JPH09238896A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently remove air staying in the periphery of the midway of an insert part. SOLUTION: In an endoscope 1 including an insert part 2 having a soft part 8, there are provided an opening part 15 provided in the soft part 8 of the insert part 2 and a deaerating tube 17 which is communicated with the opening part 15 at the forward end side and with the outside on this side, whereby air staying in the periphery of the midway of the insert part 2 is removed efficiently.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope having a distal end provided with an insertion portion having an air feeding function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an endoscope has a duct system for supplying air, water, suction, etc. to a body cavity, and when inspecting the body cavity, the body cavity is inflated by a certain amount. To send air for. Further, water supply, air supply, and suction for cleaning the inside of the body cavity and the observation window are also performed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-161).
No. 135).

[0003]

When a colonoscope is used, for example, the rectum to the sigmoid colon, the intestinal colon, the splenic flexure,
The insertion part must be inserted by pushing it into a meandering position near the cecum or deeper through the transverse and ascending colon. In this case, air is supplied from an air supply nozzle provided at the tip of the insertion section to inflate the intestinal site where the insertion section is to be guided, and the tip of the insertion section is guided while ensuring the observation field of view by the endoscope.

However, air is supplied from an air supply nozzle provided at the tip of the insertion part to inflate the intestinal region to guide the insertion part and guide the tip of the insertion part while ensuring an observation field of view by the endoscope. In this case, since the anus is obstructed, if air supply is continued to secure the visual field, air continues to accumulate in the intestine and the pressure in the intestine increases. Then, the tendency to become the original shape of the intestine as shown in FIG. 2A becomes stronger.
When this tendency is strengthened, it becomes difficult to shorten (straighten) the sigmoid colon, the lower intestinal colon and the like to insert the insertion portion, and the insertability of the endoscope is impaired.

Therefore, in such a case, suction is performed through a channel provided in the endoscope, but since the tip of this channel is open to the tip of the insertion portion, the suction also sucks the intestinal wall. As shown in FIG. 9A, it is easy for the intestinal wall to be adsorbed to the distal end of the insertion portion to block the distal end. When the adsorption of the intestinal wall occurs, it becomes difficult to remove excess air in the intestine thereafter, and the observation field of view of the endoscope is impaired, which impairs the insertability of the endoscope.

Even when the intestinal wall is not adsorbed, the air in the vicinity of the tip of the insertion portion is preferentially sucked, so that the air in the vicinity of the front of the tip of the insertion portion is extracted too much and the air immediately in the vicinity of the tip of the insertion portion is removed. It causes the intestinal wall to contract. Then, FIG.
As shown by the contraction of the intestinal wall site immediately after the tip of the insertion part, the contracted intestinal wall site closely adheres to the peripheral wall immediately after the tip of the insertion part, thereby blocking the intestine from the distal side to the proximal side, Even if the suction action is applied, the intestinal air that has accumulated on the hand side does not easily escape.

Although liquid such as water is present in the intestine, the liquid in the intestine is inscribed as shown in FIG. 9 (b) because the patient is in a recumbent position with his left side down during the case. The liquid collects in the vicinity and blocks the distal end region of the insertion portion and the hand side region, making it difficult to remove excess air on the hand side.

As described above, since it is difficult to remove excess air in the intestine, the pressure in the intestine increases, and the tendency of the intestine's original shape as shown in FIG. 2 (a) is maintained. It becomes difficult to insert the insertion part by contracting, and the insertability is impaired. Furthermore, if excess air in the intestine remains, it causes hyperextension of the intestine, which increases the pain of the patient.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope capable of efficiently removing air accumulated around the middle of an insertion portion. It is in.

[0010]

According to the present invention, in an endoscope having an insertion portion having a flexible portion, an opening portion provided in the flexible portion of the insertion portion and a distal end side of the opening portion are communicated with each other. A fluid passage communicating with the outside is provided on the hand side, and the air accumulated around the middle of the insertion portion is efficiently removed.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

<First Embodiment> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Figure 1 shows an endoscope 1 used for the large intestine.
The endoscope 1 is mainly composed of an insertion portion 2, an operation portion 3 and a universal cord 4. A connector 5 is attached to the extending tip of the universal cord 4. The insertion portion 2 has a tip portion 6, a curved portion 7, and a flexible portion 8, which are arranged in that order from the tip. In addition to an observation window incorporating an objective lens on the tip surface of the tip portion 6,
Although an illumination window, a channel opening, a nozzle directed to the observation window, and the like are provided, they are omitted here and not shown.

An image pickup device for picking up a visual field observed through an observation window is provided in the tip portion 6. The bending portion 7 is bent by an operation knob (not shown) provided in the operation portion 3 via a bending operation wire. The flexible portion 8 is made of a flexible tube and has a relatively flexible structure. The flexible portion 8 is composed of a first flexible portion 8a located on the front side and a second flexible portion 8b located on the proximal side, and the flexible portion 8a and the flexible portion 8b are connected via a hard connecting pipe 9 such as metal. Connected. The soft portion 8a and the soft portion 8b may have the same hardness, but different hardness, and in particular, the soft portion 8a on the front end side is formed softer than the soft portion 8b on the rear end side. This is desirable in terms of insertability into the large intestine and its operability.

In the insertion portion 2, a light guide fiber bundle 11 connected to the illumination window, an image pickup signal line connected to the image pickup device, a treatment instrument channel tube connected to the channel opening, Built-in objects such as an air / water supply tube connected to the nozzle and the bending operation wire are arranged.

Since the bending portion 7 has a narrower inner cavity than the flexible portion 8 and is relatively strongly curved, the built-in object inserted into the inner cavity is easily damaged. Therefore, a built-in object having low durability is particularly required, but at least one built-in object 1
A protective tube (cylindrical body) 13 is fitted to the area 2 of the curved portion 7 which is easily damaged to protect the built-in object 12. The proximal end (rear end) of the protective tube 13 reaches the region of the front flexible portion 8a, but is located in front of the position of the connecting pipe 9. The protective tube 13 may be a coil sheath. Built-in components protected by this type of protective member are, for example, a light guide, an image signal line (videoscope), an image guide (fiberscope), an air supply tube, a water supply tube, a channel tube and the like.

The connecting pipe 9 is formed with an opening 15 which is open to the outside. One end of a connection pipe 16 bent in an L shape is connected to the opening 15. Since the connecting pipe 9 is a hard member, it is easy to form the opening 15 and the connecting pipe 16 in an airtight manner.

The other end of the connecting pipe 16 is connected to the tip of a flexible degassing tube 17 forming a fluid passage, that is, a degassing conduit. The connection pipe 16 and the deaeration tube 17 are located rearward of the position of the protective tube 13 on the proximal side. The place behind the proximal end of the protective tube 13 is a place with a sufficient space, and interference between the connection pipe 16 and the deaeration tube 17 and other built-in objects can be reduced. The proximal side of the degassing tube 17 is guided from the second flexible portion 8b to the connector 5 through the insides of the operating portion 3 and the universal cord 4, and is connected to the base 18 provided on the connector 5. One end of an external tube (external communication passage) 19 is detachably connected to the mouthpiece 18, and the other end of the external tube 19 is detachably attached to a container 20 forming a waste storage chamber for receiving waste such as waste discharged together with exhaust gas. It is connected in a proper state. The container 20 is formed with an opening 20a that opens to the outside air. Since the container 20 is detachable, it can be a disposable type.

The deaeration tube 17 is thin in the insertion portion 2 and thick in the operation portion 3 to the universal cord 4, and accordingly, the inner diameter of the deaeration pipe line is also thin in the insertion portion 2 so that there is a sufficient internal space. The operation portion 3 and the universal cord 4 are formed thick. For this reason, the duct resistance of the long degassing tube 17 is made as small as possible to facilitate exhausting. Further, the base 18 to the outer tube 19 are also formed thick.

In the area of the operating section 3, a degassing tube 17
A valve 2 that controls the opening and closing of the deaeration line and the flow path diameter
1 is provided. The valve 21 may be provided anywhere in the exhaust pipe, but if it is provided in the operating portion 3, the operator can easily operate the knob 21a and the valve operation is simple.

By the way, the soft portion 8 of the insertion portion 2 is made of an extremely soft flexible tube, and the flexible tube is formed by a single flex 25, a blade 26 fitted on the outer side of the flex 25, and a resin outer skin 27. Since the flex 25 is a single winding, the flexible portion 8 can be configured softly, there is no pain for the patient, and the insertability of the insertion portion 2 into the large intestine can be improved. Further, the light guide fiber bundle 11 is a densely wound metal coil (coil sheath) 28 made of a thin wire.
Even if X-rays may enter as a result of the single winding of the flex 25, the metal coil 28 tightly wound blocks the X-rays, and the light guide fiber bundle 11 is exposed to the X-rays. Prevent receiving. Since the coil 28 is a small-diameter coil, the flexibility of the insertion portion 2 is not hardened. Further, when the hardness varying means (stiffening cord) is inserted into the flexible portion 8 of the insertion portion 2, the coil 28 protects the fiber bundle 11 from the member of the hardness varying means and prevents the fiber bundle 11 from being damaged. be able to.

The connector 5 of the universal cord 4 is connected to the main body of a light source device for an endoscope (not shown). Then, as in the case of a general endoscope, illumination light is introduced from the light source to the light guide fiber bundle 11. Further, a suction device is connected to the treatment instrument channel tube, and an air supply pump, a water supply tank, etc. are connected to the air supply / water supply tube.

Next, the operation of the procedure for inserting the endoscope 1 into the large intestine 31 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2A shows the original shape of the intestine, and the rectum 32 of the large intestine 31 and the sigmoid colon 3
3, the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 is inserted along the lower intestinal colon 34 and the splenic curved portion 35. At this time, when the insertion portion 2 is inserted, in order to warm the insertion portion 2 close to the body temperature, the heating device 38 is installed near the insertion site, and the heating device 38 is used to heat and insert the insertion portion 2. To do. As the heating device 38, the insertion portion 2 is used.
There is a hole 38a through which the insertion portion 2 inserted into the hole 38a is warmed by a heating means such as blowing hot air. By warming the insertion part 2 to about the human body temperature, irritation to the intestine is reduced, and excessive peristaltic movement can be prevented.

Upon insertion, air is supplied from an air supply nozzle provided at the distal end of the insertion section 2 to inflate the intestinal portion to guide the insertion section 2 and secure the observation field of view by the endoscope 1 while inserting the insertion section. 2 from the splenic flexure 35 to the transverse colon 3
Induce to 6. Since the anus 37 is closed during this insertion process, if air supply is continued to secure the visual field, air is accumulated in the intestine and the intestinal pressure is increased. Then, when the pressure in the intestine becomes excessive, the large intestine 31 tries to return to the original shape of the intestine shown in FIG. 2A, impairing the insertability.

However, excess air is naturally exhausted from the opening 15 in the middle of the insertion portion 2 through the degassing tube 17 and the outer tube 19 to the atmosphere through the opening 20a of the container 20. Then, the excessive pressure in the intestine is lowered, and the insertion portion 2
2 to prevent extension of the intestinal portion closer to the hand side than the vicinity of the distal end due to insufflation, and particularly as shown in FIG. 2B, the intestinal wall extending from the rectum 32 to the sigmoid colon 33, the lower intestinal colon 34, and the splenic curved portion 35. Since it is easily contracted, the insertability of the insertion part 2 is not impaired, and the observation field of view by the endoscope 1 can be secured.

When exhausting using the suction function of the endoscope 1, the air near the tip of the insertion part 2 is preferentially sucked and the intestinal wall near the tip of the insertion part 2 is contracted. I will let you. Then, as shown in FIG. 9 (a), due to the contraction of the intestinal wall portion immediately after the vicinity of the distal end of the insertion portion, the contracted intestinal wall portion adheres to the peripheral wall of the insertion portion, and the distal end side and the proximal side are blocked from it. , Even if a suction action is applied, the air accumulated on the hand side does not easily escape. Further, when aspirated, the intestinal wall is also aspirated and the intestinal wall is adsorbed to the distal end of the insertion section 2 as shown in FIG. Not only cannot be removed, but the observation field of view of the endoscope is impaired. In addition, since excess air in the intestine is difficult to remove, the intestine is overextended, which increases patient distress.

However, in the present invention, these disadvantages can be avoided. Therefore, thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2C, the cecum 4 passes through the ascending colon 36 and the ascending colon 39.
It can be easily and quickly inserted up to around 0. In addition, it can be inserted without any pain for the patient.

In addition, the situation as shown in FIG. 9B, that is,
Even in a situation where a liquid such as water in the intestine blocks the distal end region and the proximal region of the insertion portion 2, excess air can be removed through the proximal opening portion 15, and thus the insertability of the endoscope 1 is similarly secured. , Can be inserted without patient pain.

Further, in the process of inserting the insertion part 2 of the endoscope 1 into the large intestine 31, the insertion part 2 is supplied by the air supply from the air supply nozzle.
The intestinal region where the intestine is to be guided is inflated to secure the field of view for observation by the endoscope 1. However, depending on the conditions in the intestine, degassing from the opening 15 may occur immediately and excessive degassing may not be possible to secure the field of view. It can happen. In this case, the valve 21 is closed to block degassing, or the opening amount thereof is narrowed to adjust the degassing amount to the extent that the visual field can be secured in the intestine to secure the visual field.

In the first embodiment, the opening 15
However, a plurality of openings 15 may be provided around the connection pipe 9 at intervals. That is, each opening 1
5 are installed at a plurality of positions of the insertion portion 2 in different circumferential directions. These openings 15 are connected via a connecting pipe 16 to a common deaeration tube 17 or individual deaeration tubes 17
May be connected. Alternatively, a passage may be formed in the connection pipe 9 to connect the plurality of openings 15 to each other, and the passage may be connected to the common degassing tube 17 directly or via the connection pipe 16. Since the plurality of openings 15 provided around the connecting pipe 9 are at different positions, even if one of the openings 15 is blocked by the intestinal wall, deaeration is possible through the other openings 15.

<Second Embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This is achieved by using a flexible sheath 41 that does not need to affect the flexibility of the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 and a clearance between the outer periphery of the insertion portion 2 and a deaeration passage (fluid passage). 42 is formed. The distal end of the sheath 41 is attached to, for example, a rubber cap or hood 43 that is press-fitted onto the outer periphery of the distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 2 and fitted. Insert the hood 43 into the insertion section 2
The sheath 41 can also be pulled out from the insertion portion 2 by removing it from the distal end portion 6. The hood 43 may be attached to the outer periphery of the distal end portion 6 by frictional force, but engaging means such as screwing or locking may be used.

In the middle of the insertion part 2, for example, a plurality of openings 44 are provided which are located 10 cm or more from the tip of the insertion part 2 on the hand side, preferably 20 to 40 cm, and communicate with the deaeration passage 42. ing. The openings 44 are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the sheath 41. That is, each opening 4
4 are installed at a plurality of positions of the sheath 41 in different axial directions. Further, it is desirable that each opening 44 is provided closer to the hand side than the rear end of the curved portion 7.

The deaeration passage 42 is open to the outside at the proximal end of the sheath 41. A collar 45 is provided on the proximal end of the sheath 41 on the proximal side. This collar 45 is a sheath 41
This is to prevent the whole body from entering the large intestine.

The endoscope 1 also has the same operation as in the case of the above-described first embodiment, and the insertion portion 2 can be easily and quickly inserted, and the insertion can be performed without any pain to the patient. You can

<Third Embodiment> A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This is an example of a covered endoscope. A degassing passage is formed in the disposable endoscope cover 50 that covers the endoscope 1. The endoscope cover 50 has a distal end cover 51 having a transparent portion 51a that covers the distal end of the insertion portion 2 and a fit around the outer periphery of the insertion portion 2 so that the flexibility of the insertion portion 2 is hardly affected. The flexible sheath 52 and the flexible operation unit cover 53 that covers the operation unit 3 are provided. The sheath 52 covering the insertion portion 2 is composed of a double sheath of an inner sheath 54 and an outer sheath 55,
The inner sheath 54 completely shields the endoscope 1 from the external environment. The clearance between the inner sheath 54 and the outer sheath 55 forms a degassing passage 56. The outer sheath 55 is provided with a plurality of openings 57 communicating with the deaeration passage 56 at a position closer to the hand side than the distal end by 10 cm or more, preferably 20 to 40 cm. The openings 57 are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the sheath 41. In addition, each opening 57
Is preferably provided at a position closer to the hand side than the rear end of the bending portion 7 of the endoscope 1.

A mouth member 58 is provided at the proximal end of the sheath 52, and a degassing tube 59 is connected to the mouth member 58. The other end of the degassing tube 59 is detachably connected to the container 20 having the opening 20a that opens to the outside air, in the same manner as described above, which receives waste such as dirt discharged together with the exhaust. Since the container 20 is detachable, it can be a disposable type.

<Fourth Embodiment> A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This is an example of an external tube type endoscope that forms a deaeration passage. A flexible degassing tube 6 along the outer peripheral surface of the flexible portion 8 of the insertion portion 2.
1 is provided, and the deaeration tube 61 is attached to the flexible portion 8 in a state of being bound by the band 62 integrally provided on the deaeration tube 61. The band 62 is formed of a rubber band, etc.
Is used to closely contact the outer peripheral surface of the flexible portion 8 and the deaeration tube 61 is arranged along the axial direction thereof. The deaeration tube 61 may be attached to the insertion portion 2 by another separation preventing means.

The tip of the degassing tube 61 is open,
10 cm or more from the tip of the insertion portion 2, preferably 20
It is opened at a position on the near side of -40 cm. A side hole is opened in the middle of the tip of the degassing tube 61. A plurality of openings 63 and 64 communicating with the deaeration passage formed by the deaeration tube 61 are formed by the opening at the tip of the deaeration tube 61 or the opening of the side hole. The opening 64, which is a side hole, is provided at a position 20 cm from the tip of the degassing tube 61.

The proximal portion of the deaeration tube 61 is guided along the universal cord 4 and the other band 65
The deaeration tube 61 is prevented from being separated from the universal cord 4 by being bound by.

The proximal end of the degassing tube 61 may be connected to the same container 20 as described above to communicate with the atmosphere, but in this embodiment, the container 20 and the suction pump 67 are connected via the first three-way stopcock 66a. It is connected to the. First three-way stopcock 66
The end of the suction pump 67 on the side of the suction pump 67 is connected to the suction cap 68 of the connector 5 of the endoscope 1 and the suction pump 6 via the second three-way stopcock 66b.
7 is connected. The first three-way stopcock 66a selectively connects the deaeration tube 61 to the container 20 or the suction pump 67 side, and can also select the position at which the deaeration tube 61 is shut off. Second three-way stopcock 66b
Selectively connects the first three-way stopcock 66a side to the container 20 side or the suction cap 68 side of the connector 5. A suction bottle 69 for receiving dirt is provided in front of the suction pump 67. 70 is an outer tube connecting them.

If the first three-way stopcock 66a is selected at a position where the deaeration tube 61 and the container 20 communicate with each other,
Excess air in the body cavity can be naturally discharged through the degassing tube 61. Further, the degassing tube 61 can be shut off when degassing is not required.

The first three-way stopcock 66a and the second three-way stopcock 6
By switching 6b and connecting the suction pump 67 to the deaeration tube 61, the air in the body cavity can be forcibly sucked and discharged through the deaeration tube 61, and the deaeration tube 61 has a high viscosity. When something gets in and gets stuck, you can suck it out.
Of course, by switching the second three-way stopcock 66b, the endoscope 1
If the suction mouthpiece 68 of the connector 5 and the suction pump 67 are communicated with each other, suction can be performed through the treatment instrument insertion channel, as in a normal endoscope.

A suction pressure adjusting portion (not shown) may be provided in the middle of the conduit connecting the first three-way stopcock 66a and the second three-way stopcock 66b with a throttle or the like for adjusting the diameter of the conduit. . By providing this suction pressure adjusting section, it is possible to prevent excessive suction and also prevent the mucous membrane from adsorbing to the openings 63 and 64.

Further, on the outer circumference of the insertion portion 2, there is provided a rotary cylinder 72 having a spiral projection 71 on the outer circumference. Here, it is located immediately after the bending portion 7 and is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the flexible portion 8 so that it can be rotated by a driving means (not shown). As the driving means, for example, an ultrasonic motor method or a method of transmitting a rotational force from a motor provided in the operation unit via a transmission shaft can be considered. By inserting the insertion part 2 into the body cavity and turning the rotary cylinder 72, the insertion can be assisted by the screwing action of the spiral protrusion 71, and the insertability can be improved. Since the rotary cylinder 72 provided with the spiral protrusion 71 is provided in the flexible portion 8 of the insertion portion 2, insertion of an endoscope having a longer insertion portion than in the case of providing the distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 2 It is possible to improve the property.

<Fifth Embodiment> A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This is an example of an endoscope in which a stylet (flexibility adjusting tool) is inserted using a treatment tool insertion channel that also serves as a suction channel. That is, the distal end portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel 75 is thin and the proximal portion is thick. The thin part 7
The boundary portion 77 where the large diameter portion 75b changes from 5a is located closer to the rear side than the rear end of the protective tube (cylindrical body) 13 fitted to the built-in object 12. The operation ring 76a of the stylet 76 has a channel 75 so that the tip of the stylet 76 is not inserted before the boundary 77.
The length is set so as to hit the entrance 78.

Therefore, the stylet 76 is inserted and the tip of the stylet 76 is not inserted before the boundary 77. Therefore, the curved portion 7 that is densely packed with built-in objects
Inside, the treatment instrument insertion channel 75 can be formed to have a small diameter. In addition, the stylet 76 is not inserted into the curved portion 7 that is densely packed with the built-in objects so that other built-in objects are not damaged or the bending performance is not hindered.

The member forming the boundary portion 77 is made of a material which is not easily damaged even if the tip of the stylet 76 hits. The entire treatment instrument insertion channel 75 may be formed of an integral tube. In this case, the treatment instrument insertion channel 75 may be formed of a heat-shrinkable tube so that only the small-diameter portion 75a on the distal end side is heat-shrinked. You may.

FIG. 6B shows the inner diameter 79 of the small diameter portion 75a, the inner diameter 80 of the large diameter portion 75b, and the stylet 7
The cross-sectional area relationship of 6 is shown. The value obtained by subtracting the cross-sectional area of the small-diameter portion 75a from the cross-sectional area of the large-diameter portion 75b is equal to or smaller than the cross-sectional area of the stylet 76. The configuration of the endoscope 1 other than this may be configured by combining the configurations of the above-described embodiments.

<Sixth Embodiment> A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This is an example in which a stylet channel 82 for inserting a stylet (flexibility adjusting tool) different from the treatment tool insertion channel 81 is independently provided in the endoscope. Channel 8 for stylet
In No. 2, the tip side portion was formed thin and the hand side portion was formed thick. The boundary portion 8 where the small diameter portion 82a changes to the large diameter portion 82b
Reference numeral 3 is located closer to the proximal side than the rear end of the protective tube (cylindrical body) fitted to the built-in object, and is located closer to the proximal side than the rear end of the curved portion 7, that is, inside the flexible portion 8. The tip of the stylet 76 may be inserted further than the boundary part 83, but it may be abutted against the boundary part 83 or the hand operation ring 76a of the stylet 76 may be inserted into the channel 82.
The tip end of the stylet 76 may be prevented from being inserted past the boundary portion 83 by setting the length to hit the entrance 78 of the.

The stylet channel 82 can also be used for water supply. Since the tip side is thin, it functions as a jet injection nozzle. Even if a stylet channel 82 for inserting a stylet (flexibility adjusting tool), which is different from the treatment tool insertion channel, is provided in the endoscope, the distal end side is thin, so there is a problem of increasing the diameter. It can be avoided.

<Seventh Embodiment> A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is an autoclave device for sterilizing the flexible endoscope 1 as described above. The autoclave device is provided with a support member 85 for suspending the flexible endoscope 1 inside the main body 84, and the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 and the universal cord 4 are set so as to be suspended and sterilized. is there. Since the insertion portion 2 and the universal cord 4 are suspended, there is no tendency to bend even in an atmosphere of high temperature and high pressure. Therefore, it does not affect the insertability of the endoscope during a case.

Further, the endoscope 1 is provided with a cooling blower duct 86 including a tube through the connector 5, the universal cord 4, the operation section 3 and the insertion section 2. The tip of the cooling air duct 86 reaches near the solid-state image sensor of the image sensor device incorporated in the distal end of the endoscope 1. The base end of the cooling air duct 86 is connected to the base portion 87 of the connector 5. The base portion 87 is connected to a cooling device 88 installed outside the autoclave device. 89 is the floor surface.

During the sterilization process, cooling air is blown from the cooling device 88 to the solid-state image pickup device through the cooling air duct 86 to cool the solid-state image pickup device. The blown cooling air is discharged to the outside through the base portion 87 of the connector 5 through the inner space of the endoscope 1. According to this, the inside of the endoscope 1, particularly the solid-state imaging device, can be cooled during the sterilization process, so that the heat resistance of the endoscope 1 is improved even if the outside is heated.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be considered without departing from the gist of the present invention. The endoscope can be applied not only for the lower digestive tract but also for use in a site having a lumen, for example, for the upper digestive tract.

(Supplementary Notes) <Claims A Group> (1) In an endoscope including an insertion portion having a flexible portion,
An endoscope comprising: an opening portion provided in the flexible portion of the insertion portion; and a fluid passage communicating with the opening portion at a distal end side thereof and at a hand side thereof with an outside world.

(2) In (1) above, the proximal side of the fluid passage is communicated with the outside world via the waste container. (3) In the above (2), the filth chamber can be attached to and detached from the endoscope. (4) In the above (1), the opening is provided in the connecting portion that connects the two flexible tube portions forming the flexible portion.

(5) In the above (4), the two soft tube portions have different hardnesses. (6) In the above item (1), the opening is located closer to the hand side than the hand end of the protective cylinder that protects the internal components in the curved portion of the insertion portion. (7) In the above (1), the cross-sectional area of the fluid passage is expanded behind the insertion portion.

(8) In the above (1), a valve capable of blocking the fluid passage is provided in a part of the fluid passage. (9) In the above (8), the valve is provided in the operating portion. (10) In (1) above, a flexible sheath is fitted and attached to the insertion portion, an opening is provided in the sheath, and a fluid passage is provided by a clearance between the sheath and the insertion portion.

(11) In the above (10), the sheath is provided in a multi-sheath structure of an outer sheath and an inner sheath,
The inner sheath covers at least the insertion portion of the endoscope in a watertight manner with respect to the outside, the outer sheath is provided with the opening, and the fluid passage is provided by the clearance between the outer sheath and the inner sheath. (12) In (1) above, a tube that can be attached at a desired position of the insertion section is provided, and the tube is provided with an opening and a fluid passage.

(13) In the above (12), separation preventing means is provided to prevent the tube from separating from the insertion portion. (14) In the above (1), a part of the fluid conduit can be connected to the aspirator. (15) In the above (14), means for switching between the external communication passage and the suction passage is provided.

(16) In the above (14), the suction pressure adjusting portion is provided between the fluid pipe and the suction device. (17) In (1) above, there are a plurality of openings. (18) In (17) above, the plurality of openings are separated and directed to another position in the circumferential direction or the axial direction of the insertion section. (19) In (1) above, the opening on the most distal end side is provided closer to the hand side than 10 cm from the distal end surface of the endoscope.

(20) In the above (1), the opening is provided closer to the hand than the curved portion. (21) In (1) above, the members of the opening and the fluid passage are disposable. (22) The endoscope is for the large intestine.

<Claim B Group> (1) In an endoscope having an insertion portion having at least a soft tube composed of a spiral tube and an outer skin, the spiral tube is made into a single layer, and a fiber bundle in the single-layer spiral tube is provided. An endoscope characterized in that the metal is covered with a tubular body. (2) In the above (1), the metallic tubular body is a close contact coil. (3) In the above (1), it is combined with the above-mentioned claim A group.

<Claims C Group> (1) A stylet that has an insertion portion having a flexible portion and a conduit opened at the tip of the insertion portion and hardens the flexible portion can be inserted and removed at the proximal side of the conduit. In the endoscope described above, the stylet is provided with position regulating means for preventing the stylet from entering a predetermined position in the conduit, and at the time of inserting the stylet, the conduit on the distal side from the tip end of the stylet is provided. An endoscope characterized by having a small diameter.

(2) In the above (1), the predetermined position is closer to the hand than the curved portion. (3) In the above (2), the predetermined position is closer to the hand side than the hand end of the protective cylinder that protects the built-in object in the curved portion. (4) In (1) above, the conduit is a suction conduit, and the area obtained by subtracting the cross-sectional area of the outer diameter of the stylet from the cross-sectional area of the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion is equal to the cross-sectional area of the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion. I made it so.

(5) In (1) above, the inner diameter of the small diameter portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the stylet tip. (6) In the above (1), the pipeline is a pipeline different from the suction pipeline. (7) It is a combination of the above-mentioned (1) and those of the claim A group.

[0065]

As described above, according to the present invention, an opening is provided in the middle of the insertion portion of the endoscope, and the opening is provided with the fluid passage having the distal end communicating with the hand side communicating with the outside world. Therefore, the excess air accumulated around the insertion portion can be efficiently removed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive extension of the lumen such as the large intestine, improve the insertability of the insertion portion, and reduce the pain of the patient.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a usage state of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram of an endoscope according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram of a treatment instrument insertion channel.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an endoscope according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an autoclave device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a problem in a usage state of a conventional endoscope.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope, 2 ... Insertion part, 3 ... Operation part, 4 ... Universal cord, 5 ... Connector, 6 ... Tip part, 7 ... Bending part, 8
... flexible part, 9 ... connecting pipe, 12 ... built-in object, 13 ... protective tube, 15 ... opening, 16 ... connecting pipe, 17 ... deaeration tube, 19 ... outer tube, 20 ... container, 21 ... valve.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope having an insertion portion having a flexible portion, wherein an opening portion provided in the middle of the insertion portion is communicated with the opening portion on the distal end side, and is communicated with the outside world on the hand side. An endoscope provided with a fluid passage.