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WO2018095893A1 - Endoscope and method for using a camera assembly in an endoscope - Google Patents

Endoscope and method for using a camera assembly in an endoscope Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018095893A1
WO2018095893A1 PCT/EP2017/079875 EP2017079875W WO2018095893A1 WO 2018095893 A1 WO2018095893 A1 WO 2018095893A1 EP 2017079875 W EP2017079875 W EP 2017079875W WO 2018095893 A1 WO2018095893 A1 WO 2018095893A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
endoscope
camera
channel
camera assembly
assembly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2017/079875
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Tilman Schröter
Harald Huber
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Digital Endoscopy GmbH
Original Assignee
Digital Endoscopy GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Digital Endoscopy GmbH filed Critical Digital Endoscopy GmbH
Priority to JP2019527463A priority Critical patent/JP6899438B2/en
Publication of WO2018095893A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018095893A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
    • A61B1/00105—Constructional details of the endoscope body characterised by modular construction
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
    • A61B1/0011—Manufacturing of endoscope parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00131—Accessories for endoscopes
    • A61B1/00135—Oversleeves mounted on the endoscope prior to insertion
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00142—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with means for preventing contamination, e.g. by using a sanitary sheath
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/04—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
    • A61B1/05—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
    • A61B1/053—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion being detachable
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B23/00—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
    • G02B23/24—Instruments or systems for viewing the inside of hollow bodies, e.g. fibrescopes
    • G02B23/2476—Non-optical details, e.g. housings, mountings, supports
    • G02B23/2484—Arrangements in relation to a camera or imaging device
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/012—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor characterised by internal passages or accessories therefor
    • A61B1/018—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor characterised by internal passages or accessories therefor for receiving instruments

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a separable endoscope comprising an endoscope body and a camera assembly. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for using a camera assembly in an endoscope.
  • endoscopes are provided with a light source and a camera at the distal region.
  • both rigid and flexible endoscopes use a light source and a camera.
  • the endoscope After the endoscope has been used, it is subjected to reprocessing. Reprocessing must reliably prevent the transmission of all microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, worms and spores. In the course of reprocessing, the endoscope is initially cleaned manually in order to remove all traces of organic material or chemical residues. After cleaning, mechanical disinfection or sterilization is carried out.
  • a separable endoscope which comprises an endoscope body having a camera channel which is open at least on the proximal side, and a camera assembly which is adapted to be temporarily inserted into the camera channel with its distal side ahead.
  • the camera assembly comprises a camera on its distal side.
  • Such a separable endoscope achieves a separation of an endoscope into a part that consists of an endoscope body having a camera channel formed therein, and a part having the camera.
  • the part of the endoscope body which has the channel can be manufactured at low cost.
  • the part having the camera is relatively costly because of the camera components.
  • the camera channel can be sealed on the distal side. In this way, germs are prevented from entering the camera channel. A camera assembly that is inserted in the camera channel is therefore not exposed to contamination with germs.
  • the camera channel can be sealed on the distal side by a pane of a transparent material.
  • the camera channel can comprise a lens on the distal side.
  • the camera assembly can comprise an illumination means on the distal side thereof.
  • camera and illumination means can be integrated in the camera assembly. Both the camera and the illumination means can be designed so as to be reusable as separate components or as an integrated unit.
  • the endoscope body can, on the proximal side, comprise a connecting member to which a mounting member provided on the proximal side of the camera assembly can be mounted in order to removably mount the camera assembly to the endoscope body when the camera assembly is inserted into the endoscope body.
  • the camera assembly can be removably mounted to the endoscope body in a fast and reliable manner.
  • a separate camera assembly is, with its distal side ahead, temporarily inserted into a camera channel of an endoscope.
  • the camera assembly is pulled out of the endoscope and the endoscope is disposed of.
  • the camera assembly is temporarily inserted into a new endoscope which has a camera channel.
  • Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an inventive endoscope according to a first embodiment in a state in which an endoscope body 1 and an electronics support A are separated.
  • Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the inventive endoscope according to the first embodiment in a state in which the electronics support A is being inserted into the endoscope body 1.
  • Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the inventive endoscope according to the first embodiment in a state in which the electronics support A is inserted in the endoscope body 1.
  • Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the inventive endoscope according to the first embodiment in a completely assembled state.
  • Fig. 5 shows a transparently drawn perspective view of a distal end portion of an endoscope comprising a camera channel according to the first embodiment without a camera being arranged in the camera channel so far.
  • Fig. 6 shows a transparently drawn perspective view of the distal end portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment with a camera being arranged therein.
  • Fig. 7 shows a perspective exterior view of the distal end portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment with a camera being arranged therein.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an endoscope body 1 and an electronics support A. More precisely, Fig. 1 shows a state in which the endoscope body 1 and the electronics support A are separated. Fig. 2 shows how the electronics support A is being mounted into the endoscope body 1. Fig. 3 shows the state in which the electronics support A is mounted in the endoscope body 1. Finally, Fig. 4 shows the state in which the electronics support A is completely mounted to the endoscope body 1.
  • the endoscope body 1 is an endoscope basic body which has the basic elements of an endoscope, which are usually made of plastic.
  • the endoscope body 1 comprises an operating part and an insertion portion 18.
  • the operating part is provided on the proximal side and the insertion portion 18 is provided on the distal side of the endoscope 1.
  • the operating part comprises a working channel inlet 17 and a control knob 16 for bending an endoscope bending portion at the distal end of the insertion portion 18 of the endoscope.
  • the operating part is provided with a grip portion 15 on which the operator holds the endoscope 1.
  • a recess is provided as a connecting member 12 for mounting the electronics support A.
  • the recess of the connecting member 12 is formed in the housing portion of the endoscope body 1.
  • the shape of the connecting member 12 on the endoscope body 1 is not restricted and only has to enable mounting of the electronics support A.
  • an access opening for a camera channel 10 is formed in the housing portion of the endoscope body 1.
  • This access opening for the camera channel 10 forms the proximal end of the camera channel 10.
  • the camera channel 10 extends from its proximal end through the inside of the endoscope body 1 up to the distal end of the insertion portion 18.
  • the camera channel 10 serves for accommodating a camera assembly 3 described further below.
  • the length of the camera channel 10 corresponds to the length of the camera assembly 3.
  • the electronics support A has a housing portion element which is formed as a mounting member 2.
  • the mounting member 2 forms a counterpart to the recess of the connecting member 12 on the endoscope body 1.
  • the mounting member 2 is consequently adapted to be fitted into the recess of the connecting member 12 at the endoscope body 1.
  • the shape of the mounting member 2 is not restricted and only has to enable mounting of the electronics support A to the connecting member 12 at the endoscope body 1.
  • the connecting member 12 on the endoscope body 1 may have an outer shape which is provided with notches or grooves, with the mounting member 2 having an inner shape that is adapted to this outer shape of the connecting member 12 and can be placed thereon, see Fig. 1.
  • the inner shape of the mounting member 2 can, at the positions corresponding to the locations of the notches or grooves of the connecting member 12, be provided with elevations or ribs which can engage into the notches or grooves of the connecting member 12.
  • the mounting member 2 is fastened to the connecting member 12 of the endoscope body 1 by fastening means.
  • fastening points such as threaded holes 12A
  • fastening means such as screws 2A
  • corresponding bores through which the screws 2A are inserted and tightened in the threaded holes 12A are provided in the wall of the mounting member 2, see Figures 2 to 4.
  • the camera assembly 3 On the mounting member 2, the camera assembly 3 is supported.
  • the camera assembly 3 extends in the distal direction from the mounting member 2.
  • the camera assembly 3 consists of an elastic signal line at the distal end of which a camera body 31 is arranged. At least one LED but preferably two or more LEDs are provided on the camera body 31 as illumination means.
  • the signal line can be constructed as a common line that integrates the line for the camera body 31 and the line for the LED.
  • the line for the camera body 31 and the line for the LED can be provided separately and extend in parallel to each other from the mounting member 2 in the distal direction.
  • a signal cable 4 is provided at the mounting member 2 on the proximal side, the signal cable 4 being connected in the mounting member 2 to the signal line of the camera assembly 3.
  • the signal cable 4 is connected to a video processor, a display means, and the like.
  • the electronics support A is mounted to the endoscope body 1 by initially inserting the distal end of the camera assembly 3 into the proximal access opening of the camera channel 10. The camera assembly 3 is then inserted (slid) into the camera channel 10. Finally, the mounting member 2 is mounted to the connecting member 12 of the endoscope body 1 by the fastening means 2A, 12A, see Figs. 3 and 4. The endoscope is now ready for use.
  • Figures 5 to 7 show the distal end of the endoscope body 1, i.e. the distal end of the insertion portion 18.
  • the insertion portion 18 is drawn transparently in Figures 5 and 6.
  • the camera channel 10 In the insertion portion 18, the camera channel 10, two flushing channels 200 and one working channel 210 extend in parallel to the axis of the insertion por ⁇ tion 18.
  • the two flushing channels 200 and the working channel 210 are open at the distal end of the insertion portion 18.
  • the camera channel 10 in the endoscope body 1 has an inner wall 11.
  • the camera assembly 3 is guided in the camera channel 10 within the inner wall 11.
  • a distal end wall 110 forming a sealed distal end of the camera channel 10 is provided.
  • the distal end wall 110 of the camera channel 10 can, on the distal side, be aligned with the distal end wall of the insertion portion 18.
  • a pane 111 of a transparent material is arranged in the distal end wall 110.
  • the pane 111 can be made of glass or plastic.
  • the camera body 31 is constructed such that the actual camera is provided at the axial center of the camera body 31 and, by means of a camera window 311, faces towards the distal side.
  • the camera window 311 is centrally arranged on the distal end side of the camera body 31.
  • an illumination portion 313 is provided on the outer circumference of the distal end side of the camera body 31.
  • One or more LEDs or light fibers, etc. can be provided in the illumination portion 313.
  • a shielding 312 is provided on the outer circumference of the camera window 311.
  • Fig. 7 it is shown how the camera window 311 can be viewed through the pane 111.
  • An electronics support A is temporarily mounted to an endoscope body 1 by a user (doctor) or technician such that the camera assembly 3, with its distal side ahead, is inserted into a camera channel 10 of the endoscope body 1.
  • the endoscope which is thereby made ready for use, is applied in accordance with its intended purpose.
  • the camera assembly 3 is pulled out of the endoscope body 1 of the endoscope.
  • the endoscope body 1 is disposed of.
  • the electronics support A comprising the camera assembly 3 is cleaned and temporarily mounted to a new endoscope body 1, with the camera assembly 3 being inserted into the camera channel 10 of the new endoscope body 1.
  • the endoscope is constructed as a separable endoscope.
  • the electronics support A comprising the camera assembly 3 is separable from and remountable to the endoscope body 1.
  • the endoscope body 1 is made of plastic in a cost-efficient manner. The more costly electronic parts are installed in the electronics support A comprising the camera assembly 3.
  • the endoscope body 1 can be designed and used as a single-use body.
  • the electronics support A comprising the camera assembly 3 can be removed from an endoscope body 1 that has been used; the endoscope body 1 that has been used can be disposed of; and the electronics support A comprising the camera assembly 3 can be inserted into a new endoscope body 1.
  • the more costly and the cost-effective parts of an endoscope are separated, with the more costly parts being reused and the cost- effective parts being disposed of.
  • the camera channel 10 is closed at the distal end and laterally along its entire length. Thus, the camera channel 10 is completely sealed against the regions of the endoscope at which contamination may occur. Merely the proximal end, at which contamination does not occur, is open.
  • the electronics support A comprising the camera assembly 3 has to be cleaned after use. In this way, the endoscope itself be- comes easier and better to clean. Cross-contaminations from patient to patient can be prevented better.
  • the distal end of the camera channel 10 is sealed by a distal end wall 110.
  • the distal end of the camera channel 10 is open. In other words, the distal end wall 110 of the first embodiment is omitted.
  • the camera body 31 is, without a pane 111, positioned at the distal end of the camera channel 10 such that it directly points in the distal direction. In this way, the light transmission is not impaired by an end wall.
  • the camera body 31 On the outer circumference, the camera body 31 has a seal.
  • the seal provided on the outer circumference of the camera body 31 seals the camera channel 10.
  • the above-mentioned seal is provided between the outer circumference of the camera body 31 and the inner circumference of the inner wall 11 of the camera channel 10.
  • a common assembly comprises the camera window 311 as a lens on the distal side.
  • This lens can, of course, be omitted.
  • the pane 111 of a transparent material is arranged in the dis ⁇ tal end wall 110.
  • the entire distal end wall 110 is formed of a transparent material.
  • the distal end wall 110 is also formed of a transparent material but has a lens shape at the location which, in the first embodiment, is opposite the camera window 311.
  • a lens is centrally integrated in the pane 111.
  • the distal end of the camera channel 10 is formed such that when the camera assembly 3 is inserted in the camera channel 10, the camera body 31 is directed in the distal direction.
  • the distal end of the camera channel 10 can be directed in a lateral direction.
  • the camera body 31 is directed in a lateral direction and is effective through a laterally arranged wall of a transparent material.
  • the mounting member 2 can comprise an operating switch for the camera body 31.
  • the operating switch can operate the camera.
  • Another operating switch can operate the illumination portion.
  • the illumination portion is a part of the camera assembly 3.
  • the camera assembly 3 is formed such that, at the distal end thereof, the camera body 31 is provided without an illumination means.
  • An illumination means (LED) separate from the camera body can then be provided at a suitable position at the distal region of the endoscope body 1.
  • the mounting member 2 is fastened to the connecting member 12 of the endoscope body 1 by fastening means (screws 2A in threaded holes 12A).
  • the fastening means can be omitted.
  • the mounting member 2 can be clipped onto the connecting member 12 of the endoscope body 1 such that it is held sufficiently securely on the endoscope body 1.
  • the present invention is applicable both in a rigid endoscope and in a flexible endoscope. Furthermore, the present invention is applicable both in an endoscope in which the camera is directed forward - i.e. to the distal side - and in an endoscope in which the camera is directed to the side - i.e. laterally.
  • the principle of the present invention is even usable for any kind of endoscopic application.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a separable endoscope comprising an endoscope body (1) having a camera channel (10) which is open at least on the proximal side, and a camera assembly (3) which is adapted to be temporarily inserted into the camera channel (10) with its distal side ahead, wherein the camera assembly (3) comprises a camera (31) on its distal side. The invention furthermore relates to a method for using a camera assembly (3) in an endoscope. In this method, a separate camera assembly (3) is, with its distal side ahead, temporarily inserted into a camera channel (10) of an endoscope.

Description

Description
Endoscope and Method for Using a Camera Assembly in an Endoscope
The present invention relates to a separable endoscope comprising an endoscope body and a camera assembly. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for using a camera assembly in an endoscope.
For making it easier for the operator (doctor) to see the area under examination, endoscopes are provided with a light source and a camera at the distal region.
Therefore, both rigid and flexible endoscopes use a light source and a camera.
After the endoscope has been used, it is subjected to reprocessing. Reprocessing must reliably prevent the transmission of all microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, worms and spores. In the course of reprocessing, the endoscope is initially cleaned manually in order to remove all traces of organic material or chemical residues. After cleaning, mechanical disinfection or sterilization is carried out.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a cost-effective endoscope in which, at the same time, the transmission of germs is prevented even more reliably.
This object is achieved by an endoscope comprising the features of claim 1. A method for using a camera assembly in an endoscope is shown in claim 7. Advantageous further developments are described in the dependent claims.
Thus, there has been provided a separable endoscope which comprises an endoscope body having a camera channel which is open at least on the proximal side, and a camera assembly which is adapted to be temporarily inserted into the camera channel with its distal side ahead. The camera assembly comprises a camera on its distal side.
Such a separable endoscope achieves a separation of an endoscope into a part that consists of an endoscope body having a camera channel formed therein, and a part having the camera. The part of the endoscope body which has the channel can be manufactured at low cost. The part having the camera is relatively costly because of the camera components. Thus, by means of the invention, it has been made possible to design the lower-cost part of the endoscope body having the channel as a part for single use and to design the more costly part having the camera as a reusable part.
The camera channel can be sealed on the distal side. In this way, germs are prevented from entering the camera channel. A camera assembly that is inserted in the camera channel is therefore not exposed to contamination with germs.
The camera channel can be sealed on the distal side by a pane of a transparent material. The camera channel can comprise a lens on the distal side. Thus, a camera assembly inserted in the camera channel can exhibit an excellent camera function in spite of the sealing on the distal side.
The camera assembly can comprise an illumination means on the distal side thereof. Thus, camera and illumination means can be integrated in the camera assembly. Both the camera and the illumination means can be designed so as to be reusable as separate components or as an integrated unit.
The endoscope body can, on the proximal side, comprise a connecting member to which a mounting member provided on the proximal side of the camera assembly can be mounted in order to removably mount the camera assembly to the endoscope body when the camera assembly is inserted into the endoscope body. In this way, the camera assembly can be removably mounted to the endoscope body in a fast and reliable manner. In the method for using a camera assembly in an endoscope, a separate camera assembly is, with its distal side ahead, temporarily inserted into a camera channel of an endoscope.
After the endoscope has been used once, the camera assembly is pulled out of the endoscope and the endoscope is disposed of.
The camera assembly is temporarily inserted into a new endoscope which has a camera channel.
The above explained aspects of the present invention can be combined in a suitable manner.
Brief description of the drawings
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an inventive endoscope according to a first embodiment in a state in which an endoscope body 1 and an electronics support A are separated.
Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the inventive endoscope according to the first embodiment in a state in which the electronics support A is being inserted into the endoscope body 1.
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the inventive endoscope according to the first embodiment in a state in which the electronics support A is inserted in the endoscope body 1.
Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the inventive endoscope according to the first embodiment in a completely assembled state.
Fig. 5 shows a transparently drawn perspective view of a distal end portion of an endoscope comprising a camera channel according to the first embodiment without a camera being arranged in the camera channel so far. Fig. 6 shows a transparently drawn perspective view of the distal end portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment with a camera being arranged therein.
Fig. 7 shows a perspective exterior view of the distal end portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment with a camera being arranged therein.
In the following, the present invention is described in detail by means of embodiments while referring to the drawings.
Embodiment 1
First of all, while referring to Figures 1 to 7, a first embodiment of the present invention is described.
Each of Figures 1 to 4 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an endoscope body 1 and an electronics support A. More precisely, Fig. 1 shows a state in which the endoscope body 1 and the electronics support A are separated. Fig. 2 shows how the electronics support A is being mounted into the endoscope body 1. Fig. 3 shows the state in which the electronics support A is mounted in the endoscope body 1. Finally, Fig. 4 shows the state in which the electronics support A is completely mounted to the endoscope body 1.
The endoscope body 1 is an endoscope basic body which has the basic elements of an endoscope, which are usually made of plastic. The endoscope body 1 comprises an operating part and an insertion portion 18. The operating part is provided on the proximal side and the insertion portion 18 is provided on the distal side of the endoscope 1. The operating part comprises a working channel inlet 17 and a control knob 16 for bending an endoscope bending portion at the distal end of the insertion portion 18 of the endoscope. Furthermore, the operating part is provided with a grip portion 15 on which the operator holds the endoscope 1.
In the proximal area of the grip portion 15, a recess is provided as a connecting member 12 for mounting the electronics support A. The recess of the connecting member 12 is formed in the housing portion of the endoscope body 1. The shape of the connecting member 12 on the endoscope body 1 is not restricted and only has to enable mounting of the electronics support A.
In the area of the recess of the connecting member 12, an access opening for a camera channel 10 is formed in the housing portion of the endoscope body 1. This access opening for the camera channel 10 forms the proximal end of the camera channel 10. The camera channel 10 extends from its proximal end through the inside of the endoscope body 1 up to the distal end of the insertion portion 18. The camera channel 10 serves for accommodating a camera assembly 3 described further below. The length of the camera channel 10 corresponds to the length of the camera assembly 3.
The electronics support A has a housing portion element which is formed as a mounting member 2. The mounting member 2 forms a counterpart to the recess of the connecting member 12 on the endoscope body 1. The mounting member 2 is consequently adapted to be fitted into the recess of the connecting member 12 at the endoscope body 1. The shape of the mounting member 2 is not restricted and only has to enable mounting of the electronics support A to the connecting member 12 at the endoscope body 1.
For instance, the connecting member 12 on the endoscope body 1 may have an outer shape which is provided with notches or grooves, with the mounting member 2 having an inner shape that is adapted to this outer shape of the connecting member 12 and can be placed thereon, see Fig. 1. The inner shape of the mounting member 2 can, at the positions corresponding to the locations of the notches or grooves of the connecting member 12, be provided with elevations or ribs which can engage into the notches or grooves of the connecting member 12.
The mounting member 2 is fastened to the connecting member 12 of the endoscope body 1 by fastening means. For example, on the connecting member 12 of the endoscope body 1, fastening points, such as threaded holes 12A, are provided, into which fastening means, such as screws 2A, are screwed. In the present example, corresponding bores through which the screws 2A are inserted and tightened in the threaded holes 12A are provided in the wall of the mounting member 2, see Figures 2 to 4.
On the mounting member 2, the camera assembly 3 is supported. The camera assembly 3 extends in the distal direction from the mounting member 2. The camera assembly 3 consists of an elastic signal line at the distal end of which a camera body 31 is arranged. At least one LED but preferably two or more LEDs are provided on the camera body 31 as illumination means. The signal line can be constructed as a common line that integrates the line for the camera body 31 and the line for the LED. Alternatively, the line for the camera body 31 and the line for the LED can be provided separately and extend in parallel to each other from the mounting member 2 in the distal direction.
Furthermore, a signal cable 4 is provided at the mounting member 2 on the proximal side, the signal cable 4 being connected in the mounting member 2 to the signal line of the camera assembly 3. On the proximal side, the signal cable 4 is connected to a video processor, a display means, and the like.
As shown in Fig. 2, the electronics support A is mounted to the endoscope body 1 by initially inserting the distal end of the camera assembly 3 into the proximal access opening of the camera channel 10. The camera assembly 3 is then inserted (slid) into the camera channel 10. Finally, the mounting member 2 is mounted to the connecting member 12 of the endoscope body 1 by the fastening means 2A, 12A, see Figs. 3 and 4. The endoscope is now ready for use.
Figures 5 to 7 show the distal end of the endoscope body 1, i.e. the distal end of the insertion portion 18. For achieving a better understanding of the invention, the insertion portion 18 is drawn transparently in Figures 5 and 6.
In the insertion portion 18, the camera channel 10, two flushing channels 200 and one working channel 210 extend in parallel to the axis of the insertion por¬ tion 18. The two flushing channels 200 and the working channel 210 are open at the distal end of the insertion portion 18. As shown in Fig. 5, the camera channel 10 in the endoscope body 1 has an inner wall 11. The camera assembly 3 is guided in the camera channel 10 within the inner wall 11.
At the distal end of the camera channel 10, a distal end wall 110 forming a sealed distal end of the camera channel 10 is provided. The distal end wall 110 of the camera channel 10 can, on the distal side, be aligned with the distal end wall of the insertion portion 18.
In the distal end wall 110, a pane 111 of a transparent material is arranged. The pane 111 can be made of glass or plastic. When the camera assembly 3 is inserted in the camera channel 10, the distal end of the camera assembly 3 abuts on the proximal side of the distal end wall 110. The camera body 31 is positioned so as to abut on the pane 111.
In the embodiment, the camera body 31 is constructed such that the actual camera is provided at the axial center of the camera body 31 and, by means of a camera window 311, faces towards the distal side. The camera window 311 is centrally arranged on the distal end side of the camera body 31. On the outer circumference of the distal end side of the camera body 31, an illumination portion 313 is provided. One or more LEDs or light fibers, etc. can be provided in the illumination portion 313. So as to prevent direct entrance of light from the illumination portion 313 into the camera window 311, a shielding 312 is provided on the outer circumference of the camera window 311.
In Fig. 7, it is shown how the camera window 311 can be viewed through the pane 111.
Example of use
In the following, a specific example of use is described.
An electronics support A is temporarily mounted to an endoscope body 1 by a user (doctor) or technician such that the camera assembly 3, with its distal side ahead, is inserted into a camera channel 10 of the endoscope body 1. The endoscope, which is thereby made ready for use, is applied in accordance with its intended purpose.
After the endoscope has been used once, the camera assembly 3 is pulled out of the endoscope body 1 of the endoscope. The endoscope body 1 is disposed of.
The electronics support A comprising the camera assembly 3 is cleaned and temporarily mounted to a new endoscope body 1, with the camera assembly 3 being inserted into the camera channel 10 of the new endoscope body 1.
Effects of the embodiment
The endoscope is constructed as a separable endoscope. The electronics support A comprising the camera assembly 3 is separable from and remountable to the endoscope body 1. The endoscope body 1 is made of plastic in a cost-efficient manner. The more costly electronic parts are installed in the electronics support A comprising the camera assembly 3. Hence, the endoscope body 1 can be designed and used as a single-use body. The electronics support A comprising the camera assembly 3 can be removed from an endoscope body 1 that has been used; the endoscope body 1 that has been used can be disposed of; and the electronics support A comprising the camera assembly 3 can be inserted into a new endoscope body 1. Thus, the more costly and the cost-effective parts of an endoscope are separated, with the more costly parts being reused and the cost- effective parts being disposed of.
The camera channel 10 is closed at the distal end and laterally along its entire length. Thus, the camera channel 10 is completely sealed against the regions of the endoscope at which contamination may occur. Merely the proximal end, at which contamination does not occur, is open.
In the present invention, only the electronics support A comprising the camera assembly 3 has to be cleaned after use. In this way, the endoscope itself be- comes easier and better to clean. Cross-contaminations from patient to patient can be prevented better.
Even if the endoscope body 1 has, on the distal side, an Albarran lever designed in a complex geometrical manner, this does no longer present a cleaning problem, as the endoscope body 1 can be disposed of after a single use.
Embodiment 2
In the following, a second embodiment of the present invention is described; this embodiment is not shown in the drawings.
In the first embodiment, the distal end of the camera channel 10 is sealed by a distal end wall 110. In the second embodiment, the distal end of the camera channel 10 is open. In other words, the distal end wall 110 of the first embodiment is omitted.
Thus, the camera body 31 is, without a pane 111, positioned at the distal end of the camera channel 10 such that it directly points in the distal direction. In this way, the light transmission is not impaired by an end wall.
On the outer circumference, the camera body 31 has a seal. When the camera assembly 3 is inserted in the camera channel 10, the seal provided on the outer circumference of the camera body 31 seals the camera channel 10. In other words, when the camera assembly 3 is inserted into the camera channel 10, the above-mentioned seal is provided between the outer circumference of the camera body 31 and the inner circumference of the inner wall 11 of the camera channel 10.
Preferably, in the camera body 31, a common assembly comprises the camera window 311 as a lens on the distal side. This lens can, of course, be omitted. Alternatives
In embodiment 1, the pane 111 of a transparent material is arranged in the dis¬ tal end wall 110. In other words, the entire distal end wall 110 is formed of a transparent material.
In an alternative, the distal end wall 110 is also formed of a transparent material but has a lens shape at the location which, in the first embodiment, is opposite the camera window 311. Thus, in this alternative, a lens is centrally integrated in the pane 111.
In embodiment 1, the distal end of the camera channel 10 is formed such that when the camera assembly 3 is inserted in the camera channel 10, the camera body 31 is directed in the distal direction. Alternatively, the distal end of the camera channel 10 can be directed in a lateral direction. When the camera assembly 3 is inserted in the camera channel 10, the camera body 31 is directed in a lateral direction and is effective through a laterally arranged wall of a transparent material.
The mounting member 2 can comprise an operating switch for the camera body 31. The operating switch can operate the camera. Another operating switch can operate the illumination portion.
In embodiment 1, the illumination portion is a part of the camera assembly 3. The invention is not restricted to this. In an alternative, the camera assembly 3 is formed such that, at the distal end thereof, the camera body 31 is provided without an illumination means. An illumination means (LED) separate from the camera body can then be provided at a suitable position at the distal region of the endoscope body 1.
In embodiment 1, the mounting member 2 is fastened to the connecting member 12 of the endoscope body 1 by fastening means (screws 2A in threaded holes 12A). The fastening means (screws 2A in threaded holes 12A) can be omitted. Alternatively, the mounting member 2 can be clipped onto the connecting member 12 of the endoscope body 1 such that it is held sufficiently securely on the endoscope body 1.
The present invention is applicable both in a rigid endoscope and in a flexible endoscope. Furthermore, the present invention is applicable both in an endoscope in which the camera is directed forward - i.e. to the distal side - and in an endoscope in which the camera is directed to the side - i.e. laterally. The principle of the present invention is even usable for any kind of endoscopic application.
List of reference signs
1 endoscope body
2 mounting member
2A fastening means
3 camera assembly
4 signal cable
10 camera channel
11 inner wall of the camera channel
12 connecting member
12A fastening point
15 grip portion
16 control knob
17 working channel inlet
18 insertion portion
31 camera body
110 distal end wall of the camera channel
111 pane of a transparent material
200 flushing channel
210 working channel
311 camera window
312 shielding
313 illumination portion
A electronics support

Claims

Claims
1. A separable endoscope comprising
an endoscope body (1) having a camera channel (10) which is open at least on the proximal side, and
a camera assembly (3) adapted to be temporarily inserted into the camera channel ( 10) with its distal side ahead,
wherein the camera assembly (3) comprises a camera (31) on its distal side.
2. A separable endoscope according to claim 1, wherein
the camera channel (10) is sealed on the distal side.
3. A separable endoscope according to claim 2, wherein
the camera channel (10) is sealed on the distal side by a pane (111) of a transparent material.
4. A separable endoscope according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
the camera channel (10) comprises a lens on the distal side.
5. A separable endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
the camera assembly (3) comprises an illumination means (313) on the distal side thereof.
6. A separable endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
the endoscope body ( 1) comprises, on the proximal side, a connecting member (12) to which a mounting member (2) provided on the proximal side of the camera assembly (3) can be mounted in order to removably mount the cam¬ era assembly (3) to the endoscope body (1) when the camera assembly (3) is inserted into the endoscope body ( 1).
7. A separable endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
the endoscope body ( 1) comprises an operation part and the camera channel ( 10) .
8. A method for using a camera assembly (3) in an endoscope, characterized in that
a separate camera assembly (3) is, with its distal side ahead, temporarily inserted into a camera channel (10) of an endoscope.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein
after the endoscope has been used once, the camera assembly (3) is pulled out of the endoscope and the endoscope is disposed of.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein
the camera assembly (3) is temporarily inserted into a new endoscope which has a camera channel (10).
11. The method according to one of the claims 8 to 10, wherein
the endoscope is equipped with an operation part.
PCT/EP2017/079875 2016-11-28 2017-11-21 Endoscope and method for using a camera assembly in an endoscope Ceased WO2018095893A1 (en)

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DE102016122864.8 2016-11-28
DE102016122864.8A DE102016122864A1 (en) 2016-11-28 2016-11-28 Endoscope and method for using a camera assembly in an endoscope

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JP6899438B2 (en) 2021-07-07
JP2019536547A (en) 2019-12-19

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