CAPSULE TYPE MEDICAL DEVICE AND MEDICAL SYSTEM

Provided is a capsule type medical device which is able to be suspended in a body cavity. The capsule type medical device performs continuous treatment while being suspended at a predetermined site.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a capsule type medical device and a medical system.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, a capsule type medical device to be introduced into a body of a test object is known. Such a known medical device photographs sites in the body at random, extracts a sample or the like from the body, or discharge a medicine, for example.

In particular, Patent Literatures 1 and 2 below each disclose a capsule type medical device which observes the progress of a predetermined site in a body cavity, the device being suspended at a desired position (a desired affected part) among sites in the body.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

However, the capsule type medical devices disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 and 2 observe the progress of the predetermined site, but do not perform any treatment to the predetermined site (the affected part).

Accordingly, the present disclosure propose a capsule type medical device which performs more effective treatment while being suspended at a predetermined site and performing continuous treatment, and a medical system.

Solution to Problem

According to the present disclosure, there is proposed a capsule type medical device which can be suspended in a body cavity and performs continuous treatment while being suspended at a predetermined site.

According to the present disclosure, there is proposed a medical system including a control device, and a capsule type medical device configured to be able to be suspended in a body cavity. The capsule type medical device includes a reception unit configured to receive a control signal from the control device, and a treatment unit configured to perform continuous treatment while being suspended at a predetermined site in accordance with the control signal received by the reception unit.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

As described above, according to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to perform more effective treatment while being suspended at a predetermined site and performing continuous treatment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The description will be made in the following order.

1. Overview of medical system according to embodiment of present disclosure

2. Embodiments2-1. First embodiment2-1-1. Configuration of control device2-1-2. Structure of capsule type medical device2-1-3. Continuous medicine discharging operation2-1-4. Specification of medicine sprayed site2-1-5. Modification example 12-1-6. Modification example 22-2. Second embodiment

1. OVERVIEW OF MEDICAL SYSTEM ACCORDING TO EMBODIMENT OF PRESENT DISCLOSURE

First, an overview of a medical system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 1, the medical system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a capsule type medical device1(hereinafter also referred to as capsule1), a rotating magnetic field generating device6, and a control device2.

The capsule1is swallowed through the mouth of a test object3, as shown inFIG. 1, and transmits an image signal (a photographed image) obtained when the capsule1photographs an inner wall of an intracelom pipeline optically when passing through the intracelom pipeline.

As shown inFIG. 1, further, the test object3wears a shield shirt4. The shield shirt4has a shielding function, and includes an antenna unit5attached inside, the antenna unit5having a plurality of antennas11. The antenna unit5outputs, to an extracorporeal unit7connected to the antenna unit5, the received photographed image that is transmitted from the capsule1and received by the antennas11.

The extracorporeal unit7is attached to a belt of the test object3with a detachable hook, for example, and retains the photographed image that is outputted from the antenna unit5. Further, the extracorporeal unit7has a box shape as shown inFIG. 1, for example, and includes an operation button15for performing control operation and a liquid crystal monitor16for displaying an image, the operation button15and the liquid crystal monitor16being provided on a front surface of the extracorporeal unit7.

The photographed image retained in the extracorporeal unit7may be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor16during or after testing, or may be transmitted to the control device2during or after testing so as to be displayed on a display unit23of the control device2. The extracorporeal unit7and the control device2may be detachably connected to each other with a wire, for example, via a communication cable such as an USB cable18, as shown inFIG. 1, or may be wirelessly connected to each other.

Accordingly, during or after testing, a medical staff can check the photographed image of the inside of the intracelom pipeline of the test object3with the liquid crystal monitor16of the extracorporeal unit7or the display unit23of the control device2.

Further, as shown inFIG. 1, the rotating magnetic field generating device6is disposed on the periphery of the test object3, such as a waist part of the test object3. In the rotating magnetic field generating device6, electromagnets14are arranged at a plurality of portions in the circumferential direction of a ring-shape frame member13and magnetic poles of the electromagnets14repel each other. The rotating magnetic field generating device6includes a driver circuit12which supplies driving signals to the electromagnets14.

The capsule1according to the present embodiment has a structure such that a medicine is stored therein and allows the medicine to be discharged by generation of a rotating magnetic field. The rotating magnetic field is generated by the operation of the above described driver circuit12and sequential supply of direct current, as driving signals, from the driver circuit12to the electromagnets14at a plurality of portions.

Operation timing of the driver circuit12may be based on operation on a switch (not shown) of the driver circuit12, the operation being made by a medical staff who has checked an affected part with the photographed image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor16of the extracorporeal unit7or the display unit23of the control device2, for example. Alternatively, the driver circuit12may operate in accordance with an operation signal from the control device2.

Here, the capsules disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 and 2 observe the progress of the predetermined site by being introduced into the body and suspended at the predetermined site, but do not perform any treatment to the predetermined site.

Accordingly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a medical system that can perform more effective treatment by being suspended at a predetermined site and performing continuous treatment.

The overview of the medical system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. Next, a plurality of embodiments of the medical system according to the present disclosure will be specifically described.

2-1. First Embodiment

As shown inFIG. 1, a medical system according to a first embodiment includes the capsule1, which is to be introduced into the body of the test object3, and the control device2. A configuration of the control device2, a structure of the capsule1, continuous medicine discharging operation, and the like according to the first embodiment will be described in sequence below.

2-1-1. Configuration of Control Device

FIG. 2is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device2according to the first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 2, the control device2includes a control unit21, a communication unit22, the display unit23, an operation input unit24, a position detecting unit25, and a determination unit26.

The communication unit22is connected to an external device and has a function of transmitting and receiving data. For example, the communication unit22is connected to the extracorporeal unit7and receives the photographed image and signals for position detection from the capsule1via the extracorporeal unit7. The communication unit22may notify the capsule1that the position of the capsule1has reached the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site. Further, the communication unit22may be connected to the rotating magnetic field generating device6with or without wires and may transmit an operation signal for operating the driver circuit12to the rotating magnetic field generating device6so that the capsule1can discharge the medicine.

The display unit23has a function of displaying a screen including images and texts under control of the control unit21. Further, the display unit23is achieved by a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a cathode ray tube (CRT), or the like.

More specifically, the display unit23displays the photographed image received from the capsule1via the extracorporeal unit7, for example. Thus, a medical staff can check the photographed image of the inside of the body of the test object3to recognize the position of the capsule1or determine whether or not the capsule1is located at a specific site where the medicine is to be discharged. Further, the display unit23may display a screen for specification for accepting registration of the specific site where a predetermined medicine is to be discharged. The specification of a medicine sprayed site by use of the screen for specification will be described later in detail in “2-2-4. Specification of medicine sprayed site.”

The operation input unit24has functions of detecting operation made by the medical staff and of outputting an input signal generated on the basis of the detected operation input to the control unit21. The operation input unit24is achieved by a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, and the like. The medical staff can operate the operation input unit24to perform operation such as the registration of the specific site.

The control unit21has a function of controlling the whole control device2. For example, the control unit21performs control such that the photographed image received by the communication unit22is displayed on the display unit23.

The control unit21according to the present embodiment may control the communication unit22on the basis of determination results that are outputted from the determination unit26and may transmit an operation signal to the rotating magnetic field generating device6. More specifically, in a case where the determination unit26determines that the capsule1has reached the medicine sprayed site or the vicinity of the medicine sprayed site which is specified in advance, the control unit21controls the communication unit22and transmits the operation signal to the rotating magnetic field generating device6.

The position detecting unit25detects (calculates) the position of the capsule1on the basis of the signal for position detection, which is received by the communication unit22from the capsule1. Here, the signal for position detection may be position information or the photographed image. The position detecting unit25may analyze the photographed image of the inside of the body, photographed by the capsule1, to detect the position of the capsule1. Further, the position detecting unit25outputs the detected position of the capsule1to the determination unit26.

The determination unit26determines whether or not the position of the capsule1, which is detected by the position detecting unit25, is at the medicine sprayed site or in the vicinity of the medicine sprayed site which is specified in advance, and outputs the determination results to the control unit21. Note that, as described above, the specific site where the medicine is to be sprayed in the body may be registered in advance by the medical staff.

The configuration of the control device2according to the first embodiment has been described above in detail. Next, the structure of the capsule1according to the first embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 3andFIG. 4.

2-1-2. Structure of Capsule Type Medical Device

FIG. 3is an outline drawing of the capsule1according to the first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 3, the capsule1to be inserted into an intracelom pipeline29of the test object3has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is covered with an outer case30which is choked by a curved rear end of the capsule1. Further, a rear end portion of the outer case30is provided with an opening31through which the medicine is to be discharged, and a hemispherical transparent cover32is watertightly connected and secured to a tip portion of the outer case30.

Inside a container that is sealed hermitically inside the transparent cover32, as shown inFIG. 3, a photographing optical system34is disposed at the center facing the transparent cover32, and lighting units such as white LEDs33are disposed on the periphery of the photographing optical system34.

In a case where the capsule1reaches the predetermined site or the vicinity of the predetermined site in the body, driving current is supplied to the plurality of electromagnets14of the rotating magnetic field generating device6, which are arranged on the periphery of the site, so that a rotating magnetic field is generated and the medicine is discharged through the opening31of the capsule1.

More specifically, a moving body52provided inside the capsule1to be rotatable is caused to move by the rotating magnetic field, so that a state in which a storage unit inside the capsule1is choked becomes a state in which the storage unit communicates with the outside, and thereby the medicine stored in the storage unit is discharged. Such an internal structure of the capsule1will be specifically described below with reference toFIG. 4.

FIG. 4is a transition diagram of an internal structure from a state where a moving body inside the capsule1chokes a plurality of storage units (initial state) to a state where the respective plurality of storage units are made to communicate with the outside. First, with reference to the diagram of the initial state shown in the upper part ofFIG. 4, the internal structure of the capsule1will be described.

As shown in the upper part ofFIG. 4, at a position where an image is formed in the photographing optical system34disposed in the center portion facing the transparent cover32, a photographing sensor36such as a CMOS imager (or a CCD) is disposed.

In a backward upper portion of the photographing sensor36, a control unit37, a memory and communication unit38, and a battery39are disposed.

The control unit37drives the photographing sensor36, performs signal processing of an output signal of the photographing sensor36, and controls other circuits such as the memory and communication unit38which will be described next. Further, the control unit37according to the present embodiment performs control such that a suspension means (not shown) operates in a case where the capsule1has reached the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site. The operation of the suspension means can suspend the capsule1at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site.

The memory and communication unit38has a function of memorizing the photographed image signal (the photographed image) and a communication function of transmitting the image signal wirelessly, for example.

The battery39has a button shape, for example, is in conduction with a wiring substrate that is not shown, and is electrically connected to the memory and communication unit38via the wiring substrate.

As shown inFIG. 4, storage units40and41are provided in a portion that is shielded from the battery39, the memory and communication unit38, and the control unit37by a wall portion due to the outer case30, the portion being located at the backward (left) of the battery39.

The respective medicines to be stored in the storage units40and41are inserted in advance, in addition to a pressurized gas, through a horizontal hole that is not shown. The horizontal hole is choked with a rubber stopper or the like after the medicine is inserted.

As shown inFIG. 4, the storage units40and41are provided eccentrically in the upward direction from the center axis of the capsule1. Meanwhile, a medicine discharging unit54, which discharges the medicine selectively from respective the storage units40and41, is provided eccentrically in the downward direction from the center axis of the capsule1on the side opposite to the storage units40and41.

The medicine discharging unit54according to the first embodiment, as shown inFIG. 4, is achieved by the moving body52and a moving body storing unit47which disposes or supports the moving body52such that the moving body52can rotatably move in the longitudinal direction of the capsule1.

The moving body storing unit47includes a first depressed portion44having the opening31as a rear end, a screw hole (a female screw)45formed on a front end side of the first depressed portion44, and a second depressed portion46which communicates with the first depressed portion44through the screw hole45. Note that on a side portion of the first depressed portion44, an opening42and an opening43of pipelines that communicate with the storage unit40and the storage unit41, respectively, are open.

The moving body storing unit47stores and supports the moving body52in a state where a screw portion (a male screw portion)48provided on the front end side of the moving body52is screwed into the screw hole45.

The moving body52is provided with the screw portion48on the front end side, as described above, and at the tip of the screw portion48(the front end of the moving body52), for example, a disk-shape stopper51is further provided. The stopper51is stored inside the second depressed portion46. Further, on the rear end side of the moving body52, a cylindrical portion49which fits the first depressed portion44is provided, and in the vicinity of the rear end of the cylindrical portion49, for example, a T-shape hole50is provided.

In the initial state shown in the upper part ofFIG. 4, the moving body52chokes the openings42and43with the cylindrical portion49. Here, the moving body52is formed of a permanent magnet in which both sides of the center axis shown by a dashed line (e.g., the upper part and the lower part of the center axis) are magnetized with N and S, for example. Accordingly, in the state shown in the upper part ofFIG. 4, the generation of the rotating magnetic field by the electromagnets14shown inFIG. 3causes the moving body52to rotate and to move to a tip direction (the right direction), as shown in the middle part ofFIG. 4.

In the state shown in the middle part ofFIG. 4, the T-shape hole50of the moving body52communicates with the opening42, and a first medicine (hereinafter referred to as medicine A) stored in the storage unit40is discharged to the outside of the capsule1through the opening42and the T-shape hole50.

Further, the moving body52rotates, and moves to the tip direction (the right direction) to the position where the stopper51touches a wall surface of the second depressed portion46, for example. Then, as shown in the lower part ofFIG. 4, the T-shape hole50of the moving body52communicates with the opening42. Thus, a second medicine (hereinafter referred to as medicine B) stored in the storage unit41is discharged to the outside of the capsule1through the opening43and the T-shape hole50.

As described above with reference toFIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the moving body52included in the medicine discharging unit54inside the capsule1rotates and moves in accordance with the generation of the external rotating magnetic field, so that the openings42and43which communicate with the storage units40and41storing the medicines are open and closed. Thus, the capsule1can discharge the medicines A and B sequentially to the outside.

Here, the capsule1according to the present embodiment can cause the control unit37to operate the suspension means so as to be suspended at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site, as described above. The suspension means can be achieved by various methods; for example, a balloon type may be used as described in JP 2003-325438A, for example. In a case of a balloon type, an elastic and airtight balloon covers a circumferential surface at the center of the capsule1in the longitudinal direction, and both ends of the balloon is airtightly secured to the circumferential surface of the capsule1with a belt-shape fixing member. In a case where the capsule1has reached the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site, in accordance with the control by the control unit37or the external rotating magnetic field, a pressurized gas stored in the capsule1flows into the balloon side, and the balloon expands. Thus, the capsule1can be suspended at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site.

Further, it is possible to use an arm type as described in Patent Literature 2 (JP 2005-204806A) above. A specific description will be made below with reference toFIG. 5.

FIG. 5shows an example of a suspension means of the capsule1according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 5, the capsule1includes a suspension means57including arms55aand55band pins56aand56b. The arms55aand55bprovided at the center of the longitudinal direction of the capsule1rotates to be substantially vertical to the longitudinal direction of the capsule1, from the state of being retained inside the capsule1, due to an added force of springs (not shown) provided for the pins56aand56b.

In this manner, the arms55aand55brotate with a fulcrum of the pins56aand56b, and pinch a mucous membrane of the inner wall of the intracelom pipeline29, as shown inFIG. 5, so that the capsule1can be suspended at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site. Then, while being suspended at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site, the capsule1can perform continuous treatment.

The structure of the capsule1according to the present embodiment has been described above in detail. Next, operation of the capsule1having the above structure will be specifically described with reference toFIG. 6. Note that in the present embodiment, as an example of continuous treatment, treatment in which a medicine is continuously discharged is performed.

2-1-3. Continuous Medicine Discharging Operation

FIG. 6is a flowchart showing a medicine discharging operation according to the first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 6, first, in step S103, the control device2registers the specific site where the medicine is to be discharged (sprayed or applied). More specifically, the control device2memorizes the specific site where the medicine is to be discharged in association with the medicine to be discharged at the specific site on the basis of an operation input made by the medical staff, for example.

Next, in step S106, power is applied to the capsule1, and the capsule1swallowed by the test object3transmits a position detection signal to the control device2while moving in the body cavity.

Next, in step S109, the position detecting unit25of the control device2detects the position of the capsule1on the basis of the intensity of the position detection signal transmitted from the capsule1. Note that in a case where the photographed image is transmitted as the position detection signal from the capsule1, the position detecting unit25may detect the position of the capsule1by analyzing the photographed image.

Next, in step S112, the determination unit26of the control device2determines whether or not the position of the capsule1detected by the position detecting unit25is the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site which is registered in the step S103. For example, the determination unit26determines that the capsule1has reached the specific site or the vicinity of specific site in a case where the capsule1is within a predetermined distance from the specific site registered in advance.

Next, in a case where the determination unit26determines that the capsule1has reached the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site, in step S115, the control device2notifies the capsule1that the capsule1is at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site.

Next, in step S118, the capsule1causes the suspension means to operate in response to the notification received from the control device2. Specifically, as described above, for example, the capsule1may rotate the arms55aand55band pinch the mucous membrane of the inner wall in the body cavity, so as to be suspended.

Further, in step S121, the control device2performs control such that an operation signal is transmitted to the rotating magnetic field generating device6so that the capsule1can discharge the medicine A.

Next, in step S124, the rotating magnetic field generating device6causes the driver circuit12to operate in accordance with the operation signal, and sequentially supplies direct current as driving signals to the electromagnets14at a plurality of portions from the driver circuit12, so that the rotating magnetic field is generated.

Next, in step S127, the capsule1discharges the medicine A. As described above, when the rotating magnetic field is applied, the moving body52of the capsule1rotates and moves, and as shown in the middle part ofFIG. 4, the opening42of the storage unit40storing the medicine A communicates with the outside through the T-shape hole50of the moving body52. Accordingly, the medicine A of the storage unit40is discharged to the outside of the capsule1and the medicine A is discharged to the specific site and the vicinity of the specific site.

Next, in step S130, the control device2determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed after transmitting, to the rotating magnetic field generating device6, the operation signal for causing the medicine A to be discharged.

After the predetermined time passes, in step S133, the control device2performs control such that an operation signal is transmitted to the rotating magnetic field generating device6so that the capsule1can discharge the medicine B.

Next, in step S136, the rotating magnetic field generating device6operates the driver circuit12in accordance with the operation signal, and sequentially supplies direct current from the driver circuit12to the electromagnets14at a plurality of positions, so as to generate a rotating magnetic field.

Next, in step S139, the capsule1discharges the medicine B. As described above, when the rotating magnetic field is applied, the moving body52inside the capsule1further rotates and moves, and as shown in the lower part ofFIG. 4, the opening43of the storage unit41storing the medicine B communicates with the outside through the T-shape hole50of the moving body52. Accordingly, the medicine B of the storage unit41is discharged to the outside of the capsule1and the medicine B is discharged to the specific site and the vicinity of the specific site.

Then, in step S140, the capsule1releases the suspension means, and starts to move in the body cavity to be exhausted to the outside.

As described above, by continuous medicine discharging operation of the capsule1according to the first embodiment, the plurality of medicines A and B can be discharged to the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site periodically at predetermined time intervals. Note that the timing of discharging plurality of medicines according to the present disclosure is not limited to periodical timing, and may be non-periodical timing. For example, the capsule according to the present embodiment may discharge a medicine for plural times of non-periodical timing, such as “six hours, six hours, and twelve hours” in a day. In addition, the capsule according to the present embodiment may discharge a medicine for plural time of non-periodical timing, such as “five minutes, five minutes, seven hours and fifty minutes, five minutes, five minutes, seven hours and fifty minutes, five minutes, five minutes, seven hours and fifty minutes, five minutes, and five minutes” (three times of medicine discharge for every five minutes at 8-hour intervals) in a day.

2-1-4. Specification of Medicine Sprayed Site

Next, registration of the specific site shown in the step S103inFIG. 6will be described. The medical staff can register intuitively the specific site where each medicine is to be sprayed in accordance with a specification screen displayed on the display unit23of the control device2. An example of the specification screen will be specifically described below with referenceFIG. 7andFIG. 8.

FIG. 7shows an example of a medicine sprayed site specification screen which is displayed on the display unit23of the control device2according to the first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 7, the medicine sprayed site specification screen includes a site image231representing sites in the body, an affected part icon233, a medicine icon235, and a checkbox239for selecting time intervals.

The site image231may be an image in which an illustration of each site is in association with the name thereof, as shown inFIG. 7. Note that the example shown inFIG. 7shows a standard illustration of sites of the body as the site image231; however, an actual position of the body of the test object3is substantially fixed, and the absolute position (the position coordinate) of each internal organ (each site) has been recognized already by the control unit21of the control device2. Accordingly, the control unit21can calculate the position coordinate of the site of the test object3, which corresponds to each site represented in the site image231.

The affected part icon233is an icon for specifying the site to which the medicine is to be sprayed. Further, the medicine icon235is an icon for specifying the medicine that is to be sprayed to the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site.

The checkbox239for selecting time intervals is a checkbox for selecting time intervals between medicine discharges from the capsule to be introduced into the test object3. In the example shown inFIG. 7, it is possible to select between “at 10-minute intervals” or “at 1-day intervals” or to input a given time interval by selecting “specify time intervals”.

Next, the registration of the specific site, the specification of the medicine that is to be sprayed to the specific site, and the selection of time intervals will be described with reference toFIG. 8. As shown inFIG. 8, the medical staff selects an affected part icon233aand moves the affected part icon233ato a desired specific site by performing a drag and drop operation.

The medical staff also specifies the medicine to be discharged at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site. Here, for example, the medical staff selects medicine icons235aand235bwhich represent the medicines A and B to be sprayed to the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site, and moves the selected capsule icons235aand235bto the affected part icon233aor the vicinity of the affected part icon233aby performing a drag and drop operation.

Further, the medical staff selects the period (time intervals) of medicine discharge operation. For example, in a case of causing a plurality of capsules to discharge the medicines A and B at 10-minute intervals, as shown inFIG. 8, a medical staff checks the checkbox239a.

On the basis of the input operation made by the medical staff, the control unit21of the control device2calculates the actual coordinate position in the body of the test object3, which corresponds to the specific site on the site image231on which the affected part icon233ais moved. Further, the control unit21memorizes the type of medicines represented as the medicine icons235aand235bwhich are moved to the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site on the site image231and the type of the capsule storing these medicines in association with the calculated coordinate position of the specific site.

In this manner, the medical staff can specify the specific site intuitively by selecting the affected part icon233and the medicine icon235on the specification screen displayed on the display unit23of the control device2, and by moving the affected part icon233and the medicine icon235to given positions on the site image231.

As described above, in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the control device2transmits an operation signal that allows the rotating magnetic field generating device6to generate the rotating magnetic field for every predetermined times, and accordingly, the capsule1can discharge the medicines A and B to the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site for every predetermined times (periodically or non-periodically).

Although, as the structure of the capsule1according to the first embodiment described above, the structure in which the moving body52rotates and moves in accordance with the external rotating magnetic field has been described with reference toFIG. 3andFIG. 4, the structure of the capsule type medical device according to the present embodiment is not limited thereto.

For example, the capsule type medical device according to the present disclosure may have a structure including a valve that opens and closes a discharge outlet of the medicine, the structure allowing the medicine to be discharged by controlling the valve. As a modification example of the first embodiment, a capsule type medical device including the valve that opens and closes the discharge outlet of the medicine will be specifically described below with reference toFIG. 9andFIG. 10. Note that a medical system according to this modification example includes a capsule type medical device60(hereinafter referred to as capsule60) storing the medicines A and B and the control device2.

FIG. 9shows an internal structure of a main unit of the capsule60according to the modification example 1 and an example of a suspension means of the capsule60. As shown in the upper part ofFIG. 9, the capsule60according to the present embodiment includes a battery73, a control unit70, a reception unit71, and a transmission unit72inside a capsular housing61and on the left side of a wall portion61a. Note that the housing61is formed with plastic or the like so as to seal the inside thereof hermitically.

Further, on the right side of the wall portion61a, storage units62and63each storing the medicine, medicine discharging outlets64and65formed on the outer surface of the housing61, medicine discharging pipelines66and67which communicate with the respective storage units and the respective medicine discharging outlets, and switch valves68and69which open and close the respective pipelines66and67are provided. Note that a plurality of the medicine discharging outlets64and65may be formed around the axis of the housing61on one end side.

Each structural element of the capsule60shown in the upper part ofFIG. 9will be described below. The battery73is a button-type battery, for example, and supplies power to each of the following structural elements: the control unit70, the reception unit71, and the transmission unit72.

The control unit70has a function of controlling the whole capsule60. The control unit70(a medicine discharging unit) according to the present embodiment causes the switch valve68or69to operate in accordance with a discharge signal (a control signal) received by the reception unit71and discharges the medicine A or medicine B. Further, the control unit37according to the present embodiment performs control such that the suspension means (refer to a suspension means77shown in the lower part ofFIG. 9) to operate in a case where the capsule60has reached the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site. The operation of the suspension means allows the capsule60to be suspended at the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site.

The reception unit71has a function of receiving data from an external device. For example, the reception unit71receives the medicine discharge signal from the control device2. Further, the reception unit71outputs the received medicine discharge signal to the control unit70. The transmission unit72has a function of transmitting data to the external device. For example, the transmission unit72transmits a radio wave (a position detection signal) as position information indicating the position of the capsule60to the control device2.

Note that in the example shown in the upper part ofFIG. 9, the reception unit71and the transmission unit72are shown as separate blocks; however, the structure of the capsule60is not limited to the example shown in the upper part ofFIG. 9, and may be a structure including a communication unit having a reception function and a transmission function, for example.

The storage unit62stores the medicine A. As shown in the upper part ofFIG. 9, the storage unit62is connected to the medicine discharging pipeline66. As described above, the switch valve68which is movable so as to open and close the medicine discharging pipeline66is provided.

Meanwhile, the storage unit63stores the medicine B. As shown in the upper part ofFIG. 9, the storage unit93is connected to the medicine discharging pipeline67. As described above, the switch valve69which is movable so as to open and close the medicine discharging pipeline67is provided.

The capsule60having such a structure is set at such a position that both the switch valves68and69choke both the pipelines66and67at an initial state. Then, in accordance with the discharge signal (the control signal) received by the reception unit71from the control device2, the control unit70controls the switch valves68and69such that the pipelines66and67are open, and then each medicine is discharged.

For example, in a case where the reception unit71has received a first discharge signal, the control unit70can control the switch valve68such that the medicine discharging pipeline66is open, and can cause the medicine A to be discharged. Further, in a case where the reception unit71has received a second discharge signal, the control unit70can control the switch valve69such that the medicine discharging pipeline67is open, and can cause the medicine B to be discharged.

As described above with reference to the upper part ofFIG. 9, in the present embodiment, the control unit70of the capsule60controls the switch valves68and69, thereby enabling the medicines A and B to be discharged to the outside.

Here, the capsule60according to this modification example also causes the control unit70to operate the suspension means so as to be suspended at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site, as described above. The suspension means can be achieved by a variety of methods, and may be a balloon type as disclosed in JP 2003-325438A or an arm type as disclosed in the above Patent Literature 2 (JP 2005-204806A), for example. A specific description will be made below with reference to the lower part ofFIG. 9.

The lower part ofFIG. 9shows an example of the suspension means of the capsule60according to the modification example 1. As shown in the lower part ofFIG. 9, a plurality of the medicine discharging outlets64and65are formed around the axis on one end side of the housing61.

Further, as shown in the lower part ofFIG. 9, the capsule60includes the suspension means77including arms75aand75band pins76aand76b. The arms75aand75bprovided at the center of the longitudinal direction of the capsule60rotates to be substantially vertical to the longitudinal direction of the capsule60from the state of being retained inside the capsule60due to an added force of springs (not shown) provided for the pins76aand76b.

In this manner, the arms75aand75brotate with a fulcrum of the pins76aand76b, and pinch a mucous membrane of the inner wall of the intracelom pipeline29so that the capsule60can be suspended at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site. Then, in the state of being suspended at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site, the capsule60can perform continuous treatment.

The structure of the capsule60according to this modification example has been described above in detail. Next, operation of this modification example will be specifically described with reference toFIG. 10. Note that in this embodiment, as an example of continuous treatment, treatment in which a medicine is discharged continuously is performed.

FIG. 10is a flowchart showing medicine discharging operation according to the modification example 1. Since steps S143, S149, and S152shown inFIG. 10are the same as the steps S103, S109, and S112shown inFIG. 6, a description thereof is omitted here.

Further, in step S146, power is applied to the capsule60, and the capsule60swallowed by the test object3transmits position information to the control device2while moving in the body cavity.

Next, in a case where the determination unit26of the control device2determines that the capsule1has reached the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site, in step S155, the control device2notifies the capsule1that the capsule1is at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site.

Next, in step S158, the capsule60causes the suspension means to operate in response to the notification received from the control device2. Specifically, as described above, for example, the capsule60may rotate the arms75aand75band pinch the mucous membrane of the inner wall in the body cavity, so as to be suspended.

Further, in step S161, the control device2performs control such that a first discharge signal (a control signal) is transmitted to the capsule60so that the capsule60bcan discharge the medicine A.

Next, in step S164, the capsule60controls the switch valve68in accordance with the first discharge signal received from the control device2, and discharges the medicine A stored in the storage unit62to the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site.

Next, in step S167, the control device2determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed after transmitting, to the capsule60, the first discharge signal for causing the medicine A to be discharged.

After the predetermined time passes, in step S170, the control device2performs control such that a second discharge signal (a control signal) is transmitted to the capsule60so that the capsule60can discharge the medicine B.

Next, in step S173, the capsule60controls the switch valve69in accordance with the second discharge signal received from the control device2, and discharges the medicine B stored in the storage unit63to the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site.

Then, in step S176, the capsule60releases the suspension means, and starts to move in the body cavity again to be exhausted to the outside.

As described above, in the continuous medicine discharging operation performed by the capsule60according to the modification example 1, at the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site, the plurality of medicines A and B can be discharged periodically or non-periodically at predetermined time intervals.

The above embodiment and the modification example 1 have shown periodical medicine discharge (at time intervals) as continuous medicine discharging operation; however, continuous medicine discharging operation according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, as continuous medicine discharging operation, a medicine discharging outlet may be made smaller and a small amount of medicine may be repeatedly discharged. Further, as continuous medicine discharging operation, the size of the medicine discharging outlet may be controlled so that a discharge range may be narrowed in accordance with the passage of time.

As a modification example 2 of the first embodiment, a capsule type medical device which controls the size of the medicine discharging outlet and keeps discharging the medicine repeatedly will be described below with reference toFIG. 11.

FIG. 11shows a capsule type medical device according to the modification example 2. As shown in the upper part ofFIG. 11, a capsule type medical device90(hereinafter referred to as capsule90) includes a communication unit96, a control unit97, a medicine discharging unit98, and a suspension means95.

The capsule90transmits position information to the control device2by use of the communication unit96while moving in the intracelom pipeline29.

Further, when a notification that the capsule90has reached the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site is received from the control device2, the control unit97causes the suspension means95to operate, and arms94aand95bpinch a mucous membrane inside the intracelom pipeline29, thereby being suspended at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site. Note that a structure of the suspension means95is the same as the structure of the suspension means57described above for the capsule1of an arm type shown inFIG. 5.

Next, when a medicine discharging signal is received from the control device2, the medicine discharging unit98discharges a stored medicine to the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site through an opening92provided on an outer case91. Here, the opening92according to this modification example is formed by a plurality of blade members93as shown in the upper part ofFIG. 11.

Accordingly, the control unit97of the capsule90can perform control such that the opening92is narrowed by the plurality of blade members93, from the state of the opening92shown in the upper part ofFIG. 11to the state of the opening92shown in the lower part ofFIG. 11, thereby narrowing a medicine discharged range gradually.

Accordingly, the capsule90can discharge the medicine to a wide range when the medicine discharge starts, and can narrow the medicine discharged range with the passage of time so as to discharge the medicine to a pin point.

In this manner, the capsule90according to the present disclosure can control the discharged amount of medicine or the medicine discharged range so that the medicine can be discharged repeatedly (sustainably) to the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site. Note that in the example shown inFIG. 11, the size of the opening92is controlled by the plurality of blade members93; however, this is just an example, and there is no particular limitation on a structure in which the size of the opening92is controlled.

The first embodiment has been described above in detail. According to the above described first embodiment, the capsules1,60, and90can perform treatment of discharging the medicine continuously while being suspended at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site.

Note that as methods of discharging the medicine, not only a method of spraying the medicine to the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site, as in the capsules1,60, and90, but also a method of applying the medicine directly onto the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site, for example, may be employed.

Further, the position of each of the capsules1,60, and90described above is detected by the control device2, it is determined whether or not each of the capsules1,60, and90has reached the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site, and each of the capsules1,60, and90discharges the medicine continuously under control of the control device2(in accordance with the generation of the external rotating magnetic field and the transmission of the discharge signal). However, the medical system according to the present disclosure is not limited to such a center management type, and may be an autonomous type in which the capsule is autonomous.

In a case of an autonomous capsule, the capsule itself memorizes the registered specific site and detects the position of the capsule while moving in the body cavity. The position of the capsule may be detected through analysis of a photographed image obtained by photographing the inside of the body cavity, for example. Further, the autonomous capsule determines whether or not the capsule has reached the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site, and in a case where it is determined that the capsule has reached the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site, the autonomous capsule causes a suspension means to operate and performs treatment of discharging a medicine continuously while being suspended at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site.

In a case of such an autonomous capsule, even in a case where it is necessary to swallow a medicine twice a day, such as in the morning and at night, for example, the autonomous capsule according to the present disclosure is only needed to be swallowed once in the morning. That is, the autonomous capsule according to the present disclosure is introduced into the body cavity of the test object in the morning, is suspended at a portion of the stomach to spray the medicine A, and then, after a predetermined time passes, the capsule can spray the medicine B at night. Accordingly, the test object can receive effective medical treatment by swallowing only one capsule a day.

2-2. Second Embodiment

The above first embodiment has shown the treatment of discharging the medicine continuously as an example of continuous treatment; however, continuous treatment according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, treatment of giving stimulation continuously may be performed. Here, the stimulation may be heating, cooling, electricity, magnetism, vibration, oxygen discharge, needle stimulation, and the like, for example. In this embodiment, continuous stimulation using (any of) these examples enables more effective medical treatment.

For example, in a case where a survival rate of a specific cell decreases at a specific temperature, local hyperthermia is effective. More specifically, for example, since the survival rate of a cancer cell decreases at 42.5° C., it is effective to perform local hyperthermia for a certain time (about 300 minutes to 500 minutes).

Further, continuous stimulation of the specific site can activate an immune mechanism (can label a killer T cell or activate an NK cell, for example), and lymphocytes and the like can be concentrated to the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site.

Accordingly, in the second embodiment, a capsule type medical device (e.g., a hyperthermia device) which performs treatment of giving continuous stimulation while being suspended at the specific site is proposed. Thus, more effective medical treatment becomes possible and methods of medical treatment in the medical field can be dramatically improved. A capsule type medical device according to the second embodiment will be described below in detail with reference toFIG. 12.

FIG. 12shows a configuration of the capsule type medical device according to the second embodiment. As shown inFIG. 12, a capsule type medical device80(hereinafter also referred to as capsule80) includes a control unit81, a communication unit82, a lighting unit83, a photographing unit84, a suspension means87, and a stimulation unit88. The lighting unit83and the photographing unit84are disposed inside a transparent cover89, and photographs the inside of the intracelom pipeline while the capsule80moves in the body.

The control unit81controls each structural element of the capsule80. For example, in a case where the capsule80is a center management type, the control unit81causes the communication unit82to transmit a signal for position detection to the control device2. Further, when a notification that the capsule80is at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site is received from the control device2, the control unit81causes the suspension means87to operate, so that the capsule80is suspended at the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site. Further, the control unit81performs control such that the stimulation unit88stimulates the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site in accordance with a control signal received from the control device2.

Alternatively, in a case where the capsule80is an autonomous type, the capsule81may analyze a photographed image of the inside of the body, the photographed image being outputted from the photographing unit84, and may determine whether or not the capsule80has reached the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site that is registered in advance. In a case where it is determined that the capsule80has reached the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site, the control unit81causes the suspension means87to operate, so that the capsule80is suspended at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site. Further, the control unit81performs control such that the stimulation unit88gives stimulation while being suspended at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site.

The suspension means87include arms85aand85band pins86aand86b. Specifically, the suspension means87operates in the same manner as the suspension means57which is described above with reference toFIG. 5; the arms85aand85brotate with a fulcrum of the pins86aand86b, and pinch a mucous membrane of the inner wall of the intracelom pipeline. Thus, the capsule80can be suspended at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site. Note that the suspension means87shown inFIG. 12is an example of the suspension means included in the capsule80, and the suspension means included in the capsule80according to the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the capsule80may include a balloon type suspension means.

The stimulation unit88can stimulate the specific site continuously. More specifically, the stimulation unit88may be achieved by a vibration unit which generates minute vibration, a heat generating unit which warms the specific site, a cooling unit which cools the specific site, or the like, for example. Further, the stimulation unit88may give stimulation repeatedly (successively for a certain time), or may give stimulation periodically or non-periodically. Further, the stimulation unit88may give stimulation at a specified time. Furthermore, the stimulation unit88according to the present embodiment may perform control such that a stimulation range is narrowed in accordance with the passage of time, or may perform control such that stimulation intensity is decreased in accordance with the passage of time.

Such a configuration enables the capsule80according to the second embodiment to be suspended at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site and to give stimulation continuously.

As described above, the medical system according to the present embodiment can perform more effective treatment by performing continuous treatment while being suspended at a predetermined site. Further, this can dramatically improve methods of medical treatment in the medical field.

More specifically, the capsule type medical device according to the first embodiment may discharge a plurality of medicines continuously to the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site, for example.

Further, the capsule type medical device according to the second embodiment may stimulate the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site continuously, thereby killing a specific cell, activating an immune mechanism, or promoting concentration of lymphocytes and the like.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, whilst the present invention is not limited to the above examples, of course. A person skilled in the art may find various alterations and modifications within the scope of the appended claims, and it should be understood that they will naturally come under the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, the suspension means included in the capsule according to each embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the above described balloon type and arm type. For example, a clip type described in the above Patent Literature 1 (JP 2007-014634A) may be used.

In a case of a clip type, a short string member is connected to the capsule1, and a clip (a locking unit) is attached to the tip of the string member. Further, at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site, the clip of the capsule1is directly fixed and secured to a tissue in the body cavity by use of an endoscopic clipping treatment tool. Note that in a case where two clips are attached to the capsule1via the respective string members, after one of the clips is fixed to the inside of the body cavity by use of a clipping treatment tool, the other fixing position is adjusted, thereby enabling adjustment of the disposed posture of the capsule1.

As another suspension means included in the capsule type medical device according to the present disclosure, a linear unit having a predetermined length may be used. For example, as shown inFIG. 13, a linear unit110is connected to a capsule type medical device100(hereinafter referred to as capsule100), and the tip of the linear unit110is fixed to a mouth portion of the test object3. Since the linear unit110has the length from the mouth portion to the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site, the capsule100can be suspended at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site.

In a case where the tip of the linear unit110is connected to an external power device, the capsule100can be supplied with power via the linear unit110from the power device.

Furthermore, the capsule type medical device according to the present disclosure may be suspended in accordance with magnetism generated outside. For example, the control device2causes an external magnetism generating device to operate, thereby generating magnetism at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site. In this case, the capsule type medical device moving in the body cavity of the test object3can be suspended at the specific site or in the vicinity of the specific site by the magnetism generated outside.

In each of the embodiments above, as an example of continuous treatment, treatment of discharging a medicine and of giving stimulation has been described; however, continuous treatment according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the capsule type medical device according to the present disclosure may observe a healing state while being suspended at the specific site and may perform treatment of discharging a medicine or of giving stimulation in accordance with the healing state, as an example of continuous treatment.

Such a capsule type medical device may observe the healing state through analysis of a photographed image obtained by the photographing unit photographing the specific site or the vicinity of the specific site, or may observe the healing state on the basis of an extracted biological tissue. Alternatively, the capsule type medical device may observe the healing state on the basis of a predetermined value (e.g., a pH level) detected by a sensor that detects the status in the body.

In the above embodiments, as described above with reference toFIG. 7, time intervals are specified as timing of discharging the medicine; however, specification of timing of discharging the medicine according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, time specification may be “7:00 am, 1:00 pm, 9:00 pm”, for example.

The capsule type medical device according to the present disclosure may discharge the medicine in accordance with mealtime (whether the test object has meal or not). More specifically, whether the test object has meal or not may be notified from the control device2or may be determined by the capsule itself. In a case where whether the test object has meal or not is determined by the capsule itself, the determination may be made on the basis of a photographed image of a stomach or the pH level of gastric juices, for example. Thus, it becomes possible to control discharging the medicine before, during, after, and between meals.

Further, the capsule type medical device according to the present disclosure may discharge the medicine in accordance with the sleeping time. The sleeping time may be set in advance. Alternatively, the control device2may determine and notify the start and end of sleep of the test object3to the capsule, or a medical staff may determine the start and end of sleep of the test object3and the control device2may notify the start and end of sleep. Thus, it becomes possible to control discharging the medicine before, immediately after, and during the sleep.

Furthermore, the capsule type medical device according to the present disclosure may perform control such that the discharged amount of medicine decreases in accordance with the passage of time.

Furthermore, in the example shown inFIG. 1, the capsule1and the control device2perform data communication with each other via the extracorporeal unit7; however, the medical system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the capsule1and the control device2may perform data communication directly with each other.

A capsule type medical device which is able to be suspended in a body cavity,

wherein the capsule type medical device performs continuous treatment while being suspended at a predetermined site.

The capsule type medical device according to (1), including:

a stimulation unit configured to give stimulation continuously to the predetermined site.

The capsule type medical device according to (2),

wherein the stimulation unit gives stimulation repeatedly.

The capsule type medical device according to (2),

wherein the stimulation unit gives stimulation periodically or non-periodically.

The capsule type medical device according to (2),

wherein the stimulation unit gives stimulation at a specified time.

The capsule type medical device according to any one of (2) to (5),

wherein the stimulation unit performs control in a manner that a stimulation range is narrowed in accordance with passage of time.

The capsule type medical device according to any one of (2) to (6),

wherein the stimulation unit performs control in a manner that stimulation intensity is decreased in accordance with passage of time.

The capsule type medical device according to any one of (1) to (7), including:

a medicine discharging unit configured to spray or apply a medicine continuously while being suspended at the predetermined site.

The capsule type medical device according to (8),

wherein the medicine discharging unit discharges the medicine repeatedly.

The capsule type medical device according to (8),

wherein the medicine discharging unit discharges the medicine periodically or non-periodically.

The capsule type medical device according to (8),

wherein the medicine discharging unit discharges the medicine at a specified time.

The capsule type medical device according to any one of (8) to (11),

wherein the medicine discharging unit performs control in a manner that a discharge range is narrowed in accordance with passage of time.

The capsule type medical device according to any one of (8) to (12),

wherein the medicine discharging unit performs control in a manner that a discharged amount is decreased in accordance with passage of time.

The capsule type medical device according to (8),

wherein the medicine discharging unit discharges the medicine in accordance with meal or sleeping time.

The capsule type medical device according to (8),

wherein the medicine discharging unit performs control in a manner that the medicine is discharged in accordance with a healing state of the predetermined site.

The capsule type medical device according to any one of (1) to (15),

wherein the capsule type medical device includesa reception unit configured to receive a control signal from a control device, and

wherein the capsule type medical device performs continuous treatment on the predetermined site in accordance with the control signal received by the reception unit.

The capsule type medical device according to any one of (1) to (16),

wherein the capsule type medical device includesa linear unit for being suspended at the predetermined site.
(18)

The capsule type medical device according to (17),

wherein the capsule type medical device is supplied with power from an external power device via the linear unit.

The capsule type medical device according to any one of (1) to (18),

wherein the capsule type medical device is suspended at the predetermined site by magnetism.

A medical system including:

a control device; and

a capsule type medical device configured to be able to be suspended in a body cavity,

wherein the capsule type medical device includesa reception unit configured to receive a control signal from the control device, anda treatment unit configured to perform continuous treatment while being suspended at a predetermined site in accordance with the control signal received by the reception unit.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST