Patent ID: 6468204
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A fluorescent endoscope apparatus comprisinga projecting means for emitting stimulating light and illuminating light, an endoscope insertion portion for insertion into the body of a patient, a light guiding means provided within said endoscope insertion portion for guiding the stimulating light and illuminating light emitted from the projecting means to the section of which a measurement is to be taken, and a detecting means for detecting a fluorescent image formed of the fluorescent light emitted from the section of which a measurement is to be taken upon irradiation thereof by stimulating light guided through the guiding means and a normal image of the light reflected from the section of which a measurement is to be taken upon irradiation thereof by the illuminating light guided through the guiding means, further comprising a stimulating light emission preventing means for preventing the emission of the stimulating light, a detecting means for detecting that a forward end portion of the insertion portion is outside of the body of the patient, and a stimulating light emission prevention controlling means for preventing, via the stimulating light emission preventing means, the emission of stimulating light, based on a signal detected by the detecting means.