of the light source 20. The control center 40 is provided with a timer 43 which is a validation means for outputting a validation signal for a prescribed time after an operational signal by the push-down operation of a mode-lock releasing switch 27 is inputted, and a comparative discrimination part 44 as a discrimination means for judging whether or not there is the output of the validation signal from the timer 43 and discriminating that the switching signal from a switch 26 is inputted, and also for discriminating that the lighting light supplied to the endoscope 10 is the ultraviolet exciting or white light.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus for irradiating an observation site of a living body with ultraviolet excitation light and observing and diagnosing a diseased site based on autofluorescence emitted from the observation site of the living body.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus for irradiating a living tissue to be inspected with ultraviolet excitation light and observing and diagnosing a diseased part based on autofluorescence emitted from the tissue to be inspected has been widely used. ing.

[0003] Such a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus is provided with an optical filter that transmits only light in a wavelength spectrum region near 340 nm as spectral means, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 54-128184, for example. There has been proposed an optical filter in which light emitted from a light source such as a mercury lamp is passed through, and ultraviolet light having a wavelength of about 340 nm is incident on an optical fiber to irradiate a living body to perform only fluorescence observation.

On the other hand, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-15480
No. 9, the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus switches not only fluorescence observation but also white light observation and fluorescence observation,
Something to observe has been suggested.

[0005]

However, the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-154809 does not produce white light when using invisible ultraviolet excitation light as excitation light for generating fluorescence. When illuminating an observation site of a living body with light, the operator may inadvertently press the changeover switch accidentally and irradiate the screen with ultraviolet excitation light. At that time, since the surgeon intends to observe white light, the operator cannot confirm the illumination light without noticing that the emitted illumination light is ultraviolet excitation light. For this reason, there has been a problem that it is difficult to determine whether or not a failure has occurred.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a fluorescent observation endoscope capable of preventing erroneous operation of irradiating an ultraviolet excitation light by an operator accidentally and improving operability. It is intended to provide a device.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus for selectively supplying ultraviolet excitation light or white light illumination light to an endoscope. A light source, switching means for switching illumination light supplied to the endoscope to one of ultraviolet excitation light and white light, a changeover switch for supplying a changeover signal to the changeover means, and an input of the changeover switch being enabled And an output of an enabling signal from the enabling means, and a determination that a changeover signal has been input from the changeover switch, and that the illumination light supplied to the endoscope is ultraviolet. Determining means for determining that the light is excitation light or white light;
When the changeover signal is input from the changeover switch while the enable signal is being output, and when the determination unit determines that the illumination light supplied to the endoscope is white light, Control means for controlling the switching means to switch illumination light supplied to the endoscope to ultraviolet excitation light. Claim 2
According to the present invention, in the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, the control unit determines that the illumination light supplied to the endoscope is ultraviolet excitation light. At this time, even if the enabling signal from the enabling means is input, the enabling signal is invalidated, and the illumination light supplied to the endoscope is switched to white light by the input of the switching signal from the changeover switch. The switching means is controlled as described above. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of irradiating the UV excitation light accidentally
To realize a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus capable of improving operability.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is an explanatory view illustrating a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 1 is provided.
Is an elongated insertion section 11 having a built-in imaging device such as a CCD at the distal end, an operation section 12 serving also as a grip section provided at the rear end of the insertion section 11, and a base located at the rear end of the operation section 12. Part is connected, and a light guide connector (hereinafter, LG)
An electronic endoscope (hereinafter simply referred to as an endoscope) 10 comprising a universal cable 13 provided with a
The LG connector 13a is detachably connected to the light source device 20 to selectively supply either the ultraviolet excitation light or the white light to the endoscope 10, and the observation mode of the light source device 20 is switched. , And a control center 40 that performs processing for displaying an endoscope image on the monitor 30.

At the distal end of the insertion section 11 of the endoscope 10,
High-sensitivity CCD 21 as an imaging device and this high-sensitivity CCD
An excitation light cut filter 22 for cutting ultraviolet excitation light, which is arranged on the front surface of 21, and an objective lens system 23 for capturing an illuminated observation target site in a living body are provided. The high-sensitivity CCD 21 transmits an image signal to the control center 40 via a signal line 21a. A light guide 24 for guiding illumination light supplied from the light source device 20 is inserted into the endoscope 10, and an illumination lens system 2 disposed on the distal end surface of the insertion section 11.
From 5, the observation target site of the living body is illuminated.

Further, a changeover switch 26 for outputting a changeover signal for changing over the observation mode of the endoscope image is provided on the operation unit 12 side of the endoscope 10, and the changeover signal of the changeover switch 26 is used to set the observation mode. A mode lock release switch 27 for enabling switching is provided, and the mode lock release switch 27 is connected to the light source device 20 via signal lines 26a and 27a through which the endoscope operation unit 12 and the universal cable 13 are inserted. . The switches such as the changeover switch 26 and the mode lock release switch 27 do not need to be located on the operation unit 12 side of the endoscope 10.

The light source device 20 selectively transmits a light source lamp 31 such as a xenon lamp, a metal halide lamp, and a mercury lamp, a white observation filter 32a that transmits illumination light from the light source lamp 31, and ultraviolet excitation light. Filter 3 having fluorescent observation filter 32b
2 and a rotary filter drive control unit 33 for controlling the rotary filter 32. The rotary filter drive control unit 33 enables the mode of the rotary filter 32 to be switched between white observation and fluorescence observation.

The control center 40 mainly comprises a mode control section 41 as control means for controlling a white observation mode or a fluorescence observation mode, and an image processing section 42 for performing signal processing on an endoscope image in each mode. The image processing unit 42 is connected to the monitor 30 and displays an endoscope image in each mode after signal processing. The mode control section 41 supplies information on the illumination light state currently supplied to the endoscope 10 to a feedback section 44a described later.

The control center 40 includes:
As an enabling means which is electrically connected to the mode lock release switch 27 of the endoscope 10 and outputs an enable signal for a predetermined time after an operation signal by the pressing operation of the mode lock release switch 27 is inputted. The timer 43 is provided. The control center 40 determines whether or not an enable signal has been output from the timer 43 and whether or not a switching signal has been input from the changeover switch 26, and is currently being supplied to the endoscope 10. A comparison / determination unit 44 is provided as a determination unit that determines whether the illumination light is ultraviolet excitation light or white light.

As described above, the comparison / determination section 44 is a feedback section 44a for confirming the current illumination state based on the illumination light state information supplied from the mode control section 41.
And the illumination state supplied to the endoscope 10 confirmed by the feedback unit 44a, the changeover switch 2
6 and a state discriminator 44b for discriminating the presence or absence of the enable signal from the timer 43 and transmitting the same to the mode controller 41.

The mode control unit 41 determines that the switching signal from the changeover switch 26 is input while the enable signal is output from the timer 43 based on the determination result of the state determination unit 44b. And when the state determination unit 44b determines that the illumination light supplied to the endoscope 10 is white light, the illumination light supplied to the endoscope 10 is switched to ultraviolet excitation light. The rotation filter drive controller 33 is controlled.

The endoscope inspection such as white light observation and fluorescence observation is performed using the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 1 configured as described above. First, the universal cable 13 of the endoscope 10 is detachably connected to the light source device 20, and the power sources of the light source device 20 and the control center 40 are turned on. When the light source lamp 31 of the light source device 20 is turned on, the illumination light of the light source lamp 31 is transmitted through the light guide 24 to the endoscope 10.
And illuminates the observation target site of the living body from the distal end side of the insertion section 11.

Here, when the light source lamp 31 is initially turned on, white light illumination is performed in advance by white light under the control of the mode control unit 41, and the rotary filter 32 is rotated by the rotary filter drive control unit 33, so that the white light observation is performed. Filter 3
2a is inserted into the optical path, and white light is illuminated from the distal end side of the insertion section 11 of the endoscope 10 via the light guide 24 to the observation target site of the living body. The observation target site of the living body illuminated by the white light is taken in from the objective optical system 23 and has a high sensitivity C through the excitation light cut filter 22.
The image is captured by the CD 21. The endoscope image picked up by the high-sensitivity CCD 21 is supplied to the control center 40 via the light source device 20, subjected to signal processing by the image processing unit 42 via the mode control unit 41, and the white endoscope image is displayed on the monitor 30. Is displayed.

Next, when a suspicious site is found, the mode lock release switch 2 is used to switch to ultraviolet excitation light illumination.
7 is pressed. Then, an operation signal of the mode lock release switch 27 is transmitted to the control center 40 via the light source device 20, and is input to the timer 43 in the control center 40. Then, during a predetermined time, an enable signal enabling the mode switching is output from the timer 43 to the comparison / determination unit 44. And the feedback unit 4
4a detects the state of the illumination light currently being supplied from the mode control section 41 to the endoscope 10, and transmits the state of white light illumination to the state determination section 44b. Comparison judgment section 4
In No. 4, since the state of the illumination light transmitted from the feedback unit 44 a is white light, the switching signal is not transmitted to the mode control unit 41 unless an enable signal is input from the timer 43.

When a switching signal is input by pressing down the changeover switch 26 while the enable signal from the timer 43 is being input, the comparison / determination section 44 transmits a switching signal to the mode control section 41. Then, the mode control unit 41 enters the fluorescence observation mode. Then, the rotation filter drive control unit 33 is controlled by the control of the mode control unit 41, the rotation filter 32 is rotated by the rotation filter drive control unit 33, and the fluorescence observation filter 32b is inserted into the optical path. Then, the ultraviolet excitation light passes through the light guide 24,
The living body to be observed is illuminated from the distal end side of the insertion section 11 of the endoscope 10. The auto-fluorescence from the illuminated living body observation target site is reflected by the objective optical system 23 similarly to the above-described white light illumination.
The image is picked up by the high-sensitivity CCD 21 through the light source device 20, the signal is processed by the control center 40 through the light source device 20 and
At 0, a fluorescence observation endoscopic image is displayed.

To switch from the ultraviolet excitation light illumination state to the white light illumination again, the changeover switch 26 is depressed. Then, the comparison / determination unit 44 receives the signal from the mode control unit 41 by the feedback unit 44a, and detects that the current illumination is ultraviolet excitation light. State determination unit 44b
Since the illumination state supplied to the endoscope is the ultraviolet excitation light illumination state based on the result detected by the feedback unit 44a, the activation signal is invalidated regardless of the input of the activation signal from the timer 43. As the mode control unit 41
To transmit the switching signal. The rotation filter drive control unit 3 is controlled by the mode control unit 41 that has received the switching signal.
3 is controlled, the rotary filter 32 is rotated again by the rotary filter drive control unit 33, and the white observation filter 32a is inserted into the optical path. Then, the white light illuminates the observation target site of the living body from the distal end side of the insertion section 11 of the endoscope 10 through the light guide 24.

As a result, the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 1 does not illuminate the ultraviolet excitation light unless a two-step pressing operation is performed at a predetermined time, thereby preventing the ultraviolet excitation light from being emitted by an unintended erroneous operation. . Therefore, it is not necessary to determine the possibility of a failure due to the invisible illumination light, and the operability is improved.

The function of the changeover switch 26 and the function of the mode lock release switch 27 are given to the same switch, and this switch is depressed twice within a predetermined time.
Ultraviolet excitation light may be illuminated. in this case,
To switch to the white light illumination, the switch only needs to be pressed once.

The rotary filter drive control section 33 and the mode control section 41 may confirm the illumination light supplied to the endoscope through mutual communication. An encoder for detecting the state of 32 may be attached, and the detection result of the encoder may be transmitted to the mode control unit 41 to confirm the illumination light supplied to the endoscope 10.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
It is an explanatory view for explaining the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to the embodiment. In the first embodiment, two times at a predetermined time.
Unless the pressing operation is performed in stages, the invisible ultraviolet excitation light is not illuminated, and the ultraviolet excitation light is prevented from being emitted due to an unintended erroneous operation. However, in the second embodiment, The irradiation amount of the emitted ultraviolet excitation light is measured by the measuring unit, and the irradiation amount of the measured ultraviolet excitation light is configured to be notified by the notification unit, thereby confirming the emission of the ultraviolet excitation light. .

That is, the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 50 according to the second embodiment includes an endoscope 10 having a changeover switch (not shown) other than the mode lock release switch 27 described with reference to FIG. A light source device 20 provided with a light quantity sensor 51 for measuring the light quantity of the light source lamp 31 after passing through the filter 32b, and a light quantity of the ultraviolet excitation light which receives a signal from the light quantity sensor 51 via a signal line 51a and irradiates it. Control center 40 provided with a light amount calculation unit 52 for calculating
And a monitor 30 as notification means for notifying the amount of ultraviolet excitation light measured by the control center 40.

After the endoscope 10 is inserted into the living body of the patient, the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 50 thus configured is set to the control center 40 in the white observation mode. Then, the rotary filter 32 is rotated by the rotary filter drive control unit 33, the white observation filter 32a is inserted into the optical path, and white light is transmitted through the light guide 24 to the insertion unit 11 of the endoscope 10.
The living body to be observed is illuminated from the distal end side. The observation target portion of the illuminated living body is taken in from the objective optical system 23 and is passed through the excitation light cut filter 22 to the high sensitivity CCD 2.
1 is imaged. The endoscope image captured by the high-sensitivity CCD 21 is transmitted to the control center 4 via the light source device 20.
0 to the image processing unit 4 via the mode control unit 41.
2, the signal is processed, and a white endoscope image is displayed on the monitor 30.

Next, when a suspicious site is found, the control center 40 switches to a fluorescence observation mode. Then, similarly, the rotation filter 3 is controlled by the rotation filter drive control unit 33.
2 rotates, and the fluorescence observation filter 32b is inserted into the optical path.

The light quantity sensor 51 is provided for the fluorescence observation filter 3.
The ultraviolet excitation light after passing through 2b is converted into an electric signal. The converted electric signal calculates the amount of light emitted from the light source in the light amount calculator 52. Then, the calculated light amount value is displayed on the monitor 30.

As a result, in the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 50, the irradiation amount of the ultraviolet excitation light is displayed on the monitor 30 in real time. Therefore, it is possible to know that the invisible ultraviolet excitation light is illuminated, so that the operability is improved.

(Third Embodiment) FIGS. 3 and 4 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus having the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the transmission wavelength band of the excitation cut filter and the fluorescence observation filter used in FIG. 3 and the wavelength characteristics of the guide light generated by the guide light laser.

In the second embodiment, the irradiation amount of the emitted ultraviolet excitation light is measured by the measuring means, and the measured irradiation amount of the ultraviolet excitation light is notified by the notifying means. In the third embodiment, as a notifying means for notifying that the ultraviolet excitation light is being irradiated, the visible guide light is made incident on the light guide together with the ultraviolet excitation light to guide the light.

That is, the fluorescence observation endoscope device 60 according to the third embodiment is a guide for visually confirming that the ultraviolet excitation light is irradiated during the fluorescence observation in the light source device 20. An optical laser 61 is provided, and the guide light generated by the guide laser 61 can be made incident on a part of the light guide 24 of the endoscope 10 as shown in the figure. The guide light laser 61 operates via the signal line 61a so as to operate in the fluorescence observation mode.
Is controlled by the

The guide light generated by the guide light laser 61 is, for example, 690 nm to 700 nm as shown in FIG.
It has a wavelength characteristic of m. The transmission wavelength band of the excitation cut filter 22 used in the present embodiment is 400
nm to 690 nm, and the transmission wavelength band of the fluorescence observation filter 32b is 340 nm to 400 nm.

The fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 60 thus configured is used in substantially the same manner as that described with reference to FIG.
When the control center 40 is set to the fluorescence observation mode, the rotary filter drive control unit 33 operates and the rotary filter 32 is operated.
The fluorescence observation filter 32b is inserted into the optical path. At the same time, when the fluorescence observation mode is selected, the mode control unit 41
, The guide light laser 61 is operated, and the red guide light enters the light guide 24 and is emitted from the distal end side of the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 10.

In general, when a living tissue is excited with ultraviolet excitation light, the peak of the generated fluorescence exists at 450 nm to 480 nm, and the fluorescence of 650 nm or more hardly occurs.

As a result, when the fluorescence observation mode is selected, even if the distal end side of the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 10 is located outside the living body, the operator or the surrounding people can observe the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 60. It can be easily recognized that the ultraviolet excitation light is emitted from the distal end side of the insertion section 11 of the endoscope 10.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIGS. 5 and 6 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus having the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a graph showing transmission wavelength bands of the excitation cut filter and the fluorescence observation filter used in FIG.

In the third embodiment, the visible guide light is incident on the light guide 24 together with the ultraviolet excitation light and is guided as the notification means for notifying that the ultraviolet excitation light is being irradiated. In the fourth embodiment, the transmission wavelength band of the fluorescence observation filter attached to the rotary filter 32 in the light source device 20 is extended from the ultraviolet excitation light to the visible light, and the ultraviolet excitation light is emitted only by the illumination light of the light source lamp 31. It is configured to provide a notifying unit for notifying that the light is being irradiated.

That is, in the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 70 according to the fourth embodiment, the fluorescence observation filter 71 whose transmission band is expanded from the ultraviolet excitation light to the visible light is disposed in the light source device 20. As shown in FIG. 6, the transmission wavelength band of the excitation cut filter 72 disposed on the distal end side of the insertion section 11 of the endoscope 10 is 410 nm or more.

The fluorescence observation endoscope device 70 thus configured is used in substantially the same manner as that described with reference to FIG.
When the control center 40 is in the fluorescence observation mode, the rotary filter drive control unit 33 operates, and the rotary filter 32
Is the position of the fluorescence observation filter 71. The ultraviolet excitation light of 360 nm to 400 nm transmitted through the fluorescence observation filter 71 is used to excite a living tissue and generate fluorescence. Similarly, 40 light transmitted through the fluorescence observation filter 71 is transmitted.
The visible light from 0 nm to 410 nm is used to make the operator confirm that the ultraviolet excitation light is being irradiated.

In general, a part of the excitation light applied to a living body is
Absorbed by tissue. In particular, the band from 400 nm to 420 nm, which corresponds to the Soret band of hemoglobin contained in blood, has strong absorption. Therefore, the excitation light has a wavelength of 400 nm to 4 nm.
The addition of 10 nm light has little effect on the generated fluorescence.

Also, when observing white light, 410 n
The visible light of m or less absorbs much light for the same reason as described above, and therefore has little effect on the observation of living tissue without observing light in this band.

As a result, substantially the same effects as those of the third embodiment can be obtained, and the configuration of the apparatus is further simplified, so that the apparatus can be reduced in size and cost.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIGS. 7 and 8 relate to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus having the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram when the endoscope in FIG. 7 illuminates an observation site of a living body.

In the fifth embodiment, the distance from the end of the endoscope 10 to the observation target is measured by measuring the distance between the end of the endoscope 10 and the ultrasonic wave. It is configured to calculate the amount of light. Other configurations are almost the same as those in FIG.
The same components will be described with the same reference numerals.

That is, the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment is disposed on the distal end surface of the endoscope, and is used for measuring the distance between the distal end surface of the endoscope and the tissue to be observed. The endoscope 110 provided with the sound wave oscillating unit 111 and the ultrasonic signal receiving unit 112 and the drive control of the ultrasonic wave oscillating unit 111 and the ultrasonic signal receiving unit 112 of the endoscope 110 are controlled via signal lines 111a and 112a, respectively. Ultrasonic element drive unit 12
1 and the distance between the distal end side of the insertion section 11 of the endoscope 110 and the observation target tissue, and irradiates the observation target tissue with the calculated distance and data stored in advance. And a control center 130 that calculates the amount of ultraviolet excitation light per unit area and displays it on the monitor 30 together with an endoscope image.

The control center 130 calculates the distance between the distal end side of the insertion section 11 of the endoscope 110 and the tissue to be observed based on information transmitted from the ultrasonic element driving section 121 via the signal line 121a. Calculation unit 131
And a scope data memory 13 in which data on the divergence angle of the illumination light of each endoscope 110 used in combination and data on the attenuation rate of the ultraviolet excitation light by the light guide 24 are stored.
2 and the data of the scope data memory 132 and the signal of the light amount sensor 51 described with reference to FIG. 2, and calculate the amount of ultraviolet excitation light per unit area irradiating the observation target tissue from the ultraviolet excitation light irradiation time. A calculation unit 133 is provided. Other configurations are substantially the same as those in FIG.

After the endoscope 110 is inserted into the patient, the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 100 thus configured is set to the white observation mode by the control center 130. Then, the rotation filter 32 is rotated by the rotation filter drive control unit 33, the white observation filter 32a is inserted into the optical path, and the white endoscopic image is displayed on the monitor 30 by the image processing unit 42,
Observe with white light. Next, when a suspicious part is found, the control center 130 is set to a fluorescence observation mode. Then, similarly to the white observation mode, the rotation filter 32 is rotated by the rotation filter drive control unit 33, and the fluorescence observation filter 32b is inserted into the optical path.

Then, the ultrasonic element driving section 121 activates the ultrasonic oscillation section 111, and the ultrasonic signal is emitted to the observation target site 140 as shown in FIG. Then, the ultrasonic signal returned from the observation target part 140 is received by the ultrasonic signal reception part 112, and the distance calculation part 131 in the control center 130 is used to determine the distance between the distal end side of the insertion part 11 of the endoscope 10 and the observation target tissue. The distance is calculated.

The light amount sensor 51 measures the amount of ultraviolet excitation light after passing through the fluorescence observation filter 32b. Here, the scope data memory 132 stores the data of the illumination light divergence angle of the endoscope used in combination and the attenuation rate of the ultraviolet excitation light by the light guide 24. The ultraviolet excitation light amount per unit area illuminated on the observation target portion 140 can be calculated from the distance data to the target portion 140 and the value of the light amount data of the light source lamp 31.

The amount of fluorescence observation time is measured by the light amount calculation unit 133. As a result, the ultraviolet excitation light amount per unit area illuminated on the observation target part 140 is, for example,
Calculated as ○ J / cm 2, and the value is displayed on the monitor 30.

As a result, the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 100
Since the amount of ultraviolet excitation light irradiating the observation target site is automatically calculated and displayed in real time, it is possible for the operator to close the shutter of the light source lamp 31 of the light source device 120 while measuring the time as in the related art. The trouble is eliminated, and the operability is improved.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIGS. 9 and 10 relate to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus having the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view illustrating a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus showing a modification of FIG.

In the fifth embodiment, the ultrasonic wave is transmitted and received to measure and measure the distance from the tip of the endoscope 110 to the observation target portion, thereby obtaining the ultraviolet light per unit area of the illuminated observation target portion. Although the configuration is such that the light amount is calculated, in the sixth embodiment, the distance from the end of the endoscope 110 to the observation target site is measured by transmitting and receiving a weak laser beam instead of the ultrasonic wave. Thereby, the amount of ultraviolet light per unit area of the illuminated observation target portion is calculated. The other configuration is almost the same as that of FIG. 7 and thus the description is omitted, and the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral.

That is, the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 150 according to the sixth embodiment guides a weak laser beam for measuring the distance between the distal end portion of the insertion section 11 and the tissue to be observed, and inserts the laser beam. An endoscope 160 provided with an irradiation light guide 162 for irradiating with an irradiation lens 161 disposed on the distal end side of the part 11 and a light receiving light guide 164 for taking in and guiding the reflected light of the laser from the observation target site with a light receiving lens 163 A laser device 171 for generating a weak laser beam to be supplied to the irradiation light guide 162 of the endoscope 160, and the endoscope 1
The light source device 170 provided with the detecting unit 172 for detecting the laser reflected light supplied from the light receiving light guide 162
And the information from the detection unit 172 is received via the signal line 172a, and the distance between the distal end side of the insertion unit 11 of the endoscope 160 and the observation target tissue is calculated by the distance calculation unit 131 described with reference to FIG. The light amount calculation unit 13 uses the calculated distance and data stored in the scope data memory 132 in advance.
The control center 180 calculates the amount of ultraviolet excitation light per unit area irradiating the observation target tissue at 3 and displays it on the monitor 30 together with the endoscope image. The laser device 171 is controlled by the mode control unit 41 via a signal line 171a so as to operate in the fluorescence observation mode.

The laser device 171 used for the light source device 170 generates a weak red light of about 700 nm which does not affect the fluorescence observation. Other configurations are almost the same as those in FIG.

The fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 150 thus configured is used in substantially the same manner as that described with reference to FIG. First, the mode control unit 41 sets the white observation mode, the rotation filter drive control unit 33 rotates the rotation filter 32, and inserts the white observation filter 32a into the optical path. Then, the white endoscope image is displayed on the monitor 3 by the image processing unit 42.
0 is displayed, and observation with white light is performed.

Next, when a suspicious site is found, the control center 180 is set to the fluorescence observation mode. Then, similarly, the rotation filter 3 is controlled by the rotation filter drive control unit 33.
2 rotates, and the fluorescence observation filter 32b is inserted into the optical path. Then, the laser device 171 operates to irradiate the observation target tissue with laser light. The reflected light of the laser returning from the tissue is received by the detection unit 172, and the distance between the distal end side of the insertion unit 11 of the endoscope 160 and the observation target tissue is calculated by the distance calculation unit 131 in the control center 180. . The light amount sensor 51 measures the amount of ultraviolet excitation light after passing through the fluorescence observation filter 32b.

Here, the scope data memory 132 has
The data of the illumination light spread angle of the endoscope used in combination and the data of the attenuation rate of the ultraviolet excitation light by the light guide 24 are stored. The measured distance data between the endoscope and the tissue and the light amount of the light source lamp 31 are stored. From the data values, the amount of ultraviolet excitation light per unit area illuminated by the tissue can be calculated. The amount of fluorescence observation time is measured by the light amount calculation unit 133, and as a result, the amount of ultraviolet excitation light per unit area illuminating the tissue is calculated as, for example, OOJ / cm2, and the value is displayed on the monitor 30. Is displayed. As a result, the fifth
The same effect as that of the embodiment can be obtained.

Further, the light source device 170 may be provided with a shutter control mechanism for controlling the emission of ultraviolet light from the light source lamp 31. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, a shutter 19 for controlling the emission of ultraviolet light is provided inside the light source device 190.
1 and a shutter control unit 192 for controlling the shutter 191 via a signal line 191a. The shutter control unit 192 is connected to a light amount calculation unit 133 inside the control center 180 via a signal line 192a. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

The fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 195 thus configured is used in substantially the same manner as that described with reference to FIG. When observing fluorescent light emitting ultraviolet light, the shutter 191 is used.
Is normally OPEN, but when the total amount of emitted ultraviolet light calculated by the light amount calculation unit 133 reaches a predetermined ultraviolet energy amount, a signal is sent from the light amount calculation unit 133 to the shutter control unit 192.

Then, a signal is sent from the shutter control unit 192 to the shutter 191, the shutter 191 is operated, and ultraviolet rays are not sent to the endoscope light guide 24. As a result, ultraviolet energy of a predetermined value or more is not irradiated. As a result, since the shutter mechanism is provided in the light source device 190, the operability is further improved.

(Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 11 is an explanatory view for explaining a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the seventh embodiment, the illumination is switched from invisible ultraviolet excitation light to visible white light when the endoscope is not operated for a predetermined period.

That is, the control center 210 used in the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 200 according to the seventh embodiment.
An input signal detection unit 211 for detecting an external input signal such as image quality adjustment, image freeze (freeze), still image shooting (release), and the like, which are generally performed by an operation (not shown) input from an external operator. A timer 212 is provided for measuring the time from when the signal is input to the input detection unit 211 and sending a signal to the mode control unit 41 when a predetermined time has elapsed.

The fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 200 thus configured is used in substantially the same manner as that described with reference to FIG. First, when an endoscope operation signal such as image quality adjustment, release, or freeze is input to the control center 210 from the outside, the input signal detection unit 211 detects this and sends a signal to the timer 212. The timer 212 sends a mode switching signal to the mode control unit 41 when a new signal is not input from the input signal detection unit 211 during a predetermined time set in advance. The mode control unit 41 feeds back the current illumination state, and switches to white light illumination if ultraviolet excitation light is illuminated when the mode switching signal is input from the timer 212. When white light is illuminated when the mode switching signal is input from the timer 212, the mode control unit 41 does not switch the mode of the illumination light.

As a result, the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 200
If there is no endoscope operation for a certain period of time, the illumination switches from invisible ultraviolet excitation light to visible white light, so you do not notice that you have forgotten to switch off the illumination light, you will not continue to illuminate the ultraviolet excitation light, Operability is improved.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIGS. 12 and 13 relate to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus having the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a modification of FIG.

In the eighth embodiment, the endoscope detachably connected to the light source device is provided with a judgment means for judging whether or not the endoscope is compatible with the ultraviolet excitation light illumination. When the endoscope is connected, the apparatus is configured not to shift to the fluorescence observation mode and not to supply ultraviolet excitation light.

That is, the LG of the endoscope 230 for ultraviolet fluorescence observation used in the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus of the seventh embodiment.
The connector 231 is provided with a projection 232 indicating that the endoscope is for ultraviolet fluorescence observation. On the other hand, in the light source device 240 to which the LG connector 231 of the endoscope 230 is detachably connected, a detection switch 241 for detecting that the protrusion 232 of the endoscope 230 is inserted, and a detection switch 241 And an endoscope discriminating unit 242 that receives a signal from the control unit and suppresses the operation of the rotary filter drive control unit 33.

In the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus thus configured, no signal is generated from the detection switch 241 when the ultraviolet light fluorescence observation endoscope 230 is not connected to the light source device 240. Therefore, the endoscope discriminating unit 242
By controlling the state of the rotation filter drive control unit 33,
Rotate the rotation filter 32 to filter white observation 32a
Into the optical path to supply white light. At this time,
The signal input from the mode control unit 41 is ignored.

Next, when the endoscope 230 for ultraviolet fluorescence observation is connected to the light source device 240, the projection 232 is inserted.
The detection switch 241 detects that the protrusion 232 has been inserted, and sends a signal to the endoscope determination unit 242. The endoscope discriminating unit 242 stops the control of the rotary filter drive control unit 33 and validates the input from the mode control unit 41.

When an endoscope for normal white light observation alone is connected, no signal is generated from the detection switch 241, and the rotary filter drive control unit 33 operates in white regardless of the input from the mode control unit 41. It becomes illumination only of light.

As a result, when an endoscope that is not compatible with the ultraviolet excitation light illumination is connected, it is not possible to shift to the fluorescence observation mode and the ultraviolet excitation light is not illuminated. It can be easily notified whether or not it is compatible with fluorescence observation.

Further, as a discriminating means for discriminating the endoscope,
You may comprise so that the ID number of an endoscope may be used. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the control center 250 has a keyboard 2 for externally inputting the ID number of the endoscope.
60 and the ID of the endoscope input from the keyboard 260
An endoscope discriminating unit 251 for discriminating whether the number is an endoscope for ultraviolet fluorescence observation and an LED 252 for notifying that the endoscope is for ultraviolet fluorescence observation are provided. Other configurations are
This is the same as FIG.

In the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus configured as described above, the operator inputs the ID number of the endoscope used for the examination from the keyboard 260. The input number is sent to the endoscope discriminating unit 251. The ID number is registered in advance, and the endoscope discriminating unit 251 discriminates whether or not it corresponds to fluorescence observation excited by ultraviolet excitation light. In the case of supporting the fluorescence observation excited by the ultraviolet excitation light, a signal is sent from the endoscope discriminating unit 251 to the LED 252, and the LED is turned on to notify that the fluorescence observation is possible.

If the ID number of the endoscope does not correspond to the fluorescence observation excited by the ultraviolet excitation light, the endoscope discrimination unit 251 controls the mode control unit 41 to not enter the fluorescence observation mode. And LED25
Notify the surgeon by turning off 2. As a result, FIG.
The same effect as the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus described in 2 can be obtained.

Finally, the function of the white observation filter 32a described so far will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating the transmission characteristics of the white observation filter.

When the fluorescent substance in the living tissue is excited by the ultraviolet excitation light, the intensity of the fluorescent light generated from the fluorescent substance gradually decreases (photobleaching). Fluorescence is generated even when observing white light, but is weak and is hidden by reflected light of strong white light. Therefore, irradiating the excitation light used for the fluorescence observation during the white light observation is a factor for lowering the fluorescence intensity when switching to the fluorescence observation.

Therefore, when observing white light, a white observation filter 32a having a transmission wavelength band as shown in FIG. 14 is inserted so that the light passing through the fluorescence observation filter does not overlap the band. This makes it possible to obtain good fluorescence intensity during fluorescence observation without causing photobleaching of the fluorescent substance during white light observation.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the invention.

[Supplementary Notes] (Supplementary Note 1) A light source for selectively supplying ultraviolet excitation light or white light illumination light to an endoscope, and an ultraviolet excitation light or white light for supplying illumination light supplied to the endoscope. Switching means for switching to any one of the following; a changeover switch for supplying a changeover signal to the changeover means; an enabling means for enabling an input of the changeover switch; an output of an enabling signal from the enabling means; Determining means for determining that a switching signal from the changeover switch has been input, and determining that the illumination light supplied to the endoscope is ultraviolet excitation light or white light; and When the changeover signal is input from the changeover switch during the output, and when the determination means determines that the illumination light supplied to the endoscope is white light, the switching means Controlled and fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus characterized by comprising a control means for switching the ultraviolet excitation light illumination light to be supplied to the endoscope.

(Additional Item 2) When the determining means determines that the illumination light supplied to the endoscope is ultraviolet excitation light, the control means outputs an enabling signal from the enabling means. Even if it is input, invalidate this enable signal,
2. The fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit is controlled to switch illumination light supplied to the endoscope to white light in response to input of a switching signal from the changeover switch. 3. .

(Additional Item 3) In a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus for irradiating a living body with ultraviolet excitation light through an endoscope and observing auto-fluorescence generated from the living body, the ultraviolet excitation light is emitted from the endoscope. A notifying means for notifying that the ultraviolet excitation light is being radiated when the operation is performed.

(Additional Item 4) The notifying means includes a light quantity measuring means for measuring the light quantity of the ultraviolet excitation light, and a display means for displaying the measured value measured by the light quantity measuring means on an endoscope image. Item 4. The fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to Item 3, wherein

(Additional Item 5) The notifying means notifies that the ultraviolet excitation light is emitted by emitting visible laser light from a laser light source together with the ultraviolet excitation light from the endoscope. 4. The fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to claim 3, wherein

(Additional Item 6) The laser light source is 690
6. The fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the light source is a light source that generates laser light in a band of nm to 700 nm.

(Supplementary note 7) The notification means emits the ultraviolet excitation light by radiating the visible light transmitted by a filter that generates the ultraviolet excitation light from the endoscope together with the ultraviolet excitation light. The fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to additional item 3, wherein the endoscope is notified of the fact.

(Additional Item 8) The fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to additional item 7, wherein the transmission wavelength band of the filter is a band including 360-410 nm ultraviolet excitation light and visible light.

(Supplementary Item 9) In a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus for irradiating a living body with ultraviolet excitation light through an endoscope and observing auto-fluorescence generated from the living body, a distal end side of an insertion portion of the endoscope. And a distance measuring means for measuring the distance between the observation target site of the living body, and an output measuring means for measuring the output of ultraviolet excitation light emitted from the distal end side of the insertion section of the endoscope, and Observation of the living body from the irradiation time measuring means for measuring the irradiation time of the ultraviolet excitation light radiated from the distal end side of the insertion portion, and the measured values respectively measured by the distance measuring means, the output measuring means and the irradiation time measuring means. A fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus, comprising: display means for calculating and displaying the amount of ultraviolet excitation light irradiation per unit area of a target site.

(Supplementary Note 10) The distance measuring means includes: an ultrasonic wave generating means for generating an ultrasonic wave to be radiated from the distal end side of the insertion portion of the endoscope to an observation target portion of the living body;
And an ultrasonic wave detecting means for radiating ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic wave generating means from the distal end side of the insertion portion of the endoscope and detecting ultrasonic waves reflected from an observation target portion of the living body. Item 10. The fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to Item 9, wherein

(Additional Item 11) The distance measuring means includes a laser light source for generating a laser beam for radiating from the distal end side of the insertion portion of the endoscope to an observation target portion of the living body, and a laser light source for generating the laser beam. And a laser beam detecting means for emitting the laser beam from the distal end side of the insertion portion of the endoscope and detecting the laser beam reflected from the observation target site of the living body. 3. The fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to claim 1.

(Additional Item 12) A fluorescent light having a light source for selectively supplying either an ultraviolet excitation light or a white light to an endoscope, and a signal input means for operating the endoscope. In the observation endoscope apparatus, a time measuring means for measuring a time since a signal from the signal input means was last input, and a control for receiving a signal from the time measuring means and switching an illumination state of the light source And a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus comprising:

(Additional Item 13) The fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to additional item 12, wherein the signal input means is a freeze switch or a release switch for operating the endoscope.

(Appendix 14) In a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus for irradiating a living body with ultraviolet excitation light through an endoscope and observing auto-fluorescence generated from the living body, one of ultraviolet excitation light and white light is used. A light source for selectively supplying illumination light to the endoscope, a switching unit for switching illumination light supplied from the light source to the endoscope to one of ultraviolet excitation light and white light, and the endoscope A fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus comprising: a display unit that indicates that the mirror is suitable for fluorescence observation; and a determination unit that determines that the endoscope supports fluorescence observation.

[Issues for Supplementary Notes 3 to 14] (Additional Notes 3 to 8) Problem: When invisible ultraviolet light is used as excitation light for generating fluorescence, the excitation light is irradiated from the endoscope end. There is a problem that it is difficult for the operator to confirm that the operation is performed.

The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the present invention, and is intended to improve the operability by notifying the surgeon that the excitation light is being irradiated, even if invisible ultraviolet light is used as the excitation light. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluorescent observation endoscope apparatus capable of performing the above.

(Additional Items 9 to 13) Problem: When an invisible ultraviolet light is used as the excitation light for generating the fluorescence, the operator confirms that the excitation light is emitted from the endoscope end. There was a problem that it was difficult.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and provides a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus capable of catching the stop of ultraviolet light irradiation when ultraviolet light is irradiated for a certain period of time. It is intended to be.

(Supplementary Item 14) Problem: When invisible ultraviolet light is used as excitation light for generating fluorescence, a normal endoscope light guide cannot transmit ultraviolet light, and fluorescence observation cannot be performed. For this reason, it is necessary for the surgeon to select an endoscope capable of observing fluorescence in advance, and there is a problem in that preparations before the operation become complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and is intended to distinguish an endoscope capable of only white light observation and an endoscope capable of both fluorescence observation and white light observation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus that can facilitate preparation beforehand.

[Supplementary notes 3 to 14] (Supplementary notes 3 and 4) The output of the ultraviolet excitation light is measured and displayed to notify the operator that the ultraviolet light is being irradiated. Can be.

(Additional Items 5 to 8) By adding visible light which does not affect the fluorescence observation and the white light observation to the excitation light, it is possible to notify the surgeon that the ultraviolet light has been irradiated.

(Additional Items 9 to 11) By measuring the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation on the observation target, the amount of ultraviolet irradiation can be displayed.

(Additional Items 12 and 13) By determining that there is no operation of the endoscope, irradiation of invisible ultraviolet light can be suppressed and visible white light can be illuminated.

(Additional Item 14) When an endoscope for only white light observation is connected, it is possible to determine the type of the endoscope so as not to switch to the fluorescence observation state.

[Effects on Additional Notes 3 to 14] (Additional Items 3 to 8) Since the operator can easily confirm whether or not invisible ultraviolet light is illuminated, the operability is improved.

(Additional Items 9 to 11) Since the irradiation amount of the ultraviolet light illuminated on the observation target is displayed on the monitor, the operator operates the light amount while measuring the irradiation amount of the ultraviolet light as in the related art. Since there is no need, operability is improved.

(Additional Items 12 and 13) Irradiation of invisible ultraviolet light can be suppressed, and since switching to visible white light is performed, it is possible to easily confirm that illumination is being performed from the light source, thereby improving operability.

(Appendix 14) By selecting an endoscope,
Since it is possible to determine whether or not the endoscope is compatible with fluorescence observation, the complexity of preparing the endoscope can be eliminated, and the preparation time can be reduced.

[0111]

As described above, according to the present invention, the surgeon unintentionally illuminates the invisible ultraviolet excitation light,
The problem that the emission of the illumination light cannot be confirmed is eliminated, and the operability is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing transmission wavelength bands of an excitation cut filter and a fluorescence observation filter used in FIG. 3 and wavelength characteristics of guide light generated by a guide light laser.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a graph showing transmission wavelength bands of an excitation cut filter and a fluorescence observation filter used in FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view illustrating a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram when the endoscope of FIG. 7 illuminates an observation site of a living body;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view illustrating a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view illustrating a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus showing a modification of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a modification of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating transmission characteristics of a white observation filter.

[Description of Signs] 1 Fluorescence observation endoscope device 10… Endoscope 11… Insertion portion 12… Operation portion 13… Universal cable 20… Light source device 21… High-sensitivity CCD 22… Excitation light cut filter 23… Objective lens system Reference numeral 24: Light guide 26: Changeover switch 27: Mode lock release switch 30: Monitor 31: Light source lamp 32: Rotary filter 32a: White observation filter 32b: Fluorescence observation filter 33: Rotary filter drive control unit (switching means) 40 ... Control center 41 ... Mode control unit (control means) 42 ... Image processing unit 43 ... Timer (validating means) 44 ... Comparison determining unit (determining means) 44a ... Feedback unit 44b ... State determining unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yumi Hirao 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Toshiya Akimoto 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2G043 AA03 BA16 CA09 EA01 FA01 GA02 GA04 GA06 GA21 GA23 GB18 KA03 KA05 KA09 LA03 MA11 4C038 KL07 4C061 AA00 BB02 CC06 DD00 FF40 FF47 GG01 HH51 JJ17 Q04 NN17 Q04 NN17 RR14 RR26 WW14 WW17 WW18

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A light source for selectively supplying illumination light of ultraviolet excitation light or white light to an endoscope, and switching the illumination light supplied to the endoscope to one of ultraviolet excitation light or white light. Switching means; a changeover switch for supplying a changeover signal to the changeover means; enabling means for validating an input of the changeover switch; output of an enabling signal from the enabling means; and switching from the changeover switch. A determination unit that determines that a signal has been input, and determines that the illumination light supplied to the endoscope is ultraviolet excitation light or white light, and while the validation signal is being output. When the determination means determines that a switching signal is input from the changeover switch and that the illumination light supplied to the endoscope is white light, the switching means is controlled to control the endoscope. Fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus characterized by comprising a control means for switching the ultraviolet excitation light illumination light to be supplied to. 2. The control means according to claim 1, wherein said discriminating means determines that the illumination light supplied to said endoscope is ultraviolet excitation light, and receives an enabling signal from said enabling means. Further, the validating signal is invalidated, and the switching means is controlled so as to switch the illumination light supplied to the endoscope to white light by inputting a switching signal from the changeover switch. 2. The fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus according to 1.